When Cam Schlittler entered Walpole High School (WHS) in the fall of 2015, no one knew he would become a crucial part of a Major League Baseball (MLB) team a decade later. Through Schlittler’s time at Northeastern University, with the Hudson Valley Renegades, the Tampa Tarpons and with the New York Yankees; he represented Walpole with not only his impressive athletic abilities but also his humble character, making him an inspiration for young athletes.
Growing up, Schlittler was exposed to the big sports culture in his hometown of Walpole, Mass. He attended WHS from 2015-2019, playing both varsity baseball and basketball throughout his four years. During his 2017-2018 baseball seasons, his dominant presence on the mound allowed for him to earn back to back Bay State Herget MVP awards and become a part of both the Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic teams twice. With an impressive 21-4 win loss record and 213 strikeouts during his high school career, the characteristics of an elite athlete shined through. He also played a key role in winning WHS three Bay State Championship titles and guiding his team to two Super 8 appearances during his time at WHS. Through his standout performances, Schlittler was named a Second Team All-USA Massachusetts player in 2017 and 2018 and additionally earned First Team All-USA Massachusetts honors the following year.
“With all the experiences I had at Walpole whether it was in season, out of season or the summer, I was able to grow as a person and player throughout my time there. Sometimes you don’t notice how great you had things until they are far gone,” Schlittler said.
Schlittler was able to further his athletic career outside his successful time in high school, committing to Northeastern University when he was just a sophomore. He continued to build a legacy as the hometown hero from Walpole going 8-1 with a 1.88 ERA over the course of 76.2 innings, striking out 85 batters and was named the CAA Co-Rookie of the Year in 2021. Throughout his collegiate career, Schlittler finished with a 14-9 record and 180 strikeouts, which led the entirety of the Northeastern pitching staff, catching the eyes of several MLB scouts. Schlittler ultimately decided to declare for the MLB draft early, playing just three collegiate baseball seasons.
His athletic career at Northeastern to the world of professional baseball is a true testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. Displaying his excellence during both his high school and collegiate careers, Schlittler was selected as the 220th pick in the seventh round by the New York Yankees. He continued his journey through the minor leagues before being called up to play on July 9, 2025 against the Seattle Mariners. Walpole fans gathered in celebration for Schlittler’s MLB debut in a local restaurant, Conrad’s, to view the game as a baseball community and support the success of the former hometown superstar.
“Having the support of everyone has made my career here in New York so much easier,” Schlittler said.
Recently, Schlittler led the Yankees to victory in their Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox, with eight scoreless innings, zero walks and 12 strikeouts. Walpole athletes are now able to see how they too can make it big, just like him. His presence as not just an athlete, but also a person makes him the perfect role model for the youth of baseball.
“Coach Costello had and still has a great reputation running the baseball program there. I cherished the time I spent with my friends, who I grew up with playing baseball and basketball with… I am still so close with most of the people from Walpole,” Schlittler said.
Seeing a local athlete in the big leagues makes the reality seem much closer for thousands of kids. His recognition and appreciation for Walpole baseball and head coach Chris Costello display Schlittler’s humility and dedication to the game.
“To the boys and girls who are chasing their dreams, just understand that it is all possible,” Schlittler said. “My freshman year [of high school] I didn’t think anything of it and since then my whole life has changed. Work hard and put in the effort when no one is looking and the sport you play will reward you.”
