Presenting the 2024 Providence Journal All-State Baseball First and Second Teams

The Providence Journal is proud to announce the 2024 All-State Baseball first and second teams, sponsored by the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The Providence Journal has been naming All-State teams for more than 80 years to recognize and celebrate the top student-athletes across Rhode Island. The Journal Sports staff, with some help from the coaches associations, determine the first- and second-team members. The All-State teams are also posted on the High School Sports Awards page on providence journal.com/sports.

All first-team members were nominees for Player of the Year in that sport, and winners were announced at the High School Sports Awards show held in June at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Providence, featuring former Oklahoma softball star Nicole Mendes, who is now an ESPN analyst.

In baseball, the Providence Journal Player of the Year is Griffin Crain of Hendricken.

First Team

Patrick Jones

La Salle, Senior, Pitcher

Jones was strong during the regular season and a workhorse in the playoffs as the Rams came within one win of the Division I title series. The left-hander posted a 1.31 earned-run average thanks to a live fastball and multiple off-speed pitches he could throw in any count. Jones will continue his career next season at Maine.

John Devine

Cranston East, Senior, Pitcher

Devine took home the Cy Young Award as the top pitcher in Division I. The right-hander worked to a 0.89 earned-run average, racked up seven wins and struck out 83 in 55⅓ innings pitched. Devine could opt to pursue a postgraduate year before continuing his career in college.

Michael Poole

Westerly, Junior, Pitcher

Poole helped lead the Bulldogs to a second Division II title in three years. The right-hander was the ace of a dominant pitching staff, tossing a pair of complete games to win two tense playoff starts and averaging nearly two strikeouts per inning in 2024. He’ll have one more season with Westerly before continuing in college at Maine.

Carlos Merejo

Cranston East, Senior, Catcher

Merejo was the most feared hitter in the state in 2024. He totaled more walks than games played, and with good reason –— an OPS north of 1.600 spoke to the damage he could do while digging in from the right side. Merejo will continue his career next fall at Central Connecticut State.

Ryan Thompson

Bishop Hendricken, Senior, Corner infield

Thompson was a standout in the state’s best batting order. His contributions in the middle of the lineup, at first base and as a right-hander on the mound helped deliver the Hawks a perfect Division I season and a first championship since 2019. Thompson will continue his career next season at the University of Rhode Island.

Jayden Tolentino

Cranston East, Senior, Corner infield

Tolentino helped carry the Thunderbolts to a Division I playoff berth and a deep run in Pod 1. His power from the right side at the plate and versatility on defense gave Cranston East an all-around threat against any opponent.

Jack LaRose

Bishop Hendricken, Senior, Middle infield

LaRose is now a three-time All-State pick and capped his final season with the Hawks by helping them to a Division I title. His catch on an infield popup was the final out against South Kingstown, and it seemed appropriate. LaRose will continue his career next season at Connecticut.

Brandon Westerfield

South Kingstown, Senior, Middle infield

Westerfield was the catalyst as the Rebels reached their first Division I title series since 2018. His performance at the plate in the leadoff spot and in the field at shortstop helped South Kingstown jump seven wins from an 8-10 finish a season ago and outlast La Salle in Pod 2. Westerfield will continue his career next season at Wheaton.

Adonis Medina

Central, Senior, Outfield

Medina is a superb all-around athlete, and those natural gifts shine on the diamond. He’s a strong right-handed hitter, uses his speed on the bases and makes it look easy while playing defense in the outfield. Medina will continue his career next season at the University of Rhode Island.

Griffin Crain

Bishop Hendricken, Senior, Outfield

Crain was the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2024, a lineup spark atop the order and standout left-handed pitcher as the Hawks went undefeated and captured a state championship. He won Game 1 of the Division I title series against South Kingstown with a walkoff double and pitched a complete game to take home Game 2. Crain will continue his career next season at Louisville.

Quinn Murphy

Barrington, Senior, Outfield

Murphy dominated in his final season with the Eagles, totaling 19 extra-base hits and 18 stolen bases while reaching nearly 60% of the time. The left-handed hitter also played error-free defense in center field for a team that went deep into the Division II playoffs. Murphy will continue his career next season at Maine.

John Mass

Portsmouth, Senior, Utility

Mass remained one of the state’s top two-way players in 2024, despite playing through right hand and elbow injuries. He collected a victory on the mound as the Patriots outlasted Moses Brown in a Division I playoff opener and batted at or near the top of their order throughout. Mass will continue his career next season at Boston College.

Second Team

P – Sean Clifford, Senior, Lincoln

P – Nolan Urian, Junior, South Kingstown

P – Dylan Annicelli, Junior, East Providence

C – Nick Spaner, Senior, Portsmouth

CIF – Christian Butera, Senior, Bishop Hendricken

CIF – Sean Giannelli, Senior, East Greenwich

MIF – Gabe Tanous, Senior, Barrington

MIF – Logan Downey, Senior, Coventry

OF – Andrew Nocera, Junior, Cumberland

OF – Cole Camara, Senior, Bishop Hendricken

OF – Tim Robitaille, Junior, East Providence

UTIL – Zach Miner, Junior, Westerly

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 2024 Providence Journal All-State Baseball Teams