A flamethrowing right-handed pitcher, Todd Tringale of Saugus at Northern Essex community college tossed two consecutive no-hitters for the Knights. Tringale, a sophomore at NECC, is pitching in his second season for the Knights.
His first no-hitter occurred March 27, against Eastern Conn. State (JV). He threw 104 pitches and struck out 13 batters and issued three walks over seven innings.
What better way to follow up a no-hitter? Another no-hitter.
April 2 Tringale took the mound against Quinsigamond Community College. He threw 88 pitches, striking out nine and walking three over a run rule shortened five inning game.
“In both the outings, the thought of a no-hitter was definitely in the back of my mind, but my main priority was going out there executing all my pitches and throwing up a zero and getting three more outs,said Tringale.
In 2021 he finished the season with a record of 4 and 1 with a 2.16 ERA in 10 appearances. Tringale struck out 78 and walked 25 batters over 50 innings of work.
His 2022 campaign has produced comparable results. He is 6 and 0 with a razor sharp 0.68 ERA over 39.2 total innings this season. In seven appearances he has struck out 70 batters and walked just 15.
April 7, 2021, Tringale received recognition by the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) as national pitcher of the week, one of only two pitchers from NECC to have ever received the award. The other was teammate, Levi Burrill of Amesbury, March 22, 2021.
Tringale describes his pregame warm up as “simple…its definitely long, but simple.” An hour before each start he spends 15 minutes moving around to get blood flowing then moves on to stretching his legs, arms and shoulders for another 15 minutes. Next, he moves on to throwing by playing a game of catch with one of the catchers on the field until the first pitch. Finally, Tringale grabs a drink of water, gets a bullpen session in, and takes the mound.
Tringale was first introduced to baseball at age five and has played every season since “Baseball was brought into my life when I was5-years-old. . I’ve been a part of a team every year since then. I really fell in love with the game when I was around 14 years old, and that is when I decided to pursue it for school,” Tringale said
Two pitchers Tringale will always have respect for are Hall of Fame pitchers, Randy Johnson and Nolan Ryan.
“Not only were they the two most dominant pitchers ever, but their mentality of pitching is what made me look up to them,”aid Tringale
He credits his coaching as the key to his success.
“I give all the credit to my coaches in the past. I had all the tools to be successful, but with the minds of all the great coaches I’ve had in my life we put it all together and let it lead (to) this journey. I couldn’t thank those coaches enough,” Tringale said
Head coach, Jeff Mejia spoke highly of him. “He’s been fantastic for us this season and has a very bright future ahead of him,”aid Mejia
Tringale previously attended University of Massachusetts Amherst, but the two were not a fit. Tringale found NECC as a draw because of the perennial success of the NECC baseball program.
“I decided to transfer out of Umass Amherst because I was getting a gut feeling that this wasn’t the place for me. Umass is an extremely large school and I felt like I was overwhelmed there. I chose to come to NECC because I wasn’t ready to give up baseball just yet, I knew about the outstanding program here and wanted to be a part of the winning atmosphere,”said Tringale
Tringale has participated in a summer collegiate league, playing for the North \Shore Navigators in Lynn.The Navigators belong in the NECBL (New England \Collegiate Baseball League).
“I love playing for the Navigators not only for the great competition but because it is close to home. This summer I will be going into my third summer playing for them, “Tringale said As a pitcher you are in control of the pace of the game, the ball is in your hands to be thrown initiating the action. This is the aspect of pitching Tringale enjoys the most.
“The pitcher controls the tempo of the game. I’m a player that likes the speed of the game to go a certain way, and when I’m on the mound I control that. Sure, I miss swinging the bat, but I wouldn’t give up pitching for the world,”“Tringale said
Tringale is the youngest in his family. He is the son of Joel and Karen Tringale and has a 24-year-old big brother named Jeremy. Jeremy graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2020 and is now an architect.
His father, Joel, is a very skilled carpenter. “I would say he is very talented at what he does.” Todd Tringale said
Todd’s mother, Karen, is a director for a childcare center. “I have never met someone who cares more about what she does than my mom. Even though she works crazy schedules, she has been by my side from day one,” Todd Tringale said.
Overall, Tringale is appreciative of the support from his family loving family. “I am extremely grateful for a supporting and caring family.” Todd said
Tringale will be graduating from NECC this spring. He plans on transferring to Dayton University in Dayton, Ohio to study criminal justice and play Division I baseball.
