'25 Playoff Performances

Unsung Heroes of 2025: Sharks Stars Who Lit Up the Postseason

The 2025 campaign was a banner year for the Martha's Vineyard Sharks, marked by a South Division crown, a NECBL Championship Series appearance, and league-leading attendance at the Shark Tank. While our six All-Stars, Brayden Martin, Evan Appelwick, Colby McNeely, Rohan Lettow, Will Hampton, and William Lybrook, rightfully earned their spotlight, the depth of this roster was what fueled our 25-19 regular-season grind and explosive playoff push. These "unsung heroes" delivered clutch performances, set personal benchmarks, and embodied the Vineyard grit that kept us competitive night after night.

From breakout Freshmen (Rising College Sophomores) to veteran anchors, these players posted eye-popping numbers, sparked key rallies, and provided the reliability that turned close calls into W's. Below, we shine a light on eight standouts who had great summers but flew under the All-Star radar—complete with their profiles, colleges, and the stats that made them indispensable.

Position Players:

Carter Bentley - OF, Northeastern University (Sophomore)

The Westborough, Mass. speedster (#17, 6-2, 200 lbs, R/R) was a gap-to-gap machine in left field, patrolling the outfield like a Vineyard hawk while igniting the top of the lineup. Carter slashed .318 over 32 games, ripping 6 doubles, 2 home runs, and 16 RBI, with a team-leading 17 stolen bases on just 20 attempts. What made his season great: Elite defense (zero errors) and consistent contact that set the table for our power hitters which was pure table-setter magic! In the playoffs, Carter elevated his game across 7 contests (.242 AVG, 8 H, 1 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB): He belted a solo homer and drove in 2 RBI in the NECBL Championship opener vs. Keene (Aug 7) and contributed 1 RBI with a steal in the Quarterfinals sweep of Bristol (Aug 2); clutch contributions that kept the Sharks' title hopes alive.

Blake Binderup - INF, Texas A&M (Senior)

College Station, TX infield force (#46, 6'6”, 245 lbs, R/R) delivered power and poise at first base all season, Blake Binderup anchored the infield with steady defense while flashing pop at the plate. Over 31 combined regular-season and playoff games, he slashed .215 with 5 home runs and 17 RBI, posting a team-top-5 slugging percentage that underscored his extra-base threat. His defining moments ignited a late-season surge: a three-RBI homer against Newport on August 4 to fuel the Division Finals push, followed by another bomb in the Championship Series which were part of a red-hot stretch with 2 homers in his final 5 games that lifted his average from .195 (pre-July 25) to a scorching .313 postseason end. In the NECBL Championship Series against Keene, Blake delivered in the clutch across two games, racking up 4 hits (including 3 on August 7), 2 runs scored, and a game-high 3 RBIs—all from a solo homer in the opener that briefly sparked a comeback bid in the 12-13 heartbreaker. With timely thunder and vocal leadership, Blake emerged as one of the Sharks’ most dependable postseason performers, thriving when the stakes were highest.

Max Kaufer - C, Wichita State (Senior)

Medford, NJ's powerhouse backstop (#27, 6-0, 210 lbs, R/R) was a run-producing force behind the plate, combining a cannon arm with timely thunder at the dish. In 27 regular-season games plus 6 playoff contests, Max slashed .241 with 10 home runs, 30 RBIs, including a go-ahead solo shot (105 mph exit velo!) against the Blue Sox on July 28. His playoff explosion was legendary: In the second game of the Southern Division Championship vs. Newport, he drove in a game-high 5 runs with a massive three-run homer. In the final game, game 3, he hit another bomb and a double with an RBI and 2 Runs. He continued his home run streak with a towering solo shot in the NECBL title opener vs. Keene on August 7, in the 7th inning and started Game 2 off with a bang and another 3 Run Home Run in the 1st Inning, exiting to a standing O from the record crowd. What set him apart: Clutch RBI production (team-high 10 in playoffs) and defensive stability (gunning down 30% of runners)—a Senior leader who carried the lineup when it mattered most.

Gio Colasante - INF, Harvard (Senior)

Walpole, MA skilled second baseman (#36, 6-4, 225 lbs, R/R) turned the 2025 NECBL playoffs into his personal showcase, igniting the lineup with a scorching .387 average over 7 high-stakes games that propelled the team to the Championship Series. The Senior sensation slashed 12 hits (3 doubles), 3 RBI, and a stolen base, proving his clutch bat was the spark in the Shark Tank's deepest postseason run. Colasante's magic ignited in the Southern Division Quarterfinals sweep of Bristol: a 2-for-5 (double, RBI, sac fly) on August 1 followed by going 2-for-4 on August 2 to set the tone to clinch the series. He carried the fire into the Division Finals vs. Newport, ripping 2-for-4 (double, RBI) on August 4 and another 2-for-4 (1 RBI) on August 5 with a .500 OBP and .588 SLG flipping deficits for a 2-1 triumph. Even in the Championship Series heartbreaker vs. Keene, Gio ripped 2-for-4 with a stolen base on August 8. His .912 Playoff OPS marked a surge from his regular-season mark, blending gap power, speed (9 SB total for season), and discipline (12 BB total for season) for game-changing moments.

