Norwich Sea Unicorns Ready to Begin 2026 Season

2026 SEASON PREVIEW

Baseball is right around the corner in the Rose City! There is a lot to be excited about as the team looks forward to building on their three consecutive Futures League postseason titles.

Earlier this offseason, the team promoted Pitching Coach Zach Gitschier to become the team’s 5th Manager in franchise history. Gitschier won’t be the only familiar face returning to the dugout in 2026, as numerous key players have returned to Norwich with the mindset to run it back for another title.

Coventry native CJ Nolan returns for his second season with the Sea Unicorns. The Sacred Heart athlete was a key contributor during the team’s playoff push in 2025, hitting .273 with 3 RBI’s during the five postseason games. He rejoins the team alongside Monmouth’s own Kenny Noe. Noe had a fantastic first season in Norwich, slashing .307/.451/.420 alongside 13 RBI’s and 17 runs in 32 games with the Sea Unicorns. The third key returner to the lineup in the Rose City is Shelton native Michael Fiatarone. The Bryant Bulldog did not appear in many games with Norwich in 2025, playing in just five. However, he’s shown that he can produce at the collegiate level, hitting .254 with 21 RBI’s and 10 stolen bases with Bryant in 2026.

“What I’m looking forward to the most is hanging out with the guys and winning baseball games,” Fiatarone stated when talking about the new campaign.

Norwich is also seeing the return of two key pitchers to their bullpen, Hebron native Sean Connolly and Eastern CT State junior Eric Mathewson. Mathewson pitched three scoreless innings in the 2025 postseason, and Connolly got himself the winning decision in Game 3 of the Championship series en route to the Futures League postseason title. These two join a stacked pitching staff looking towards dominating the league as they will begin the journey towards earning another championship.

“I’m most looking forward to the Friday night fireworks here at Dodd Stadium, with the awesome fans,” Connolly said when talking about his outlook on the season. 

Overall, the Sea Unicorns will have over 30 newcomers joining the roster and look to make a name for themselves in the Futures League. Gitschier and his staff will be focused on improving on a 28-33 record in 2025, sneaking into the playoffs as the final seed at fourth in the standings. That 2025 squad ended up getting hot in the postseason, going 4-1 and winning the Futures League postseason title. In 2026, the goal is the same: bring another title back to the Rose City.

The boys start their season Thursday, May 28, in New Britain for a rematch of the 2025 Futures League Championship series. The crew will also travel to Westfield before coming home for the home opener on Saturday, May 30.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

Saturday, May 30 vs Westfield Starfires @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

• Home Opener / Magnet Schedule Giveaway

The Norwich Sea Unicorns are celebrating being back home in 2026 by welcoming the first 1,000 fans with a Magnet Schedule, so you can keep track of Sea Unicorns baseball all summer long!

Presented by: The CT DOT Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over program

• Postgame Fireworks

Stay around following the conclusion of the game for a fireworks spectacle!

Presented by: Liberty Bank

Sunday, May 31 vs Worcester Bravehearts @ 1:00pm (gates open at 12:00pm)

• Sunday Funday

It’s the first Sunday Funday of the season! After game action concludes, all kids 12 & under can head to the field to run the bases and have a catch in the outfield!

Presented by: New London Public Schools Magnet Pathways

Friday, June 5 vs New Britain Bees @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

• First Responder Night

The first Friday night game of the season will be one you won’t want to miss! All first responders can purchase a unique ticket for $8 at the ticket office that includes a voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips, and bottle of water. What a deal for the people who deserve it most!

Presented by: Hartford Healthcare

• Postgame Fireworks

Stay around following the conclusion of the game for an amazing firework display!

Presented by: Liberty Bank

Saturday, June 6 vs Nashua Silver Knights @ 6:30pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

• Bark In The Park

Every man’s best friend is welcome to watch America’s national pastime! We will be opening part of the 3rd base/left field side seating sections for those fans that would like to bring their dogs with them for some exciting Sea Unicorn action.

Written by Mark Benway