Thornton Academy’s Ben Lambert capped off his high school baseball career in impressive fashion, leading the Trojans to another playoff appearance and taking home plenty of hardware in recent weeks.

Lambert, a senior, proved to be one of the best athletes TA has seen in school history during his time in Saco. Not only was Lambert a key member of the baseball team, he also made an impact on TA’s football and basketball programs.

Along with the fact that Lambert was a three-sport athlete, he also demonstrated his versatility on the diamond. Lambert was TA’s ace pitcher, played shortstop and centerfield and was also the Trojans’ No. 3 batter in the lineup.

Not only was Lambert a dynamic star on the field, he also made a positive impact on those around him off of it.

“Off the field, he always sets an example, he’s a good kid, a good student … he really does a lot for the younger guys as well. On the field, he’s probably the best athlete I’ve ever coached,” said TA baseball coach Ray Petit.

Although the Trojans’ playoff run was cut short, Lambert and a handful of teammates have received numerous honors.

Lambert was named to the Southwestern Maine Activities Association first team as a pitcher and an outfielder, and also received the Edson Hadlock Award, which is given to the league’s top pitcher.

“Ben did a great job for us wherever he played, his regular season record (as a pitcher) was 5-2, but both losses were 1-0 games. He did a lot for us,” said Petit.

Lambert will be bringing his talents to Division II Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts next fall, where he will be playing baseball for the Greyhounds.

With their workhorse pitcher advancing to the collegiate level, the Trojans will face the tall task of filling the hole Lambert leaves behind.

“We have Luke Chessie and Brogan Searle-Belanger coming back, as well as a few other young guys … but it will be tough filling (Lambert’s) shoes,” said Petit. “Hopefully those guys can pick up the slack, Ben pitched a lot of innings for us last year, so it’ll be tough.”

Petit is confident that Lambert will enjoy his time at Assumption and has a bright future ahead of him.

“Hopefully he succeeds in school and gets a good education. I’m sure he’ll fine tune his game a bit … playing high school baseball is much different than college baseball. I’m sure he’ll do fine.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @ JournalTsports.

Journal Tribune Baseball All-Stars

MVP

Ben Lambert, TA

All -Stars

Luke Chessie, TA
Evan Balzano, TA
Brogan Searle-Belanger, TA

Brandon Hall, TA
Brady Crepeau, Biddeford
Jason Vadnais, Biddeford
Thomas Fregeau, OOB
Charlie Bell, Wells
Cody Cousins, Wells

Liam Bell, Wells
Weston Bergeron, Massabesic
Dawson Renaud, Massabesic
Eric Aiken, Kennebunk
Justin Wiggins, Kennebunk
Keith Kerrigan, Sanford