Brendan Hughes
Sport: Baseball
School: Park Ridge
Class: Senior. Age: 18
Accomplishment: Hughes went 6-for-10 at the plate with a home run, four RBI and five runs scored. On the mound, he struck out 11 batters and allowed three earned runs in a complete-game win over Hasbrouck Heights.
Offseason days are hard to come by for Hughes, who’s bounced from sport to sport over the last decade. He started football and wrestling in first grade, but baseball has always held a special place in his heart.
It certainly helps to have command of all three pitches, including a fastball in the mid-80’s. A sharp curve and changeup are also part of his repertoire.
“Both my parents played,” Hughes said. “My mother was a big softball player, so that kind of guided me down that path.”
For the last few years, that path has been lined with success. Hughes has fond memories of MetLife Stadium after winning a bowl game there in 2019. He followed it up with an All-North Jersey senior season, leading the Owls with 79 tackles.
Linebackers often make the best wrestlers, but playing baseball takes a different set of skills. That doesn’t mean there aren’t common ties for someone going from the diamond to the mat.
“The winning mentality definitely,” Hughes said. “You have to be able to have that work ethic. It all just translates to one another.”
For Hughes, pitching and hitting have always come naturally, but fielding has become a recent source of pride.
During the early stages of the pandemic, Hughes got to work in his backyard to develop his game. This year, he came back with a steady glove and improved range up the middle.
“Despite his resume, he is hands down the hardest-working player on our team each and every day in practice,” coach Dylan Evans said. “I wish my whole team practiced like him.”
Hughes recently committed to play baseball at Division III Muhlenberg. He hasn’t settled on a major, but said he’ll likely study business. Once again, he will get a chance to make a big impact at a small school.
“It seems like everyone is really close there, especially on the baseball team,” Hughes said. “That’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
Sean Farrell is a high school sports reporter for NorthJersey.com. For full access to live scores, breaking news and analysis from our Varsity Aces team, subscribe today. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter and download our app. Email: farrells@northjersey.com Twitter: @seanfarrell92
