Michael Winter: Senior Michael Winter will continue his academic and pitching career at Dartmouth College while majoring in mechanical engineering

Senior and pitcher Michael Winter — nicknamed “Big Mike” for his impressive 6-foot-5-inch stature on the field — will attend Dartmouth after graduation.

Winter plans on majoring in mechanical engineering, with the possibility of switching to economics. As an honor roll student currently in four AP classes, Dartmouth’s academics attracted Winter, in addition to the connection he felt with the coaching staff. 

“We’re so proud of all the work that he has put in and taken upon himself to really be the driver of his future,” Michael’s mother Amy Winter said. “He put in the work that he knew he needed to for the baseball side, while also keeping academics at the forefront.”

As a senior, his legacy is more than just his killer two-seam fastball or the two no-hitter games he’s pitched this season: it’s also the volunteer work he did as a SHARE executive and the cups of coffee he served as SM East’s first semester coffee shop manager.

During Winter’s time co-managing coffee shop last semester, marketing teacher Amanda Doane noticed his positivity and hard work. His duties included coordinating shifts, drawing chalkboard art and planning a site visit to the Roasterie.

“He has all these understated skills that he doesn’t really talk about because he’s such a great student,” Doane said. “But he’s also so creative.”

While he’s recently received attention from professional scouts at games, Winter said his current priority is to attend college while keeping his professional options open. 

“I’m not going to turn down any opportunities,” Winter said. “It’s all just a bonus.”

His four years on varsity have been marked by steady improvement. His pitch velocity has climbed up to 93 mph — on par with MLB fastballs — despite Winter fracturing his back his sophomore year and missing the rest of the season.

For the remainder of the season, Winter’s goal is the same as it’s always been  — to win a state title. At the very least, he’s happy just getting to play his last few games of high school baseball.

“I’m just enjoying it,” Winter said.”I’m just having fun [and] trying to enjoy the last moments. Especially since this is the last time I’m going to be able to play it for fun and not as a job.”