Groton — It's Toby Handley's nature to have a sunny outlook on life.

He's especially happy when he's playing baseball.

A member of the All-Cape Cod League team last year, Handley returned there this summer following his junior season at Stony Brook University.

But when things didn't work out, Handley didn't sulk or pout.

He found a safe landing in a comfortable and familiar place, joining the Mystic Schooners for the second time in three years.

"It was disappointing," Handley said of his release from Bourne, which had a surplus of outfielders. "But I just keep looking at the good in everything and looking at it positively. This is a good spot. I was here my freshman year and liked it.

"Although the Cape is awesome, I like it just as much here."

Handley is duplicating thae success that he had in his previous stint with the Schooners. He was recently selected to the New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star team. He'll start Sunday's all-star game in Newport.

It's a deserving honor for Handley, a skilled outfielder and leadoff hitter for the Schooners as well as a 33rd round draft pick of the Houston Astros. Playing for the league's top hitting team, he's second on the Schooners with a .348 batting average despite arriving after the start of the regular season. He also has six doubles, a home run and five RBI.

Manager Phil Orbe has watched Handley develop over the last few years. In his first season in 2014, Handley had a terrific run, helping Mystic reach the playoffs.

"He's gotten a lot stronger physically in the last couple of years," Orbe said. "He was actually one of the first guys we signed in the fall of his freshman year. He's a highly-regarded player out of Canada. ... He was a dominant player for us, offensively, defensively and the bases. It really jump-started him.

"He went to the Cape last summer and got drafted in the spring. He's a very accomplished player."

Orbe's relationship with Handley paid off when the Stony Brook outfielder was released from his Cape Cod League team.

"I could have been anywhere," Handley said. "You just get that feeling that I'm back somewhere where I'm comfortable already. ... I knew it would be easier. Coach Orbe is an awesome guy."

It's been an interesting journey for Handley, who grew up in Canada and his family resides in Whitby, Ontario, about 45 minutes east of Toronto.

Handley chose baseball over hockey, the national sport of Canada, and joined a travel team, the Ontario Terriers, and climbed the ranks. He was selected to compete for Team Canada, playing in the under-18 world championship in Taiwan, and also went to Australia. It helped him grow up.

"The traveling matured me," Handley said. "You had to be away weeks at a time. It definitely helped me."

Handley also showed maturity in deciding to not sign with Houston. He put education first, wanting to graduate before pursing his professional baseball career.

"It was very tough decision," Handley said. "For me and the position that I'm in and in today's world, I'd like to have my education before I continue to my career in baseball, if I'm lucky enough to get drafted next year."

With Handley at the top of the order, the Schooners (17-11) are on a roll. They're the hottest team in the NECBL, winning for the seventh time in eight games on Wednesday with a come-from-behind victory over Danbury, 5-4. Aaron Hill's two-run double tied the game in the eighth and Martin Figueroa's RBI double put the Schooners ahead.

Handley is looking forward to the rest of the summer. He harbors no bitter feelings about his Cape Cod League experience.

"I play the same game no matter where I am, I play hard," Handley said. "I'm just trying to get better."

News and notes

• St. Bernard graduate Willie Rios recently signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles, who drafted him in the 16th round. "I'm happy for him and his family," Orbe said. "It's been a long road. It's a good story for kids in our area." ... Hill (UConn), a shortstop from Groton, and catcher Brett Bond (Missouri) were named all-star reserves. Hill went 4-for-4 with two RBI on Wednesday to raise his batting average to .340. ... After a bumpy start, Stonington's Doug Domnarski (UConn) pitched six innings, allowing five hits while striking out seven and walking one. He received a no-decision. He's in the running for a spot on the all-star team in the fans' vote. To support him, go to vote16.necbl.com.

g.keefe@theday.com