Chris Newell: Resilient and Ready for the Future

Resident Feature by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Photos courtesy of John Newell

Thanks to Alpha Century Security of Newtown Square for sponsoring our Resident Feature.

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Do you remember what you said you wanted to be when you grew up? Perhaps a teacher, a doctor or an astronaut? Or maybe a singer, an artist or a lawyer?

For 20-year-old Chris Newell, baseball has always been his dream. In preschool, he declared that when he grew up, he would play Major League baseball. He didn’t say he wanted to play; he said he would play. That’s the difference between wishing and working for what you want.

Chris grew up in Newtown Square, just steps from the Newtown Edgmont Little League (NELL) fields, with his father John, his mother Christine and his younger sister Sarah. Christine said that when Chris was just three years old, he insisted on taking the training wheels off his bike so he could pedal his way faster to NELL.

Chris Newell in the outfield at NELL

Athletics was a big part of Chris’ childhood. Though he played basketball for his schools’ teams, baseball was always his passion. From tee-ball to tournament teams, NELL was where Chris felt he belonged.

Some of my very best friends today are ones I met through little league,” Chris said. “NELL is such a special place, not just for the kids but for the whole family and community.

Chris’ father John said that their family would spend just about every day from April through June at the fields. “Back then, the moms were the chefs of the snack bar, the players’ siblings hung out together, and the dads coached and maintained the fields,” he explained. “Everyone got involved, and we made many lifelong friends.”

Beyond the friendships formed, NELL was known for its impressive training complex and superior coaching. “I had a lot of great coaches at NELL,” said Chris, “but the one who took me under his wing and gave me every opportunity to excel was Tom Haus.” One of Chris’s best memories was as a 10-year-old, when he and his Pirates teammates, coached by Tom, won their championship game.

Tom Haus recognized Chris’ potential and not only helped him develop as a player, but he also connected Chris to other experienced trainers and coaches. As a 12-year-old, Chris began to train with E.J. Moyer, a highly regarded coach at NELL who also happened to be the Assistant Baseball Coach for Malvern Prep’s Varsity High School Team.

Playing baseball for Malvern Prep (MP) was always a dream of mine,” said Chris. “Malvern’s baseball program is consistently ranked one of the best nationally. Their reputation for being a team focused on being great players — and even greater people — lined up with my own beliefs.

Chris worked hard to improve his pitching, fielding and hitting, with the goal of becoming a future MP Friar. “Chris’ incredible work ethic and passion are second to none,” said Malvern Prep’s Head Coach, Freddy Hilliard. “It’s the reason we recruited him and the reason why he is such a successful player today.” Freddy explained that Chris is reaping the rewards of his hard work because he knows how far he has come.

Lots of kids who are the best players on their teams think it’s always going to be that way,” Freddy said. “Chris just keeps on getting better because he puts in the work and uses that as fuel to ensure he never lets anyone pass him by.

Chris said that Coach Hilliard helped him become a better person both on and off the field. “He taught my teammates and me how to be selfless, not selfish,” Chris explained. “We were all equal regardless of our abilities, and he taught us that when we play for the greater good of the team and not our own personal gain, the result is success.”

John, Chris, Sarah and Christine Newell at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska

This valuable life lesson was put to the test in the summer of 2016 when Chris suffered a severe elbow injury. He was on a travel team playing in a tournament in North Carolina. “I typically played in the outfield, but the coach put me in to pitch a few innings. That’s when I noticed that my elbow was starting to hurt,” he explained. “By the time we were on our way back home, I could not move it at all.”

Tests revealed that Chris had torn his UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) and had to undergo Tommy John surgery. This surgery, named after former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John, involves repair to the ligament and extensive rehabilitation. Chris was crushed. “Here I was going into my junior year at Malvern wondering if I’d ever be able to play again,” he said.

Chris had surgery that fall and began the road to recovery. He knew that he had five months until the start of the season, and he was determined to be back on the field for the first day of practice. “This injury forced me to focus on the things that I could control,” explained Chris. “I turned to nutrition and strength training, which ultimately made me a better player.” Looking back now, Chris said that he learned a lot about himself and considered the injury, surgery and rehab a blessing.

