Former Somerset Berkley baseball star teaching the game of speed at Westport

WESTPORT — Nate Charette has always loved the sport of baseball in the fast lane.

The Somerset native starred for the Blue Raiders from 1993-96 where he was a speedy all star centerfielder for two seasons. He carried that aspect of his game over to college and Cranberry League where he holds numerous records for steals and runs scored.

Now, Charette is ready to have the Westport baseball team soar to a new levels.

"I grew up in Somerset and played for the Raiders before graduating in 1996," Charette said. "(The position) was opened and I applied for it."

Despite a 1-3 start to the 2024 season, Charette has the Wildcats up and running. Westport put together a nine-game winning streak and currently stand at 10-5. The Wildcats have clinched the Mayflower Athletic Conference Comprehensive title and qualified for the upcoming MIAA Division 5 state tournament.

"We've played well in those earlier games against teams in a higher division," said Charette. "We just lost to good teams. Our power rankings at that time despite being 1-3, we were seventh. The guys here learned a lot and applied a lot fast. I'm just very impressed. These guys they can run and they're athletic. I'm very impressed with what I've seen out there."

Over the years, Charette has had good mentors, including his dad John Charette. Ron Frazier, former coach at Bishop Stang and Upper Cape's Gabe Coutinho has also been a big inspiration for him.

"My dad learned how to play the professional game in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1960s," said Charette, who teaches at Seekonk High School and was also was an assistant coach when the Warriors captured the Division 4 state title in 2023. "He really had a high education. Ron Frazier coached alongside me at Bishop Stang for four years and we captured several league titles. I've coached with him for the last 15 years. (Ron) is one of the best baseball minds in Massachusetts."

Charette was a three-year starter for Stonehill College and played for the Weymouth Phillies in the Cranberry League for 12 seasons.

Charette said the future is bright in Westport

"I'm just enjoying myself coaching these guys," he said. "The style of ball I learned how to play, I really tied that in with them. My assistant coach Ryan Souza has done a great job at teaching the kids the game as well. I'm just excited for the road ahead."

Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Nate Charette takes over successful baseball program at Westport