“I still think it’s the catch,” Assistant Athletic Director and varsity baseball Assistant Coach Ryan Radmanovich said. “It’s kind of crazy to think that it may have been the best catch in KO baseball history.” In last year’s semi-final game against Choate, the score was tied 1-1 in the 12th inning. Choate was at bat: two outs, two strikes, no balls. On the next pitch, he swung for the sky and ripped a shot to center field, where senior center fielder Connor Ellsworth tracked it down like an eagle going after its prey. He raised his glove and flipped over the fence to make the catch, robbing a home run and saving the semi-final game, which KO won 2-1 in the 14th inning, leading them to advance to the championship against Taft High School.
Connor Ellsworth has been an athlete for as long as he can remember. He picked up baseball at age 3 and spent his childhood moving between soccer fields, basketball courts, and the diamond, learning how to compete in every setting. Eventually, baseball became his true passion. “I like the competition, and I am a competitive person,” Ellsworth said. “Baseball is very competitive because each play could cost you the entire game.” His early start in sports and interest in baseball set the foundation for the player he is today.
At age 12, Ellsworth made the move to center field, a position he has held onto ever since. It quickly became his sweet spot. “I’m a big fan of the route taken to get to fly balls,” Ellsworth said. “I like how I can be a leader and how I can control the outfield. I can cover the most ground while also being taught leadership skills.” This early shift helped him refine both his defensive instincts and his role as a team leader, setting the stage for his future success.
When asked which teams have been most influential, Ellsworth highlighted two teams specifically. “Definitely my summerball team (CT Moose) that I just played for and KO,” he said. “My summer team boosted my confidence at the plate, and it brought me closer together with more people. My KO team, however, gave me my best defensive season ever.”
As Ellsworth transitions from KO to play DIII baseball at Curry College, he is an important player to watch, bringing with him the reputation of a star centerfielder. He has played for four main teams over the years, including two summer teams (CT Capitals and CT Moose) and two high school teams (Avon High School and KO). Each team has contributed to Ellsworth’s growth in baseball and his overall development of the sport. His work ethic and love for the game set him apart from the rest, making him a great recruit option for collegiate baseball.
Ellsworth’s growth as a player has not been limited to the season, as he works just as hard in the off-season. “He just put in a lot of hard work during the off-season,” Coach Rad said, “with his swing mechanics, as well as getting in the weight room, getting stronger for the season, and working on his speed.” During the off-season, I observed Ellsworth in the batting cage, practicing his swing until perfect. That commitment to precision defines his approach to baseball. “Connor is very focused,” senior Rafael Medina said. “Very headstrong. He is always locked in during training and works very hard in the off-season.”
Ellsworth ultimately chose Curry College baseball as his next step due to the team atmosphere, excellent coaching, and the school’s overall appeal. “I know that they are rebuilding, and from the outside, looking in, it seems like it’s a great situation for him,” Coach Rad said, “To go in there, with a new coach who’s rebuilding the program, and Connor can go in there and take what he’s learned here and start a new culture and be a leader there.” Coach Rad sees the potential Ellsworth will have at Curry, and I think that Ellsworth sees it for himself, too.
Watching three teammates advance to play Division I baseball and another to Division III the previous year has motivated Ellsworth to push himself even harder. He knows that reaching that level requires constant practice, training, and maintaining his love for the game. His passion for the game mirrors that of last year’s graduates. “His dedication and hard work are two attributes that we’ve seen in the past of many of our college baseball players,” Coach Rad said. “His passion for baseball is definitely one of his best attributes.”
Ellsworth consistently makes a positive impact on his team during games, practices, and training sessions. During winter workouts, he takes every at-bat, every fly ball, and every throw as seriously as in-game. He has been a defensive weapon, a consistent hitter, a dedicated worker, and a leader both on the field and off. He leads the team in stretches and hypes them up, leading to many younger players on the team looking up to him. On the KO baseball trip to Florida last year, Ellsworth was a true leader and always helped me when I needed it. The way he approaches the game of baseball inspires everyone around him.
When Ellsworth saved the semi-final game last year, leading to KO winning the Founders Championship, it wasn’t just the catch that made them win; it was the moment that unified the team and changed the team’s mentality to win. “He makes everybody else work harder around him and is very motivating,” Medina said.
Ellsworth is not only a great baseball player but also a genuinely good person who builds strong relationships with those around him. His coaches and teammates frequently talk about the positive impact he has had. “Through the years, what you miss most are the relationships you build with the kids on the team,” Coach Rad said, “the personalities and the camaraderie. Even more than baseball itself.” Ellsworth’s ability to create those bonds has influenced everyone around him and will continue to serve him well at the college level.
As Ellsworth prepares to take the field at Curry College, his teammates, coaches, parents, and friends all see his skills translating immediately to the higher level of baseball. Many teammates and coaches describe him as the kind of player who elevates everyone around him, and they expect him to bring these qualities and more through college baseball. Coach Rad pointed out numerous strengths and aspects of Ellsworth’s play that will make him a great fit at Curry. “I think being a bat-to-ball guy, so in other words, just being able to put the ball in play, make things happen on the offensive side,” Rad said. “Lay down a bunt, because that’s a big part of college baseball now and then on the defensive side, continuing to get good jumps on baseballs in the outfield, and keep working on his arm strength, as well.”
As Ellsworth steps into this new chapter at Curry College, it’s clear that his skills, work ethic, and leadership will make him a standout player both on the field and beyond. His hard work, focus, and passion for the game have earned him the respect of coaches, teammates, and peers. From making game-changing plays to inspiring those around him and building lasting friendships, he’s a player who lifts everyone on his team. Ellsworth brings more to the table than reliable defence and a competitive bat; he brings leadership, focus, and a team-first attitude that have defined him since his early days on the field. Those qualities are what make him special and why he’s poised to make an immediate and lasting impact at Curry College.
