Leominster's 1996 state championship baseball team honored at Polar Park

WORCESTER — As Tino Proietti toed the grass just in front of the pitcher’s mound at Polar Park Saturday, the former Leominster High pitcher tossed a strike to former teammate Rich Barnaby for the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the WooSox game.

“I thought my arm was going to fall off,” Proietti said. “I threw it just very lightly, maybe 40 miles per hour. I’m like a baby again, I haven’t thrown in a long time.”

In 1996, the Leominster High baseball team finished with a 23-2 overall record and captured the Division 1 state championship with a 5-4 victory over Peabody in the state final.

Proietti concluded his senior season with a perfect 10-0 record and a 1.01 ERA — and the right-hander tossed a complete game in the state final.

“I love that team,” Prioetti said. “It’s just a blessing.”

“It was just our day,” said Barnaby, who was a sophomore on the ’96 team.

The state championship victory also secured career win No. 500 for former Leominster coach Emile Johnson. He proceeded to finish with 726 career victories, including three state championships, and is still the winningest Division 1 baseball coach in state history.

Being back with his players, who won a state title 29 years ago, provided a full-circle moment for Johnson.

“To see how they’ve developed and grew up as men, and now enjoy something that you did for all your life, it’s some enjoyment,” Johnson said. “It’s really enjoyment.”

Members of the championship team traveled from California, Florida, Virginia and all over to partake in Saturday’s pregame ceremony at Polar Park.

Barnaby was the starting third baseman on that 1996 team. The current Leominster High baseball coach soaked in the chance to see his former teammates and coach.

“This is a great moment for us,” Barnaby said. “To get Coach Johnson here, especially, is very important because he’s had such a big influence on our lives. I feel like I’m the man I am today because he was such a hard coach on us.

“He prepares you to be winners in life, and to get the entire team here, 30 years later, just shows how important that moment was for all us.”

—Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TommyCassell_.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Leominster’s 1996 state championship baseball team honored at Polar Park