Stetson University's Bullard, Smith Joining North Shore Navigators

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LYNN, Mass. — The North Shore Navigators have signed a pair of newcomers from Stetson University to their roster for the 2022 New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) season.

Infielder Jake Bullard will be returning home to New England for the summer as he hails from Hampton, N.H. After playing in just one game during his freshman season with the Hatters, Bullard has emerged as the team’s starting first baseman and a key bat in the middle of the lineup, hitting safely in his first six games this spring. The Winnacunnet High School grad was selected as the 2019 Baseball Coaches Association of New Hampshire Division 1 Player of the Year, hitting .458 with 19 RBI and 27 stolen bases.

Cooper Smith is a left-handed pitcher who will join the Navs following his true freshman season at Stetson, where he has already made multiple relief appearances. Prior to making his college debut, Smith earned three letters at the Community School of Naples in his hometown of Naples, Fla. He pitched in 15 games over his last two seasons, striking out 145 batters in 76 innings. He was a Naples Daily News All-Area and second-team All-State selection in 2021.

At Stetson, Bullard and Smith are teammates with returning North Shore outfielder Dylan Brazil, former Navs pitcher Austin Amaral, and Swampscott native Gavin Sullivan who pitched for his local team for three summers.

The Navs kick off their 15th summer of collegiate baseball on Tuesday, June 7 with the home opener at Fraser Field is set for Thursday, June 9. Stay up to date on the latest Navs news by visiting nsnavs.com and following the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.