Sports Notes

Sanford native TJ Curley pitches during a Sanford Mainers game

Photo: Madison Giltner

By Sam Bonsey

Four Mainers named to NECBL All-Star game: The Sanford Mainers will be well-represented at the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) All-Star game in Bristol, Connecticut on Sunday, July 21. Four players from the team have received invitations to participate.

Catcher CJ Willis and outfielder Colin Barzci have earned starting positions on the All-Star roster. The two lead the Mainers in hitting, with Willis batting .386 and Barzci close behind at .362. They have each hit three home runs this season.

Second baseman Devan Bade is making a return appearance, having been selected for the second consecutive year. Bade leads the team in RBI (19), has hit three home runs, and is batting .337.

Starting pitcher Connor Ball was another All-Star selection. Ball has been a dominant force on the mound this season, ranking fourth in the NECBL in both ERA (2.00) and WHIP (1.30). His performance has contributed to a perfect 2-0 record in five starts for the Mainers.

Sanford native selected as fan nominee: Lefty relief pitcher and Sanford native, TJ Curley, is the Mainers’ representative in the 2024 NECBL fan vote, which offers fans the opportunity to vote one additional player onto this year’s roster. Curley has appeared in eight games this season and is 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings.