The NECBL announced today that Newport Gulls pitcher Finbar O’Brien has been named the recipient of the 2025 Robin Roberts Best Starting Pitcher Award. O’Brien becomes the first pitcher in Gulls history to earn this honor, which has been presented annually (except in 2020) since 1994.

The award is named for Baseball Hall of Famer Robin Roberts, who pitched for the Twin City Trojans of Montpelier, Vermont in 1946 and 1947. The same field he once played on—Montpelier Recreation Field—is now home to the Vermont Mountaineers.

O’Brien was dominant from the very start of the 2025 season, opening with three straight scoreless appearances. His peak performance came against the North Shore Navigators, when he tossed five no-hit innings, striking out 11 of the 16 batters he faced. His electric start earned him the role of North Division starting pitcher in the NECBL All-Star Game.

For the regular season, O’Brien posted a remarkable 1.05 ERA, striking out 45 batters in just 34 innings. He was even better in the postseason, throwing nine shutout innings and fanning 15 hitters without allowing a run.

General Manager Chuck Paiva had this to say, “Finbar was the best starting pitcher in the NECBL from the first day until the last game he pitched in the playoffs.  His stuff was exceptional, 92-97 FB, punch out slider and a very good change.  He could throw all his pitches for strikes and he pounded the strike zone with his great control.  He was special to watch and I am excited for his future in baseball, he is the real deal.”

O’Brien now heads into his junior year with the Gonzaga Bulldogs as their presumed ace, coming off a sophomore season in which he earned First Team All-WCC honors.