Born on April 17, 1991, Hayward is a first year player out of Glendale, RI.  Hayward finished his high school career with a total of 20 wins with no losses, earning him three-time Rhode Island High School Coaches Selection, a three time All-Divisional selection, and also has the state and school records in strikeouts (206).  He was a two-time All-State honoree, as well as a Louisville Slugger High School All-American in 2009. As a freshman at Holy Cross, Hayward recorded two wins and a save in 23.2 innings pitched.