Futures League Mourns Loss of Jack Birtwell

ROCKLAND, Mass. 一 The Futures League community is heartbroken over the loss of former Vermont Lake Monsters pitcher Jack Birtwell, who passed away on Saturday, April 11.

"On behalf of the Futures League, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jack's family and loved ones," Futures League Commissioner Joe Paolucci said. "Jack's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the love of the game he helped inspire."

Birtwell went 4-0 with a 1.33 ERA in eight games (three starts) for Vermont during the summer of 2025, allowing just three runs over his 20.1 innings pitched. After beginning his collegiate career at Gordon College for two seasons, the Norwell, Mass., native transferred to Sacred Heart University, where he joined the team as a junior in 2026 but had yet to pitch due to injury.

Though he spent just part of last summer with Vermont, Birtwell quickly made his mark on the Lake Monsters organization both for his on-field performance and as a teammate and community member.

"Jack was a great player on the field, but even a better teammate and friend off the field," Lake Monsters Senior Vice President C.J. Knudsen said. "He will be missed and we extend our thoughts to his family."

"All of us were deeply saddened to hear of Jack's death," Vermont Manager Matt Fincher said. "He had an energetic personality and was someone we all thought very highly of. We will all miss him and certainly have his family in our thoughts at this time."