Ryan Ventrelle Named Connecticut Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year

Fairfield Prep‘s Ryan Ventrelle Named Gatorade Connecticut Baseball Player of the Year: A True Standout on and Off the Diamond

Big news for Connecticut baseball fans—Fairfield Prep’s Ryan Ventrelle just got named the 2026 Gatorade Connecticut Baseball Player of the Year.

This award doesn’t just celebrate athletic talent. It also spotlights academic achievement and community involvement, which makes Ventrelle’s recognition extra special for Fairfield and the entire Nutmeg State.

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Let’s take a closer look at what sets him apart and how he carved out this path as one of the state’s rising stars.

A Dominant Season on the Field

Ventrelle stands out as a 5-foot-10 left-handed hitter who’s been on a tear for Fairfield Prep this season.

His stats? They’re honestly wild—he’s been a real difference-maker every time he steps onto the field.

Unpacking Ventrelle’s Impressive Stats

Across 23 games, Ventrelle’s putting up a ridiculous slash line: .471/.581/.757. That adds up to a 1.338 OPS, which is just… wow.

He’s getting on base, hitting for average, and showing off some serious power. So far, he’s knocked out two home runs, driven in 30 RBIs, and scored 31 runs.

And he’s not just sticking to the batter’s box. On the mound, Ventrelle has a 2-0 record and has struck out 15 hitters over 15 2/3 innings.

It’s hard not to be impressed by that kind of versatility and drive, honestly.

Beyond the Batting Cage: Academic Prowess and Community Spirit

The Gatorade Player of the Year award goes deeper than what happens between the lines. It looks at who these athletes are when the uniform comes off.

Ryan Ventrelle really lives up to that. He’s committed to his studies and cares about making a difference for others in Fairfield.

A Model Student and Dedicated Volunteer

Academically, Ventrelle’s crushing it—he holds a 4.1 GPA and is part of the National Honor Society.

He spends a lot of his time volunteering with the Fairfield Red Storm Challenger Baseball League, helping kids with disabilities enjoy the game he loves.

He’s also jumped in to raise money for cancer research through A Shot For Life. That’s not something you see every day from a high school athlete.

Plus, he’s active in faith-based youth programs like Peer Ministry and Kairos, which says a lot about his character and his drive to keep growing.

Fairfield Prep’s Season and Ventrelle’s Leadership

Fairfield Prep has had a remarkable season. They entered the postseason as the No. 1 ranked team in the latest GametimeCT Top 10.

Their run included clinching the Southern Connecticut Conference title. They even took down a previously undefeated Lyman Hall.

Ventrelle has been a steadying presence throughout the campaign. He keeps a team-first, game-by-game mindset that really seems to set the tone.

That kind of focus probably played a major role in their strong performance. Now, as they get ready to face East Hartford in the CIAC Class LL first round, the team—still following Ventrelle’s lead—looks hungry for more.

Looking Ahead to College and Beyond

Colleges have definitely noticed Ventrelle’s performance and work ethic. He’s committed to play college baseball at Notre Dame next season, which says a lot about his skill and drive.

Baseball America ranks him No. 4 in Connecticut, and Prep Baseball puts him at No. 49 in New England. That’s impressive, and you can bet scouts—even from places like Trumbull and Shelton—are paying attention.

His achievements in baseball, academics, and community service really stand out. Honestly, he’s become an inspiration—not just in Fairfield, but for students and athletes all over New Haven, Hartford, and across Connecticut.

Here is the source article for this story: Ryan Ventrelle selected as CT’s Gatorade Baseball Player of Year

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