Bradley McCafferty, Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year, Is Thirsty for More

When Bradley McCafferty ’26 of Beverly was named the Massachusetts Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, he entered rare company. The award recognizes excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Months later, his mindset remains unchanged.

“Although it’s a singular award with my name on it and I get to represent Gatorade, it wouldn’t be possible without the guys in front of me,” McCafferty said. “If it weren’t for the team’s success, I wouldn’t have received that award. While it has my name on it, I see it as a team award.”

His Favorite Dish Is Behind the Plate

Bradley McCafferty commands the game from behind the plate at Austin Prep, showcasing the receiving, framing, and arm strength that make him a complete catcher and anchor for the Cougar’s defense.

The junior catcher helped lead Austin Prep to a 20–2 record, batting .367 with a 1.024 OPS. Behind the plate, he anchors the defense with advanced receiving skills and a game-changing arm.

“He’s literally good at everything,” said Austin Prep head coach JP Pollard. “As a catcher, he’s a tremendous receiver, a good blocker, and has a game-changing arm. Whether it’s stopping the running game or getting us extra outs, he impacts the game defensively and offensively.”

Pollard credits his offensive growth to discipline and awareness. “He committed himself to learning what hitting actually is versus just grip it and rip it,” Pollard said. “He simplified his swing, trusted the process, and developed greater game awareness in his approach. He understands when to maintain big expectations, and he has the discipline to shorten up his swing for the benefit of the team.”

McCafferty echoes that perspective. “As soon as I stopped focusing on individual success and prioritized team success, everything took off,” he said. “If the team succeeds, I succeed.”

Leadership Beyond the Diamond

Bradley McCafferty reflects on leadership and responsibility during an interview at Austin Prep, underscoring the behind-the-scenes commitment that defines his impact beyond the field.

While his play draws headlines, McCafferty’s influence extends beyond games. During the offseason, when captains organize workouts and communication, he managed most of those responsibilities for the team himself.

“He organized lifts, rented facilities, built rosters, communicated with coaches, collected payments,” Pollard said. “He spends most of his academic year functioning like a varsity coach.”

Pollard sees that consistency as character. “Those qualities promote trust, loyalty, and respect,” he said. “How you do anything is how you do everything. Bradley lives that philosophy.”

McCafferty leads through example. “I don’t need to vocalize most things,” he said. “If younger guys watch how we carry ourselves, it should say enough. We want to lead every aspect of the school the right way.”

“When it comes down to being a good person, Bradley is second to no one,” Pollard added. “He’s disciplined, loyal, and true to who he is.”

Passing the Torch: Investing in Baseball’s Future

McCafferty also mentors 10-year-old Genaro Antonelli, building a relationship rooted in fundamentals and work ethic.

“I almost see him like a little brother,” McCafferty said. “Seeing his growth, his work ethic, it’s special.”

“The coolest thing I’ve noticed is how insanely hard he works,” McCafferty said. “At his age, I used to complain about the ball hurting my hand. He’s doing drills that catch the attention of older players. Seeing that success and growth feels like passing on the torch.”

Pollard sees the mentorship as natural. “Bradley is a baseball guy through and through,” Pollard said. “He loves the game, but more importantly, he understands the responsibility that comes with influence. He builds relationships naturally.”

Giving Back With Purpose

As part of the award, McCafferty donated his $1,000 grant to A Shot For Life, which funds brain cancer research.

“Seeing how much impact their work has — from funding research to bringing people together for a cause — really hit home with me,” McCafferty said. “I wanted that grant to go somewhere it felt like it might help someone fighting something bigger than baseball.”

Sipping It All In

Bradley McCafferty poses with his Gatorade Player of the Year banner alongside his family before it is raised to the rafters at Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall, celebrating a milestone achievement in front of the Austin Prep community.

At the February 27 Community Meeting at Austin Prep, McCafferty stood alongside his family as his Gatorade Player of the Year banner was unveiled, soon to hang permanently in Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall. Addressing the student body during the program, Pollard emphasized the mindset behind the milestone. “When he was recognized, he immediately made it about the team and the whole community,” Pollard said.

Looking ahead, McCafferty is verbally committed to the University of Virginia. “I firmly believe in the coaching staff and their vision,” he said.

“There’s always pressure,” McCafferty said. “But it’s rewarding. The work makes it meaningful.”

Asked whether Gatorade had sent him a lifetime supply, McCafferty smiled. “No, man, I wish. It’d be nice to get like a few extra bottles.”

While McCafferty for the bottles to arrive, his focus remains steady on improvement, team success, and the work still ahead.