Former New Canaan Baseball Player Selected in MLB Draft

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Julian Tonghini and his parents, Eric Tonghini and Bettina Hegel, celebrating his senior day at Arizona.

As children, we are taught to dream big; to shoot for the stars; to pursue our passions to the ends of the Earth.

Yet, for most people, that simply isn’t realistic. Most won’t grow up to be astronauts, movie stars, presidents, or professional athletes — not because they lack drive or talent, but because society doesn’t allow for it.

Still, there are outliers. 

On Monday, former New Canaan baseball player Julian Tonghini became one of these outliers. 

Tonghini, a pitcher out of the University of Arizona, was selected by the Washington Nationals in the seventh round of the MLB draft, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“As soon as I saw my name pop up, I had so many emotions,” Tonghini said. “This was the day that everybody talks about. This was the day that everybody wanted to have. I’d always dreamed of playing at the highest level, so moving one step closer to that is so special.”

He continued: “It’s really incredible because if you had told me a couple of years ago that I was going to be drafted, I wouldn’t have believed you. I worked really hard throughout my younger years and didn’t see results at first. Yet, now, to have finally seen the progress and success in recent years and for that to culminate in me reaching this point made the excitement when I got the call indescribable.”

Tonghini worked through all of the levels of baseball to create this opportunity for himself. From town-wide tee-ball to playing at Mead Park on Mellick Field to endless hours at Bobby Valentine’s Sports Academy, Tonghini’s younger years were just like anyone else’s. He then played two years for New Canaan High School before transferring to Salisbury School, and eventually played at Arizona.

On Wednesday afternoon, Tonghini told NewCanaanite.com how his love for the game began.

“When I think back on where it all started, it would be outside of East School, playing catch with my dad,” he said. “We’d play almost every day before school, right up until the first period started. From then on, my love for the sport continued to grow.”

Now, his love for the sport has swelled in such a way that it has become his profession.

“I love playing and going to the field every day because of my desire to win,” Tonghini said. “I’ve always played in competitive leagues, starting in recreational soccer on Saxe Fields, and I developed a competitive mindset that has always pushed me to do whatever it takes to win.”

Tonghini’s development process has included the support and advice of several people around him, including his father Eric Tonghini, mother Bettina Hegel, brother Ryan, and sister Alana. 

“I’d have to credit my dad, mom, brother, and sister for always showing up and being there for me,” he said. “I’d also like to thank all of the coaches I’ve had throughout my journey. A specific moment I remember is playing at Mead Park in a game where I was losing it on the mound. I was walking everyone and was very emotional at the time. My coach, Arthur Hall, came out and just said ‘Hey man, I’m not taking you out.’  I got through the inning and learned a lesson of dealing with adversity that I still think back on to this day.”

Tonghini hopes that his next step in the process will be playing for the Washington Nationals’ Single-A affiliate, the Fredericksburg Nationals. Once he signs the necessary papers and clears a physical, he can jump right into the action.

“In the short term, I’m just focused on executing my routine and going through the process,” Tonghini said. “Long-term, well, I hope to be winning the World Series with the Nationals.”

6 thoughts on “Former New Canaan Baseball Player Selected in MLB Draft

  1. Thank you so much Donovan for the wonderful article highlighting Julian and this special moment! It means so much to our family, and we truly appreciate it! – And thank you to everyone for all the kind and thoughtful messages!

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