Inclusion Week Part Two: Keene and Vermont Hold Inclusion ...
Date: Jul 15, 2025
Urban Dictionary defines “Glue Guy” as “The guy who helps everyone work together; the leader on the team not always the best player, but still a guy with a leadership role.”
A glue guy is an important piece of any team. Someone who creates chemistry in the locker room, brings the team closer together, someone who is always willing to look out for and stick up for their teammates. The Bristol Blues have many players that could fall under the description of a glue guy. However, you might not find a better glue guy anywhere in baseball than Dean Oneill.
Oneill returned to the Blues this summer for his second year with the team. But in the second game of the season, against the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks, Oneill suffered an injury and was out of action for a month.
Oneill didn’t let his injury dampen his spirits. While he was injured he still was in the dugout supporting the Blues every pitch of every game. Coach Gregg Hunt had nothing but praise for his catcher/designated hitter.
“He coached first base for a little bit,” said Hunt, reflecting on O’Neill’s injury. “He never once asked to go home and rehab. He was here to support his teammates.
Oneill made it clear that the best rehab program for his injury was spending time with his teammates and making the most of his summer.
“I love showing up and being with the guys,” Oneill said. “Some of these guys I’m probably going to be best friends with for the rest of my life. Just being able to show up and have a group of fun guys I can crack jokes with. It's really encouraging they just kind of keep me afloat.”
Since making his return on July 5th, O’Neill has been electric at the plate. The University of Maine product recorded three straight multi-hit games and is currently on a seven game hit streak. Since being back in the lineup Oneill has recorded 10 hits and 6 RBIs and has a .380 on base percentage over 28 at bats.
Oneill has come through in the big moments since his return as well. Oneill singled with the bases loaded to drive in two runs and help the Blues pick up a 6-1 win over the Newport Gulls on July 8th.
“It's just fun,” Oneill said. “When I got on second base I just had the biggest smile on my face. I'm just having the most fun I've ever had playing baseball.”
With roughly two and a half weeks left in the season, Hunt’s message to O’Neill and his teammates remains clear.
“Find a way to keep grinding games out,” said Hunt. “We’re not going to overwork anyone, but everyone knows what’s expected of them.”
The Blues remain tied with the Newport Gulls for first place in the South Division. In what’s expected to be a competitive race to the end of the summer, having O’Neill back in the lineup gives Bristol a boost of energy.
“I give the kid credit, he’s really a team player," said Hunt. “He’s the type of kid you want batting for you at this point in the season.”
The former Maine Black Bear will be taking his talents to Middle Tennessee State this upcoming season and while his play on the field will likely improve the Blue Raiders record one thing that will definitely improve is the chemistry in that locker room.
Oneill has also been selected as the Bristol Blues fan vote player for the 2025 NECBL all star game. You can vote for Dean Oneill by going to @NECBL on Instagram and going to the fan vote post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DMFOXNBOgyN/) open the poll in the comments and then click on Dean Oneill. Voting will close Thursday, July 17th at 11:59 p.m.
Written by Ryan McKenna and Gavin Murray
Photo by Ryan McKenna