Blue Devil Athlete Spotlight: Zack Casey (Baseball)

Junior Blue Devil catcher Zack Casey started playing baseball when he was five, getting his start in Leominster American Little League.  Since that young age, Zack has always gravitated to all things baseball.

“I always had a bat or glove in my hand since I could walk,” Zack said.  “I also went to countless Red Sox games as a kid.”

Zack has evolved into one of the area's best catchers.  He is so good, most opposing teams don’t even bother attempting to steal on him.   

“Zack Casey is the best defensive catcher that I have had in 10 years,” LHS baseball coach Rich Barnaby said.  “Oftentimes the pitching staff gets all of the press, however baseball people know that a premier catcher takes a good pitching staff and makes them special.  For us, Zack is the best catcher in the area and he is a secret weapon that makes it really difficult for teams to score on us.”

Barnaby also remarked at Zack’s team-first mentality.   

“Zack is selfless, oftentimes giving up swings in practice to catch bullpens,” Barnaby said.  “A thankless job that he never complains about.”

Zack said he embraces his role on the team.

“As a catcher I love being a leader and playing the game from that perspective,” Zack said.

Zack also loves representing LHS on the baseball field.

“My teammates, coaches, the competitive nature and winning culture is what I love the most about being a Blue Devil,” Zack said.  

That winning culture starts with Barnaby’s unwavering commitment to playing the game the right way, as well as doing it the right way off the field.  

“Coach Barnaby has taught me to be relentless and to always compete,” Zack said.  “Whether it’s in practice, games, or in life.  To be a good person on and off the field and to give back to people who have helped you along the way.”

Zack hopes to play baseball in college and is in the process of seeing where the right fit might be.

“I am looking to major in Exercise Science focusing on becoming a Physical Therapist,” Zack said.  “I also hope to use my carpentry experience as a backup plan,” Zack said.  

Zack is in the CTEi Carpentry program where he and his classmates are currently finishing up an addition at a Leominster residence.  Zack also played football during his first two years of high school.   

Zack’s favorite class at LHS/CTEi was Geometry with Mrs. Mazzaferro last year, while also truly enjoying his shop experience.  

“Carpentry with Mr. Arnell, Mr. Bachant, and Mr. Fontaine is also a class I really enjoy because of the hands-on aspect of it,” Zack said.  

Outside of school, Zack enjoys hanging out with friends, playing travel baseball for the summer for the Nor’Easters, and working out.