MIDDLETOWN, NJ — As the postseason approaches, senior Zach Hampton is putting the finishing touches on one of the most consistent and impressive careers in Middletown High School North baseball history. A four-year varsity standout, Hampton has delivered for the Lions in nearly every facet of the game — and with games still left to play, he’s not finished yet.
Wearing the black and orange, Hampton has become a cornerstone of the program. Whether stepping into the batter’s box or taking the mound, he’s brought leadership, discipline, and production year after year. With the Lions eyeing a deep playoff run, Hampton remains at the center of it all.
At the Plate: A Model of Consistency
Few players in the Shore Conference — or the state — can match Hampton’s four-year track record at the plate. Entering the final stretch of his senior season, he owns a career batting average of .496, with 66 hits in 133 at-bats. He has driven in 38 runs, scored 39 times, and reached base in nearly half his trips to the plate over four seasons.
Career Offensive Stats (through 2024 regular season):
- Hits: 66
- RBIs: 38
- Runs Scored: 39
- Doubles: 12
- Triples: 1
- Home Runs: 1
- Walks: 11
- Hit-by-Pitch: 21
- Stolen Bases: 1
- AVG: .496
- SLG: .624
His sophomore campaign (2022–2023) was his most dominant statistically, as he batted .524 with a .667 slugging percentage and his first career home run. This spring, he’s maintained that high level of play, hitting .452 with 14 hits, 10 RBIs, and a career-high 9 hit-by-pitches so far — proving he’s still as tough and clutch as ever.
On the Mound: Quietly Dominant
While his offensive stats draw attention, Hampton’s impact on the mound has been equally critical to Middletown North’s success. After gaining early experience as a freshman, he has developed into a reliable arm for the Lions, capable of starting or coming in to close tight games.
Career Pitching Stats (through 2024 regular season):
- Innings Pitched: 87.0
- ERA: 3.14
- Strikeouts: 54
- Walks: 31
- Hits Allowed: 75
- Earned Runs: 39
- Hit Batters: 10
- Total Pitches Thrown: 2,029
His progression has been remarkable. After posting a 6.56 ERA in limited freshman innings, he responded with a strong sophomore campaign (3.74 ERA), followed by standout junior and senior seasons. This spring, he holds a 2.17 ERA over 19.1 innings, with 17 strikeouts and just 6 earned runs allowed — his best season yet.
Looking Ahead: One More Run
With the regular season winding down and the postseason looming, Hampton is laser-focused on helping Middletown North make a deep run. While his career numbers already place him among the greats in program history, he’s not done writing his story just yet.
As the Lions chase championships, Zach Hampton remains the heart of the team — and with every swing and every pitch, he continues to build a legacy that will be remembered long after his final game. Zach will continue his playing career at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) next season.
