By Christopher Tremblay

Some time ago in Norwood, the Denehy’s and Wladkowski’s became close acquaintances, and it wasn’t long after that their sons Jason (Denehy) and Rob (Wladkowski) became friends on the t-ball field. In fact, the two enjoyed pretty much the same sports, whether it was soccer, football, basketball, or baseball, they always seemed to be together. Around second grade, the duo found they not only enjoyed the same sports, but everything clicked for them.

“We’ve always been tight,” Wladkowski said. “We met through sports and been together as long as I can remember, however, we were not always on the same team.”

The two moved up through the baseball ranks together and even joined an AAU team. When it was time to enter high school, there was no doubt in their minds that they were going to play baseball together.

“Coach (Kevin) Igoe told us to attend the varsity tryouts. We both knew that if we did what we do then we’d make the team,” Denehy said. “We figured that if one of us made the team most likely the other would too, and luckily we both did. If we didn’t make the varsity team, it was no big deal.”

Igoe saw something special in the two. Denehey saw time on the mound as well in the outfield while Wladkowski was the team’s starting shortstop.

“It’s super unusual for freshman to play on the varsity team in the first place,” the Norwood skipper said. “But these were two high-quality kids with integrity; they were so relaxed and poised for their age.”

According to Denehy, Wladkowski saw the field right away while he had to inch his way into the lineup, but he wasn’t worried about getting his chance. 

Wladkowski was a power hitter and as a freshman he batted .386; the following year he increased his batting average to .389, and this past season he pounded the ball around at a .414 clip while knocking out a couple of homeruns for the Mustangs. In his first ever at bat for Norwood, the then freshman had a double and things seemed to go up hill from there.

As for Denehy, playing left field in his first varsity game was decent but it didn’t have the flair that Wladkowski  had, however, it was a different story when he took to the mound in relief against Needham for his first varsity pitching performance. Entering the game in the second inning with his team trailing, the freshman finished the game and picked up his first win of his high school career. 

During that freshman season, Denehy found himself being used more as a relief pitcher with his biggest contribution that season coming against Xaverian.

“There was so much talk about Xaverain being a Super 8 team and we just wanted to go out and knock them out of that conversation,” Denehy said. “I pitched all 6 innings and won the game 7-2.”

As his pitching got better and better, Denehy found himself with only one loss (Medfield) this past season, his final one with the Mustangs. Norwood shut out both Marshfield and Brookline in the Division 1 South Tournament before falling to Franklin in the Quarter Finals.

“Not having a season last year really hurt as there were a bunch of the guys a grade above us that we played with for our whole lives, and it was tough not getting to play with them in their last year,” Denehy said. “I was just glad that we not only got to have a regular season but were able to play in the tournament. I was pumped to go out and give it my all.”

On the other side, Wladkowski was distraught not to have a season last year as they were only days away from getting started.

“I was ready for my junior year, especially after having done so well my first two years,” Wladkowski said. “I was really hoping to have a season this year as well as a tournament experience.”

While the Mustangs did have a good season, Coach Igoe will definitely miss the two players he has had the pleasure of working with over the last four years.

“Their energy is infectious; the way they lead on the field brings their teammates up,” Igoe said. “You can’t match that type of leadership and it was anhonor to coach them and they will be missed/ With everything that they went through last year it was nice to see that the MIAA got things back to normal; it was huge. I can’t imagine practices next year without having these two on the field.”

Although high school is ending, Wladkowski will continue to play baseball for Endicott College in Beverly MA, while his partner in crime is heading in a different direction. Denehy will not be attending college but instead joining the United State Air Force and protecting our country. While the two will not be together for the first time in over a decade, Denehy will following his friend’s college career.

“I went into the Air Force because I hate school more than I love baseball and I love baseball,” Denehy said. “It’s a great opportunity for me and although I will be sad that I will not be with Rob I will live though him while remembering the good times we had. He’s going to destroy it in college.”

While Denehy will be serving his country Wladkowski will continue his baseball career, either playing shortstop or third base for the Division III Gulls and he too says its going to be a difficult at first.

“Its definitely going to be strange and a hard pill to swallow not having him there as we’ve always played together,” Wladkowski said. “Jason is a great dude and although I won’t see him all the time, I will be happy that he’ll be happy with what he’s doing.”

While their high school careers has come to an end, the two still have one season left playing for the Norwood American Legion team before going their own ways.