By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Chris Cordani is a study in how to overcome adversity and develop resiliency.

Consider what the 18-year-old captain of Holliston High’s baseball team has dealt with for the last three years. The 5-foot-6, 140-pounder played only 1½ games as a freshman on the jayvee squad after suffering a fractured finger. As a sophomore, he and his teammates were unable to play baseball because the covid-19 pandemic forced cancellation of the entire spring sports campaign. 

When Cordani’s junior season ended, the Panthers had a 2-12 record but were able to compete in an open tourney format. Holliston, which led in its playoff opener, 6-5, in the sixth inning against Scituate, lost in the seventh, 7-6, and was eliminated in the first round. 

Now, as his senior year of baseball gets underway, Cordani’s primary goal for the Panthers is not only to qualify for the playoffs, but also to go deep into the state tournament.

“We proved we belonged in the tourney when we faced Scituate,’’ Cordani said. “We had made great strides at the end of last year. When I missed most all my freshman year and was unable to play as a sophomore, it was frustrating. But, it’s about bouncing back from obstacles. Losing those two seasons might have been a plus because I became hungrier, tougher and more determined. I was deprived of the sport I love.’’

Cordani firmly believes that Holliston will finish above .500 this year, contend for the Tri Valley League Large Division title and be in the playoffs. “I’m more confident because we’ve got 10 players who could start for any team in the TVL,’’ he noted. “We’re talented and we’ve got experience and depth. Our team chemistry will be a plus in building momentum.’’

It’s no accident that Cordani is Holliston’s captain. He’s a spectacular leader. “My top thrill was when my teammates voted unanimously for me to be a captain,’’ he said. “It was cool to be a TVL all-star last year but the captain’s role is something I dreamed about as a kid. I’ll speak up if necessary, lead by example and stress the value of going the extra mile.’’

Holliston coach Joe Santos admires Cordani for his work ethic and his approach to the game. “Chris is a pleasure to coach,’’ Santos said. “He’s not physically imposing but his work ethic allows him to accomplish what he does on the field. He’s got a positive mindset, is the ultimate team player, and a quality leader. He buys into the program’s ideals.’’

Batting eighth last year, Cordani hit .342, had an on-base percentage of .444 and smacked five doubles.

Cordani will play left field where he relies on his range for tracking down fly balls. At the plate, he’s a consistent contact hitter who can find the gaps for extra-base hits. “I tend to be an aggressive hitter but I can be patient, too,’’ he said. “My strengths are speed, quickness, and a baseball IQ that helps me make instinctive decisions.’’

A native of Holliston, Cordani displayed his instinctive nature in a one-run loss to Dover-Sherborn last year. He went 3-for-4, hitting two doubles and a single.

As capable as he is in the batter’s box, Cordani likes what two sophomore pitchers and a junior third baseman bring to the table. He’s confident they’ll be key components in the Panthers bounce-back season.

“Teddy Peters and Jake Schoenberg are right-handed pitchers with lots of ability,’’ he emphasized. “They went deep into games last year as freshmen and held their own. They’ve got good control and velocity. Nick Larche headlines a group of juniors. He’s a quality hitter who can hit for power.’’

Cordani also is bullish on Santos, who’s in his seventh year as the Panthers’ coach. “Coach Santos is dedicated, works hard, has passion for the game, and is always thinking about baseball,’’ Cordani noted. “He’s a good motivator who gets the best out of his players. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve played for.’’

A good student, Cordani will attend Worcester State University to study finance and he’ll also try out for baseball.

Calling his parents (Michelle and Anthony) role models for their support and encouragement, Cordani relies on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. “There are three aspects of winning,’’ he noted. “First, there’s the pure victory, then there’s the hard work that produced the win, and finally there’s fun and excitement that goes with winning.’’

Cordani, who played for the Ashland and Framingham Legion baseball squads, has spent countless hours during the last eight years at his uncle’s baseball training facility in Waltham. Rich Cordani was a four-year baseball star at Holliston High and he played in the College World Series for Louisiana State University. 

“My uncle was a TVL MVP and he played on a state championship team,’’ Cordani said. “He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers but was cut in spring training. He’s always been willing to offer advice and help me to improve.’’

Cordani has improve greatly since being practically inactive for his first two high school seasons. He’s learned to hit and field. And, he understands how to lead. 

“Valuable life lessons I’ve learned in baseball are that hard work gets results, how to be a good teammate, how to sharpen leadership skills and how to develop mental toughness,’’ Cordani said. “Resiliency is the key to bouncing back.’’

Not everyone gets what they deserve in life, but Cordani has worked diligently hoping  to make his final year of baseball at Holliston memorable.

Getting to the playoffs and advancing deep in the state tourney will be Chris Cordani’s reward for overcoming adversity and personifying resilience.