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2026 New England High School Team Previews

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2026 Spring Team Preview: Norwalk (CT)

NORWALK, Ct. - “Pitching, defense, and experience in high-leverage games” are strengths of this year’s Norwalk baseball team according to head coach Ryan Mitchell.

An assistant in the program from 2015-2019 and head coach since 2021, Mitchell has led the Bears to a 73-39 record during his tenure, including a state championship in 2021.

“Our program is rooted in intensity, competitiveness and fire,” explained Mitchell, whose squad a year ago finished 17-3, losing in the FCIAC championship game and in the CIAC Final Four. “We play hard and have a high baseball IQ in an effort to win the close games where small ball is the difference.”

Sophomore flame thrower Gavin Chakar is being counted on to get the job done on the mound this season for Norwalk. The second-rated 2028 right-handed pitcher in the nation and the No. 1 sophomore RHP in New England, is a 6-3 190-pounder who has hit 96 miles an hour. A year ago Chakar was 5-2, striking out 74 in 41.2 innings with a 1.008 ERA and 0.943 WHIP.

Jaxon Ermo, the 44th-rated senior right-handed pitcher in New England, is an Iona commit and back to play an important role for the Bears in 2026 after going 5-0 a year ago, fanning 45 in 45 frames with a 1.556 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Ermo also batted .375, second-best on the team.

Jaiden Singh, a senior headed to Merrimack, is expected to be the leader of the infield while also providing innings pitching. Singh hit .242 last year.

University of St. Joseph recruit Dylan Izzi, an infielder; Bates College signee Kevin Gordon, an outfielder; and Hudson Valley commit Jacob Fields, the 15th-rated senior catcher in New England, are other key returnees for Norwalk. Izzi batted .255 in 2025, Gordon .305 with 23 RBIs and Fields .290.

Esko Amereno, a freshman infielder, is a newcomer to watch in the eyes of Mitchell, who points to offensive production as the biggest concern entering a season without the likes of graduates Chase DePalma (Virginia Weslayan), Antwan Cardona (Franklin Pierce) and Frank Bergin.

“We should be solid defensively,” Mitchell noted. “This team is tough and gritty with something to prove … the success the last few years is the norm and not an outlier.”

As for the keys to success, the Norwalk head coach puts it simply.

“Pitch to contact and make the routine plays,” Mitchell said.

The Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference always brings challenges and the 2026 season is no different.

“The FCIAC is loaded as usual,” Mitchell concluded. “A trip to the conference playoffs is a HUGE deal.”