Nick Quagliato to Participate in 2026 NECBL Home Run Derby
The second-year Nighthawk has notched 11 extra-base hits in his return to the Upper Valley in 2026.
By Thaddeus Sawyer
After being named an NECBL All-Star for the second time in his young career earlier this week, Upper Valley Nighthawks catcher Nick Quagliato will be a little busier than his fellow All-Star teammates at Goodall Park on Sunday, July 26.
Quagliato has been selected to represent the Nighthawks in the 2026 NECBL Home Run Derby.
“I just want to hit some bombs, hit some nukes and bring home a trophy to Upper Valley for sure,” Quagliato said.
“Sarge” has notched one home run this summer, a 370 foot blast that left his bat at 100 mph against the Keene SwampBats on July 9. The newly committed Boston College Eagle is also tied for second in the NECBL with nine doubles.
The former Fairleigh Dickinson University catcher smacked a career-high seven home runs for the Knights in 2026 en route to Northeast Conference First Team honors.
The 21-year-old has brought his game to a new level in July, slashing .294/.373/.451 through 14 games and 59 plate appearances while notching five extra-base hits and 15 RBIs.
“Chopping wood every day,” Quagliato said. "Just staying with the process, staying with the routine and just not being satisfied. This game can humble you very easily, so after a great game, not so great game, just have the same mindset.”
Nighthawks bench coach Jacek Krol will be pitching to Quagliato in the derby.
“We're going to work on it in [batting practice],” Quagliato said. “I'm going to have Coach Krol throw to me, and we're going to take it from there. I'm going to be prepared and I'm going to be ready to take this on.”
The Home Run Derby is scheduled to begin at 2:40 p.m. in Sanford, Maine. Gates at Goodall Park, home of the Sanford Mainers, will open at 11 a.m. General admission tickets to the event are $10 each. Those five and under can attend free of charge.
The contest will also stream live on NECBL+.