PORTSMOUTH, R.I. - A mistake by a Little League coach has proven to be a blessing for Christopher Bulk.

The Portsmouth junior not only liked the change of positions, but Bulk will have the opportunity to play his new-found love as a catcher at the next level following a commitment to Central Connecticut State.

“I’ve been catching since I was 11,” noted the 14th-rated 2021 backstop in New England, who was a third baseman prior to that summer season. “My Little League coach forgot to draft one and I said I’d try it. We had one of the best pitchers in the league then and I went to the bullpen with him. I loved it right away. I like being in control, being the leader and that you’re in on every pitch.”

It is now a strength for the 122nd-ranked New England junior, something that stood out to Central Connecticut State .

“They like me behind the plate,” Bulk said of what attracted the Northeast Conference school to him. “They like my arm, my leadership, how I am with pitchers and how I hit.”

His ability with the bat is an area that Bulk has made big strides.

“I’ve gotten a lot better hitting, that was a weak point last year,” Bulk explained. “I was too tense last year. I’m relaxed more now and focused on my hips turning and getting the back side through.

“I’ve also improved my catching. I’ve worked on my footwork and blocking and getting my thumb underneath. I’ve also tried different stances for receiving.”

Division I schools in need of a catcher along with D-III programs like Bridgewater State had an interest in Bulk, but Central Connecticut State was the right fit in the eyes of the 5-10 180-pounder.

“They started talking to me in the winter after a showcase there,” related Bulk, who was selected the top 2021 Positional Prospect at the PBR Bay Sox Scout Day in late January. “I stayed after and watched a practice with a couple other kids. Then we didn’t talk for a while, but it picked up two weeks ago.”

The ninth-rated uncommitted catcher prior to accepting the Central Connecticut State offer, Bulk is pleased with what took place in his time at the college.

“I really liked the coaches,” Bulk noted. “They have the same coaching style like my travel, high school and Little League coaches. I also like the school, it’s not too big and not too small.”

Playing a sport at the next level has been a long-time dream for Bulk.

“I’ve always wanted to play in college, either football or baseball,” Bulk said. “Freshman year I felt I was more advanced in baseball as a catcher and that I just need to get better hitting.”

Ironically, his other sport has proven beneficial in baseball.

“I think football has really helped my athleticism,” Bulk pointed out. “It keeps me in shape throughout the year and helps with my speed, strength and toughness. Lifting with football I’m up from 165 to 180. 

Coaches Matt McGuire (high school and travel coach), Kevin Gormley (travel coach) and Jared Evans (hitting coach) have been instrumental in helping Bulk get where he is in the game today.

“They taught me everything I know,” Bulk said. “They pushed me to work harder and get better as a player and as a person.”

A potential physical education major with a 3.43 GPA at Portsmouth, Bulk has found his time away from the ball field due to COVID-19 difficult.

“It’s kind of boring,” Bulk related. “I do online school, work out and hit with a friend four times a week.”

The boredom changed, however, once an offer and commitment took place.

“I’m relieved,” Bulk admitted. “Now I feel I can go play and have fun and not worry about who’s watching me. I can go out and play the game I love.

“I just love everything about it,” Bulk continued about his endearment with baseball. “I love being with friends, catching and hitting. But being with the guys mostly, I love that team bond.”