An early start playing baseball has paid off for Nick Bousquet of the Athol baseball team.
Bousquet began playing highly competitive baseball when he was still in elementary school.
“I got into AAU baseball when I was nine,” Bousquet said. “I’ve played ever since. I was playing every summer, every weekend, seven days a week.
Getting that early start and watching his brother, Brad, play at Athol before moving on to play at Brandeis University helped Bousquet become a two-time All Western Mass. baseball player before his junior season.
Bousquet also plays soccer and basketball for the Red Raiders, but when spring comes around he gets especially excited.
“I like baseball because it’s unique because the defense has the ball 100 percent of the time,” Bousquet said. “I am always waiting for baseball season.”
The lefty enters this season after a dominant sophomore campaign. In 57 innings of work last season, batters hit .121 against Bousquet. He had a 1.34 ERA while striking out 9.2 batters per seven innings for the Red Raiders in 2018.
Last year’s season also included a no-hitter against Smith Academy.
Bousquet can throw four pitches: the four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, curveball and change up.
“I will probably try to throw a few less curveballs this season,” Bousquet said. “I just like to spot up, really.”
When he wants to close out an at-bat, Bousquet tends to look for the heater with the rest of the pitches helping to keep batters off-balance.
At the plate, Bousquet hit over .400 for Athol last season.
“My approach is middle away,” Bousquet said. “I never want to pull the ball. I was taught that at a young age. It helps a lot.”
The goal this season for Bousquet is pretty simple.
“I just want to win,” Bousquet said. “I don’t care if I go 0-for-40.”
As a junior Bousquet has received preliminary interest from collegiate baseball coaches. Bousquet said he would like to continue playing baseball in college.
Bousquet and Mark Ferrari give the Red Raiders a strong combination of starting pitching.
“I think we are going to get off to a hotter start than last year,” Bousquet said. “We are more focused, I can tell.”
The Red Raiders lost to Southwick last season in the Div. 3 first round. Bousquet was on the mound in extra innings when the winning run scored for Southwick.
The memory has stuck with him.
“I gave up the walk-off hit to the eight-hitter,” Bousquet said. “I think about it every day. I want to get further in the playoffs that’s for sure. We have a lot of young guys that will surprise.”
Athol begins its season on April 4th at home against Turners Falls.
Favorite Food: Steak (medium rare)
Favorite professional athlete: Mike Trout
Favorite social media: Twitter
Favorite show: The Office
Favorite vacation spot: Florida Keys
Role model: My brother
Favorite movie: Step Brothers
Pet peeve: Laziness
Career aspirations: Police officer
Favorite website: Axebat.com
Favorite animal: Dogs
Best pizza in Athol/Orange: Friendly Town
Gameday ritual: Same socks from previous victory, laundered.
Current sneaker brand: New Balance for cleats, Nike for sneakers.
Favorite music genre: Rap
Favorite artist: J. Cole
Best school subject: English
Worst school subject: Math
Special talent: N/A
If I had a million dollars I would: Buy a few cars.