It should come as no surprise that Chris made it back to the field for that first day of practice. Though he was only cleared to hit that season, his coach said it was good for Chris. “While it was tough losing his incredible defense in centerfield, Chris became an even better leader,” explained Freddy. “He rallied the team, studied the game and became an extra assistant coach, all while continuing to be our best hitter.”

During Chris’ time with Malvern Prep, he and his team won three state championships and two league championships. By the time Chris graduated in 2019, he was named the #9 Outfielder in the country. He was selected to play in the 2018 Under Armor All-America Game, and was named 2019’s Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year.

Chris was heavily recruited by the top Division 1 college baseball programs in the country. Chris’ father John said that Freddy predicted that would happen. “I had a call with Freddy early on in Chris’ freshman season,” John said. “He told me to get ready to help Chris make some big decisions.”

Just as predicted, offers came in from Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and Miami, to name a few. In the end, Chris decided that The University of Virginia (UVA) was where he wanted to play. Their team had just won a national championship and their coaching staff was highly respected. “It’s funny: I remember years ago watching my first-ever College World Series in Tom Haus’ kitchen, with my friend Jake,” Chris recalled. “It was UVA vs. Vanderbilt, and I couldn’t help but notice how the UVA players carried themselves on the field and in the dugout. They were a class act, and that always stuck with me.”

But another big opportunity came knocking shortly after Chris graduated from Malvern Prep. His hard work, grit and determination earned him the opportunity to play for a Major League team: Chris was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2019 MLB draft. “That was a tough decision — sign with the Cardinals or go to college,” said John. “We relied heavily on input from former coaches and people we know who have played in the MLB and those in the industry.” Ultimately, Chris decided to put his MLB dream on hold to play centerfield for the Virginia Cavaliers.

Chris Newell, University of Virginia Cavaliers centerfielder

It is said that good things come to those who wait, and so far, for Chris, the wait has been filled with moments and memories for the record books. In his freshman year with the Cavaliers, Chris started every game and led the team in batting average, runs batted in (RBIs) and stolen bases.

After a sluggish start to their 2021 baseball season, the Virginia Cavaliers rallied to finish the year with a winning record and a chance to play in the College World Series. They went 6–0 in elimination rounds in the postseason, captured the Columbia regional title and earned themselves a spot to compete. The boys were headed to Omaha, Nebraska, as one of eight teams vying for the championship. Little did Chris know that while he was punching his ticket to the big game, friends, family, coaches and fans back home were booking flights and buying their seats to cheer for #9.

The first game was on Father’s Day, and I was there to celebrate," said John. “I remember sitting in awe, watching my son play in front of 23,000 fans. Talk about a great Father’s Day gift!

Aside from Chris’ family, many of his teammates from NELL made the trip along with NELL coach and mentor Tom Haus. Coach Hilliard checked an item off his bucket list when he made the trip with his brother, Jeff. “Watching Chris play in Omaha was a thrill!” Freddy said. “Chris played really well, though I wasn’t surprised.” Former NELL player, Malvern Prep alumnus, coach, and current ESPN broadcaster Mike Rooney was there to call the games, making the whole experience extra special.

Chris Newell with his father John, celebrating the win that sent UVA to the College World Series

Playing in the College World Series was a dream come true for Chris. And although the Cavaliers didn’t bring home the trophy, Chris is proud of his team’s performance and is looking forward to next season. He didn’t have much time to soak it all in, though, because just 10 days later, he headed to Cape Cod to make his Cape League debut.

Chris has some advice for the younger generation of ballplayers who dream of making it to the big leagues.

Growing up, I wasn’t the best player on my team, but I worked hard to become one,” he said. “Study the game, listen to your coaches and stay hungry.

Luck didn’t get Chris to where he is today. Work did.

Do you know a Newtown Square family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila TurnerHilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.

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