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From The Cheap Seats Think You Know Who’s Going Deep? Think Again

With the season now more than half over, one can’t help but look at the standings and start to examine possible playoff matchups. It’s just natural. But, which teams will make the postseason tournament and vie for the Cape League title? Your guess is as good as mine in that department because at the time of this writing, there were hardly any sure things. At first glance the Cotuit Kettleers seem like a very safe bet as they had opened up a two-and-a-half game lead over their next closest competitors, the Wareham Gate- men. However, thanks to unruly Mother Nature, the Ketts hadn’t even played half of their schedule just yet, meaning that down the stretch, there will not be many days off for them. The west will be won by someone, but who it is is a big question mark. Not only is Cotuit right there, but you cannot discount the aforementioned Gatemen, or the resurgent Falmouth Commodores, or, lurking under the radar, the Hyannis Mets. Those three teams are separated SPORTPIX PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCOTT by one game in the standings in second through fourth places. It is going to come down to the wire. Even the Bourne Braves, who have had a rough season at best thus far, cannot be considered a complete after- Andrew Brackman, A thought. Cotuit manager Mike Roberts, who has seen a True Double Threat race or two here on Cape Cod, suggested that Harvey Shapiro’s team is one winning streak away from being in Page Three the thick of things. “If Bourne wins seven in a row, they’re right back in it. The last weekend in the season, every year, it comes down to the wire. That last weekend there are always three or four teams in contention and every game really matters,” Roberts said. “Any team is capable of that happening [to them].” Passing Along All Roberts, who says that the Cape League is more about That They’ve Learned attitude and teamwork than just the ability of the ballplay- Page Six ers, likes his team’s chances of hanging around until the playoffs start because the club that he has, which features some very talented players—including Sean Gaston, Re- ese Havens, and Justin Smoak, to name a few—is playing for the right reasons. “We’re a team, period. The guys like Will Play For Food each other, they trust each other and they believe in T-E- Page Fifteen A-M.” A Tough Blow Coach Things have been tough in Chatham over the last couple of weeks. The league’s most high profile franchise en- 5 dured a long losing streak in which it couldn’t score any DONDAN PARKINSON runs and went just 2-8 over a 10-game stretch. But, things got worse. Head Coach John Schiffner lost the player that he said Full Cape Cod League Game Schedule had taken his game to a level that was unexpected, just Page 10 as the team entered the season. Infielder Aaron Reza of Oklahoma had batted .260 with two RBIs as a sophomore last year. He was a nice player on the team, but hardly a By The Numbers cornerstone. Pages 12-13 How things had changed for Reza this go-round. The A’s third baseman was seeing the ball very well and owning Batting Around Cape League pitching. Reza led the Cape League in hit- ting at .358 through 14 games of action, and then an ag- Pages 11-14 gressive base-running play ended his season prematurely. Reza was attempting to stretch a single into a double in the second game of a doubleheader against the Falmouth Look for this issue online @ www.capenews.net Commodores in Chatham when he broke his finger with a head-first slide. “He did a great job. He just improved his ability to hit and hit inside the ball,” said Head Coach John Schiffner. On The Cover: Cardinals’ right-hander Andrew Brackman. “[Losing him from the lineup] certainly hurts.” Photo by Nicole Zartarian Reza had batted all over the lineup for the A’s through- out the season. Schiffner said he expects Reza to be on many scouts’ radar screens and that he has a bright future. publisher project manager design services manager Let’s Play Two, We Have To William Hough Chuck Borge Christine Stutzman Thanks a lot Mother Nature. With rain being more sports editor sales manager design services common than sunburned tourists this summer, the Cape Rich Maclone League players will not be enjoying many days off be- Steve Krammes Linda Stewart tween now and the end of the season. In fact, at this photo editor Jill Spencer point, the only one guaranteed is August 3 when the sales Daniel W. Webb Julia Balducci All-Stars will be honored at Fenway Park. Other than that, Danielle Guay design & layout press supervisor games will be played whenever possible. Several teams Tricia Keough have doubleheaders scheduled down the stretch and in Elisabet K. Rodrigues David Pittman Dawn Mitchell some cases the games are against two different teams. Trisha Herlihy 50 Depot Avenue Barbara Warner nterp Rich Maclone is the Sports Editor for Summer Stars e E ri Falmouth, MA 02540 Nancy Medeiros h s and also covers the Falmouth Commodores for Enterprise e 508-548-4700 • 1-800-286-7744 Esther Buchanan T Publishing. He can be reached at [email protected]. Falmouth • Mashpee • Bourne • Sandwich Fax: 508-540-8407 Thursday, July 20, 2006 SUMMER STARS 3