Pitchers:

Chayce Kieck - SP, Nothwestern University (Sophomore)

Jacksonville, FL's ace (#10, 6-2, 180 lbs, R/R) burst onto the scene as a rotation cornerstone, blending strikeout stuff with surgical control. In 9 regular season appearances (8 starts) over 38 IP, Chayce went 3-1 with a stellar 2.13 ERA, allowing 36 hits and just 8 walks while fanning 37 (opponent AVG .238, WHIP 1.16). He dominated early with back-to-back quality starts in June, helping stabilize the staff during a hot streak. But it was the playoffs where Chayce truly etched his name in Shark lore: In Game 2 of the Southern Division Quarterfinals vs. the Bristol Blues, he delivered a masterful seven shutout innings on three hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts to anchor a sweep-clinching victory. He followed with another gem and fantastic start in the Championship Series vs. Keene, turning in a quality outing of 4.1 IP and 0ER despite the tough loss. What made his debut unforgettable: Elite command (2.1 BB/9) and ice-cold poise in high-stakes playoff baseball!

Ross Felder - SP, University of Arkansas (Sophomore)

Springdale, AR's lanky righty (#20, 6-2, 190 lbs, R/R) brought SEC polish to the Shark Tank, delivering deep outings with a deceptive mix that kept hitters off-balance. Over 10 starts (46.2 IP), Ross posted a 2.7 ERA, going 3-0 with 37 strikeouts and just 19 walks (opponent AVG .245, WHIP 1.23), including a scoreless first in the NECBL Championship opener vs. Keene on August 7. He started strong vs. Bristol in the playoffs, tossing 7.1 scoreless innings in Game 1 of the Quarterfinals to set the tone for the sweep; then, in Game 1 of the Championship Series vs. Keene, he turned in a five inning gem, leaving the game up 5-2 despite the tough loss. Fun fact: The gummy Skittles aficionado fueled his summer with sweet energy, turning mid-game munchies into mound mastery. Standout trait: Consistent quality starts (4+ innings in 9 outings) and growth in a high-profile rotation. A Sophomore stud who ate innings and kept us cruising.

Ryan Ashford - RP, Arkansas State University (Sophomore)

Beverly, MA's fire-balling lefty (#18, 6-2, 220 lbs, L/L) known as "East-West" was the setup man we dreamed of, inheriting runners and slamming the door with nasty sliders. In 18 appearances (27.1 IP), Ryan notched 36 strikeouts, and 3 saves, holding opponents to a .198 average. He stranded 15 of 17 inherited runners and helped us get the W shutout against Bristol in the Quarterfinals matchup. What set him apart: High-leverage dominance and growth as a Sophomore. The late-game weapon that preserved our bullpen magic.

Alex Grant - RP, Northwestern University (Sophomore)

Avon, CT's southpaw (#37, 6-4, 205 lbs, L/L) brought video-game intensity to the mound, fitting for a guy who once ranked #3 in the world at Clash Royale. In 12 relief outings (17 IP), Alex went 2-0, racking up 26 strikeouts (a blistering 13.8 K/9) while issuing 11 walks for a 1.59 WHIP. His playoff performance shone brightest: Striking out 6 Gulls over 4 innings in a tight August 4th game, keeping the Sharks' championship dreams alive by saving Shark arms. What made his summer stand-out: Electric with low 90s stuff in high-stakes spots, including an excellent and deceptive slider that painted corners and induced Ks or weak contact, blending gamer focus with lefty deception. A breakout reliever who turned pressure into punchouts!

Depth That Defined Us: The 2025 Shark Tank Edge

These players weren't just contributors; they were the unsung backbone of a team that set an NECBL runs record (27 in one game!) and drew 60,000+ fans. Their efforts, combined with All-Star flash, proved why the Sharks are perennial contenders, sending waves of talent toward pro ball (7 draftees in 2024 alone). As we reflect on 2025, these heroes remind us: Great seasons are built on the grinders who make the stars shine brighter.

Tickets for 2026 drop soon—be part of the bite at mvsharks.com/tickets!