Posted: Apr 13, 2026
Balducci Named GNAC Baseball Rookie of the Week for Second Straight Week
WINTHROP, Mass. – Freshman infielder Sam Balducci (South Windsor, Conn.) of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) baseball team has been named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week, as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon in its seventh weekly report of the 2026 season.
The honor marks Balducci's second GNAC weekly award of the season and of his career, as well as the sixth overall conference weekly honor for the Blue Jays this year.
Balducci batted .407 with a .448 on‑base percentage and .704 slugging percentage during a 3–3 week for the Blue Jays.
The rookie opened his week by going 4‑for‑5 with two doubles, two RBI, and two runs scored in a road victory at WestConn on Monday. He followed with a 2‑for‑5 performance that included two RBI in a midweek loss at Trinity College.
Balducci continued his strong play in a split GNAC doubleheader at Lasell on Saturday, going 2‑for‑6 with two home runs, six RBI, and three runs scored. He carried that momentum into Sunday's split doubleheader at Saint Joseph's College of Maine, finishing 3‑for‑8 with an RBI and a run scored.
UP NEXT
The Blue Jays return to the diamond on Wednesday, April 15, traveling to Vassar College for a midweek non‑conference matchup. First pitch between USJ and the Brewers is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at Prentiss Baseball Field in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
FOLLOW
For the latest on University of Saint Joseph Athletics, follow the Blue Jays on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Fans can also download the USJ Front Row Mobile App and subscribe to our Newsletter and Text Alerts. #FearTheFlock #GoBlueJays