BY DARIN WEEKS Brackman’s decision on transition appeared seam- chance to catch his breath State. Again the Wolf Pack Life is full of choices. which sport to choose from less. Although arriving late and reflect on a freshman won 20 games and qualified Whether it’s “left or right,” was obvious. because of his basketball year that left him with little for the NCAA tourney and “yes or no,” or “paper or “I wanted to play both requirements, Brackman won time for himself, considering Brackman continued to play plastic,” there comes a time sports,” explained Brackman every game he appeared in the fact he’s a college stu- significant minutes, scor- when you must choose a on his decision to enroll at for the Wolf Pack during his dent with academic require- ing 7.6 points per game and path when confronted with NC State. “It came down to freshman year. In four starts, ments as well. blocking 28 shots, good for a proverbial fork in the road. Georgia Tech and NC State. he went 4-0 with a 2.09 ERA, “Playing two sports defi- second overall on the team. For most young athletes Georgia Tech wouldn’t let me while striking out 43 batters nitely adds pressure with Though he played in all 32 gifted in more than one sport, play basketball, so I went to and only walking 18. school. I’m not just juggling basketball games for the Wolf deciding which individual NC State. I definitely made Despite playing just a small two sports; I’m juggling three Pack in 2005-2006, Brack- sport to pursue usually hap- the right choice.” portion of NC State’s baseball things with school, too,” man was initially unaware pens prior to enrolling in The first athletic challenge season, Brackman’s numbers Brackman explained. “Some- that he had suffered a minor college. Once in a long while, for Brackman at NC State earned him Second-Team All- times when you get off the hip injury late in the season a rare athlete is so blessed would be living up to the American Freshman honors court or field, you just want that would eventually worsen in two sports that deciding hype that surrounded him as from Baseball America. to go home and sleep. You and haunt him throughout the which to follow is an easy he arrived in the basketball- “It was a privilege to be don’t want to have to go sit at baseball season. one. “Both.” crazy state of North Carolina. named to that team,” said a table with a tutor, but if you On March 5 during his first Such an athlete is Orleans Hopes were high for the Wolf Brackman. “It’d be nice to want to play, you have to get start of the year for NC State Cardinals and North Carolina Pack as they advanced to the play a full season one of your schoolwork done, too.” baseball, Brackman initially State star Andrew Brackman. second round of the NCAAs these years so I can show When fall semester came noticed the pain in his hip in a Growing up in Middle the previous spring and the people what I can really do.” during his sophomore year, game against UCLA. Trying to America and standing 6 feet, freshman Brackman did his With one full year of balls Brackman once again found work through it, he suffered 10 inches tall, while attend- best to live up to his reputa- and books completed at NC himself being a key com- his worst start in a Wolf Pack ing Moeller High School in tion. State, the two-sport ath- ponent for the ACC hoops uniform as he lasted just 2 Cincinnati, Ohio, Brackman He helped lead NC State lete Brackman finally had a power that is North Carolina Continued on Next Page appeared destined to spend to a Sweet 16 appearance his athletic life fighting for following a freshman sea- rebounds and blocking son that saw him play in all shots. While college basket- 34 games, starting 14, and Andrew Brackman, A ball scouts gasped over his scoring 7.4 points per game. ������������������������ physical skills on the court, Once basketball season True Double Threat baseball scouts were equally ended, Brackman switched Page Three impressed at Brackman’s gears to baseball as he ability to throw a baseball 95 started his first game on the miles per hour. mound for the Wolf Pack just Following his senior year seven days after the hoops at Moeller, Brackman’s list of season came to an end. The accolades in both sports was transition, although chal- Passing Along All seemingly as long as he was lenging, was one to which That They’ve Learnedtall. His basketball prowess Brackman had become quite earned him First-Team hon- accustomed. Page Six ors in the state of Ohio and “It’s hard to juggle both he was named Co-Mr. Bas- sports, but I’ve been doing ketball in the Buckeye State it my whole life,” said Brack- as well. On the diamond, his man. “It’s nothing new to me, 1.04 career ERA was seventh but (in college) it’s a higher Will Play For Food best in the history of Ohio level of competition. There Page Fifteen High School baseball. Seeing are different demands in both how he was ranked the 42nd sports...it’s hard, but I’m used best basketball prospect in to it…it’s not that hard of a the nation by Insiders.com transition anymore.” while simultaneously being Once Brackman put away listed as the 18th best se- his sneakers for the spring nior per Team One Baseball, and put on his cleats, the ���������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������

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NICOLE ZARTARIAN Andrew Brackman is a double threat as both a baseball and basketball player in college. Call Display Advertising Today: 508-548-4700 4 SUMMER STARS Thursday, July 20, 2006 Cardinals and Kettleers Continued from Page 3 who is currently ranked as Lead the Way in the 1/3 innings and allowed five the number-two sophomore earned runs in a 13-2 loss to in the country, according to the Bruins. Baseball America. “I love East and West A few weeks later, after a both, but I’m leaning more to- CAPE COD, Mass. - The season is halfway over and it has key match up against Andrew ward baseball because that’s been a soggy one. The feel of that new glove is long gone; Miller and the North Carolina where I think my future is.” cleats have been broken in, players have learned how to Tar Heels, Brackman, real- For the time being, Brack- prepare a field for a game and they have learned that the izing the pain wasn’t going man is enjoying the life of three main roads on Cape Cod are Routes 6, 6A and 28. This away, chose to shut it down a ballplayer on Cape Cod, season, no matter how wet, is still the best for players who for the rest of the season. He despite the fact that he’s are winning games. left the mound for the last allergic to seafood. He also Sitting atop the Eastern and Western Divisions at the half- time in 2006 after pitching knows that being named an way point of the season are the Orleans Cardinals (14-9 in seven innings and allowing alternate to Team USA could the East) and the Cotuit Kettleers (14-6-1 in the West). five runs in a loss to the Tar mean he could be leaving Or- The success of both teams comes as no surprise, as each Heels on April 21. His final leans if a player on its current team ended the 2005 season on a strong note, with Orleans stats for his sophomore sea- roster gets hurt. winning the championship. son were 1-3, with a 6.35 ERA “The Cape is a great op- After last year's championship, Cardinals general manager in just seven games. portunity for players to see Sue Horton "[did] not know what to expect of the team. It is “It was a basketball in- if they can play at the next always changing and even until this point of this season it is jury and I tried to gut it out level,” Brackman said. “But if still changing with lineups. It is fun to watch each personality through baseball season, but someone gets hurt on Team come together and be able to work as a collective unit." it got to be too much,” admit- USA, I’ll be heading down The Cardinals have come together and been able to keep ted Brackman. “I decided to there, too.” their winning ways with pitching and defense. They cur- take the rest of the season off In other words, given the N.C. STATE MEDIA rently have three players in the Top 10 in pitching - Brett and come up here to Cape choice of which elite summer Wolfpack hurler Andrew Cecil (Maryland), Ty Davis (Vanderbilt) and Clayton Shunick Cod and try and play this baseball program he wants Brackman was a late arrival (Georgia State). Meanwhile, they hope to turn around their summer.” to be a part of, his answer is, on Cape Cod but his presence hitting woes in the second half of the season as they know He arrived on Cape Cod in “Both.” is already being felt. it cannot be all up to Matt Wieters (Georgia Tech), who leads late June and quickly assimi- the league in hitting to power the Cards through. lated with his new team, the Players are always adjusting to the Cape League, as the Orleans Cardinals. Though use of wooden bats is especially hard on the hitters. "Hitters his work load has been light, are still learning how to hit the ball inside and pitchers are appearing out of the bullpen learning how to pitch inside," said Cotuit GM Bruce Murphy. in just three games without Murphy felt last year's playoff experience was not disap- allowing a run, Brackman has pointing, even though they did not win the championship. enjoyed his visit on the Cape "The goal year in and year out is to just make the playoffs so far. because you never know what can happen. With every year “I’ve only been here two we hope to advance further and further until we win the weeks, but I’m loving every championship." This year bodes well for the Kettleers, as minute of it,” Brackman said. they have many returning players and are 3-0 against the “The Cape League is every- defending champion Orleans Cardinals. thing I thought it would be. In 2006 so far, the Kettleers are a well-rounded team in The guys are great and we all both hitting and pitching. They lead the league with a team mesh really well. We have a average of .275 and have scored the most runs with 102. common bond in that we just Their pitching has been phenomenal with a league-low 1.87 like to play every day and the ERA helped out by six shutouts. coaches here are great. They The Kettleers plan to steal more bases in the second half treat us like men.” of the season, as head coach Mike Roberts - the father of Though Brackman can Brian Roberts of Baltimore - has a knack for implementing blend in with the extraordi- steals. The Kettleers have several players who can run, such nary talent on the Cape, he as Matt Angle (Ohio State), Eric Farris (Loyola Marymount), knows that someday