Bridgeport High School Baseball Standout Mark Biafore to Continue Career at Salem University
By Chris Johnson on May 30, 2024
Bridgeport High School baseball standout Mark Biafore will continue his career at the next level as his signed his National Letter-of-Intent with Salem University on Wednesday.
The signing ceremony took place at BHS in front of a crowd of family, friends, teammates, coaches and school administrators.
“I had a long talk with their coach, Kassidy Gaines, Biafore said. “First thing when I walked into the building I had a warm welcome from all the players. I thought it was a great opportunity to go there and continue my athletic career.”
Biafore, who was also a standout for the BHS football team during his prep career, has been a steady force in the middle of the lineup for the Indians the past two seasons.
After earning Class AAA All-State honorable mention status as a junior, he responded with a senior season that saw him lead the Indians in RBIs with 32, runs scored with 39 and doubles with 13. He also hit .343 with two home runs and stole 11 bases, while primarily playing left field.
“Mark’s strong point is he has an approach from the on-deck circle on,” BHS coach Robert Shields said. “He studies pitchers really well. That’s his forte. He always has been a good quality hitter and a tough out.
“Obviously with the change with going from high school to college, he will be seeing harder sliders and sharper curveballs. I think he will adjust and do well with that but I don’t think he is going to have any trouble with the fastball at the college level.”
Biafore, who plans on majoring in Business Administration at Salem, said the fact that the school is close to home was appealing as was the style of play the Tigers play under Gaines, which is the same style the Indians under Shields are known for throughout the state.
“It’s just grit,” Biafore said. “I went to some of their games and one they were down seven runs and came back and won the game. I thought they had a lot of grit and are hard-working down there.
“Coach Shields definitely does a good job coaching us that way.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Biafore surrounded by his family, friends, teammates, coaches and school administrators during his signing ceremony. Bottom two photos of Biafore during his senior season with the Tribe by Joe LaRocca.
