There were freshmen in the North Coast Section that put up bigger numbers than Brendan Moddelmog but they didn’t come against anywhere near the type of competition the Gaels versatile budding star faced in the East Bay Athletic League.

Besides playing shortstop, second base and left field, and swinging a steady bat, Moddelmog saw some time on the mound where he held his own.

The East Bay Athletic League only chose a Player of the Year and a Pitcher of the Year, and no players of the year from any of the classes. But of the 50 players chosen for all-EBAL honors, only one freshman graced the list, and that was Moddelmog who was selected as honorable mention Utility.

Now, the 6-0, 160-pound Moddelmog adds the 2022 Prep2Prep North Coast Section Freshman of the Year award to his league honors.

“I appreciate it. It feels unreal,” said Moddelmog. “Going into the season I would never have thought I was going to be where I was when it ended.”

“It gives me motivation and a motor that I didn’t have before,” continued Moddelmog. “I’m really excited for the rest of my high school career.”

Last season on a Dublin team that finished 15-10-1 overall and in the middle of the pack in the EBAL at 7-6, Moddelmog was third on the team with a .343 batting average and third on the team with 13 runs scored. Moddelmog also only struck out eight times in 74 plate appearances. His six stolen bases was also third on the Gaels and his fielding was respectable with nine errors in 62 total chances.

On the mound Moddelmog was 4-2 in 12 appearances with a 3.71 ERA, four saves, and 27 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. Overall he only gave up 11 hits and in six of the 12 outings he gave up no hits. According to perfectgame.org the right-hander has a fastball that tops out in the low to mid-80s.

Moddelmog talks about being excited about his remaining high school career, so what are his short and long term goals?

“Some short-term goals are to get stronger of course, but also really learn the game and take my game to the next level, and push myself to be better every day,” Moddelmog responded.

“Some long-term goals are to play college baseball and get drafted,” Moddelmog continued. “That has been a dream of mine ever since I started playing the game.”

Some day he may achieve those dreams but for now Moddelmog can bask in the honor of being selected the 2022 Prep2Prep NCS Freshman of the Year.

Other players considered for this award include Justin Siena's Jake Fletcher, Head Royce's Nathan Lynn and De Anza's Niko Taylor.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of NCS baseball.