Page 12 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 24, 2026 A LANCER FOR LIFE: Senior David Ruane put in solid service for Malden Catholic Baseball T local resident was a four-year Varsity player and a steady contributor in the infield, at the plate and on bases By Steve Freker he ride has been a rather bumpy one for the Malden Catholic High School baseball program for the past couple of years. A State Tournament qualifier in 2024 due to the power rankings edge, the past two years have found Lancer Baseball on the sidelines come postseason time. The Lancer baseball bunch has battled to find some consistency between the lines. Add to this the team facing the difficulty factor of playing half of its games against fellow members of what — for decades — has been regarded as the best and toughest baseball league in Massachusetts, the Catholic Conference. The direction turned a bit this past season when another new head coach took the reins in former local and college standout Brian Blumsack. For Malden Catholic baseball, it was the third baseball boss in four seasons. In four spring seasons filled with change and often struggles, there have been some bright lights. Notably, a positive constant has been the steady play of senior captain David Ruane. A four-year varsity contributor, Ruane has been a mainstay for the Lancers since he first arrived on the Malden Catholic roster in the spring of 2023. Primarily a middle infielder, Ruane has been a varsity starter for the most games of any Lancer player over the course of the 2023, 2024, 2025 and this past 2026 season — over 60 games in all. Ruane, a 5-9, 165 dynamo, has made most of those starts at either shortstop or second base, sprinkling in some third base and outfield service in those seasons as well. The right-handed RuREADY TO ROLL: Malden Catholic senior captain David Ruane was a four-year Lancer Varsity player. (Courtesy Photo) ane has also been called upon to show his craftiness in the mound as a reliever and spot starter at times. As a testament to his skill set and perseverance, Ruane has shown his stuff for three different Lancer head coaches in the past three seasons. He played under Coach Blumsack this season and with former Head Coach Dave Valdez in 2025 and 2024. Ruane broke into the Lancer lineup under former longtime Lancer Head Coach Darren Svendsen (20162023) in the spring of 2023. Ruane is one of the fortunate local ballplayers who will be continuing their careers at the next level, as he heads to Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire, this fall. He is officially committed to be a member of the Charger Baseball team for the 2026-27 college year. The Advocate caught up to Ruane, an Everett resident and a Malden native, to talk about his Lancer Baseball career. Q: Congratulations on a AROUND THE HORN: David Ruane plants his feet before zipping the ball around the horn in the infield. (Courtesy Photo) successful high school career at Malden Catholic. This was ON BASE AGAIN: David Ruane flips the bat after reaching base, this time drawing a walk. He was one of the leaders on the team in on-base percentage in all of his years on the team. (Courtesy Photo) your best season as a Lancer. What is a highlight of this past season for you? A: I think more than anything, I took a big mental step in the game. Learning how to try to lead a team that is struggling and keeping those vibes up, as well as competing even when your down. As an upperclassman, we get looked at by the other guys, so setting a good example for the people after you. Q: What is your best memory or memories of your career as a whole for Malden Catholic Baseball? A: playing in a playoff game for Malden Catholic [in 2024, a win over Lynn Classical] is one of my best baseball memories. The grind to get there and see the work you and your team put in is really amazing. Q: Why did you choose to come to Malden Catholic? A: I wanted to meet people from outside where I grew up and try to make something of myself without knowing anyone or how anything works. Q: Describe the challenge of playing against the Catholic Conference teams in the baseball season. SPORTS | SEE PAGE 13
13 Publizr Home