By: Shannon Bickert
Nothing is guaranteed when walking onto a team, but Christian Butera took the risk, working his way to walk onto Brown University’s baseball team. Butera had to go through the waiting game of applying to Brown, hoping he would get into the university. The added pressure and the uncertainty of it all led to Butera’s mindset.
“When I was walking onto the team, it was more just, all I’m gonna think about is working as hard as I can and trying to do the best I can, and be satisfied with that,” Butera said.
Butera worked during his freshman fall season, pushing himself to earn his place in the program. Not only did Butera earn a spot on the team, but he found success as a rookie, leading all Ivy League freshmen in batting average with a .303 clip in 2025.
“A lot of it [finding early success] was just any time I got an opportunity, I’m gonna take advantage of this,” Butera said. “Not being recruited and walking onto the team led me to have the mindset that I wasn’t gifted anything. I have to prove myself every day.”
At Brown, Butera studies biology, following in the footsteps of his parents, both of whom are doctors.
“Being around them when I was small- I’d go to work with my mom sometimes, always being around my dad- that led me to the same interest to help people after baseball,” Butera said.
Butera has a strong relationship with his father, who sparked his love for baseball.
“Baseball was the easiest way to bond with him,” Butera said. “He would throw to me anytime I asked him to. I think it was the easiest to spend time with him.”
Growing up playing baseball in Rhode Island, Butera attended NECBL games as a kid.
“I’ve always known about this league, and this has been one of my goals once I went to Brown to be able to play in this league,” Butera said.
This summer, Butera landed in the NECBL with the Schooners after spending last year in the Perfect Game League.
“They talked to my coaches this year to see where they would place me, and they ended up placing me in Mystic, and I’m super, super grateful for that.”
