By: Shannon Bickert

It’s always been baseball for Dominic Pontbriant, the southpaw from Norwich, Connecticut. Pontbriant was destined to play baseball, growing up in a household with his father, Matthew Pontbriant, who played in the Pirates system, and a brother who played as well.

“He [Matthew] taught me the simple things about pitching because he was a pitcher,” Pontbriant said. "I learned from him and just got the natural ability from him, too. It was just kind of in my genes.”

Pontbriant had great success playing in Connecticut growing up, attending Lyman Memorial High School, where he pitched to a 0.44 ERA en route to 2024 Connecticut All-State and 2024 ECC Player of the Year.

Pontbriant continued to find success at the collegiate level during his freshman season at the University of South Florida. Pontbriant earned American Conference All-Freshman accolades after pitching to a 3.42 ERA across 47.1 innings during his rookie campaign.

“I thought it was really good for my first year,” Pontbriant said. “It was definitely better than I expected, but I’m just ready to do it again next year.”

After a strong first season in the Sunshine State, Pontbriant made his way home to Connecticut for summer ball with the Schooners. Pontbriant was connected to the Schooners organization, knowing Head Coach Phil Orbe as a kid, so when the opportunity to come back home presented itself, Pontbriant seized it.

“I’m glad I got the opportunity to play here,” Pontbriant said. “It’s definitely one of the best Northeast collegiate baseball leagues.”

Being a local kid, Pontbriant was drawn to Mystic, having the chance to perform in front of his loved ones.

“It’s fun because I haven’t thrown in front of my friends and family from here in about two years,” Pontbriant said. “On opening day for the Schooners, a lot of them came out and watched me. It’s always cool getting to play where you came from.”

Not only does Pontbriant get to come play in his home state, but he gets to spend the summer playing while living in his childhood home.

“The home-cooked meals are nice, and being home is always nice, [being] with my dog.”

Through three starts on the summer, Pontbriant has pitched to a sub-one ERA, striking out 12 hitters across 11.1 innings. Pontbriant has proven to be one of the strongest starters in the NECBL so far this season, with the third-best ERA among qualified pitchers.

The lefty sees this summer as an opportunity to grow as a player, preparing himself for the future.

“My goals are to just get reps in, get stronger, get heavier, gain weight, and velocity to improve myself.”

Pontbriant is set to get the start on the road against the league’s best, Martha’s Vineyard Sharks on Saturday, June 20.