soon Tony Thomas Jr. (Florida State) and Tony Delmonico (Ten- the summer will end and the nessee). rigors of being a two-sport "It has been a group effort. Everyone on the team is con- Division 1 athlete will begin tributing and you get that when the team is winning," said again. He does realize that Murphy. When asked if he felt there was a MVP on the team eventually the time will come in the first half, no one was able to stand out in his mind. to say good-bye to a sport "On pitching we have Cory Gearrin (Young Harris) who runs he’s loved since he was a full charge out of the bullpen and to the mound every time. boy. When you see him with such enthusiasm you cannot help “I haven’t decided how but believe you will win." long I’m going to play two Murphy also talked about the offense and defense. "On sports”, admitted Brackman the offensive side we have Justin Smoak (South Carolina), a switch hitter who leads the league in hitting, and Eric Farris (Loyola Marymount), who has had many clutch hits. In the field there is Jeffrey Rea (Mississippi State) who adds versa- tility by not only playing second base but also the outfield. Behind the plate is 2005 MVP Sean Gaston (Notre Dame), who adds his leadership and knowledge about the game. It’s not too He works one-on-one with the coaches and they allow him (Gaston) to call the game, which is very rare at the collegiate late to level." As with any team, in order for the Kettleers to continue advertise in their winning ways they will need to stay healthy and be consistent, a difficult task when players are not used to play- ing day in and day out. With all the wet weather across the Cape, Murphy believes, it will come down to the team that Summer is able to hold it together and also have some luck. "I have never seen a summer with so much rain. It is affecting us all; the fans, the players, the volunteers, concession stands and Stars! the revenue." There are 22 Cape League games left (for most teams) before the playoffs start, and look for Orleans and Cotuit not Call the to let up anytime soon as they are prepared for the tough stretch ahead. Both of these seasoned teams should be in Enterprise it to the very end and into the playoffs. Cotuit and Orleans 508-548-4700 only play each other one more time this season, on August 4 in Orleans. It comes in the last three days of the season, so N.C. STATE MEDIA it may be a pivotal game to see who ends up with the best N.C. State’s Andrew Brackman drives to the Hoop in basketball action against the North Carolina. Pick-up basketball on Cape record. By Chad Burkart, CCBL Intern [email protected] Cod may never be the same. Thursday, July 20, 2006 SUMMER STARS 5 A DAY IN THE LIFE Of A Cape League Coach

BY ADAM WARCHAL (Mike) Roberts have pinpoint are responsible for making score of 5-0. A two-game I drive out to the end of main Coaching in the Cape control and enjoy throwing. the field ready for game time. slide is over, and our sights street in Cotuit, walk the sea League hasn’t quite been Early BP isn’t mandatory but At first, the three of us were are now set on Chatham wall for about half a mile, and what I’ve expected. That’s a it’s a great time for some of tripping on each other, not tomorrow. come to a small channel in good thing. It’s my first year the guys who are struggling having worked together pre- When you play every day, the bay. High tide seems to with the Cotuit Kettleers and, to find their groove again. viously. Now, 16 games into especially in the summertime, be rolling in, and the striped for that matter, the league Six players show up for the season, we’re as close to you can’t let your emotions bass aren’t biting, but we itself. As I’ve quickly learned, early hitting today. Three of a well-oiled operation as can get too high after a win or manage to catch a few before coaching in the country’s them haven’t been swing- be expected. In less than 15 too low over a loss. For our dusk. Tomorrow, we will do it premier college summer ing well during the games minutes, Coach McIntosh, players, winning and losing is all again. league isn’t just a “nine-to- and are working of specific Coach Boles, and I have important but it’s our main re- (Adam Warchal is an as- five”. Here’s a glimpse into things. The other three are Lowell Park ready for the first sponsibility as Cape League sistant coach for the Cotuit how you might find yourself just getting in some extra pitch. coaches to make sure they Kettleers. Warchal played spending time as an assistant swings to stay locked in and 4:58 PM: The Star-Span- develop their games and college baseball for Penn coach on the Cape. feeling good at the plate. gled Banner. Best time of the return to their universities State and is an assistant at The following is an aver- The trick as a coach is to day. This is my daily reality better than when they left. Indiana University of Pennsyl- age day in the life of what I recognize which three may check. Like anyone else, at 8:05 PM: Coach Boles and vania.) go through here in the Cape need a confidence boost or times, I lose sight of what’s League. July 7 was like most find a hitting tip useful and important and have a tenden- days, but inside of the norm knowing which guys to just cy to take myself too serious- are some interesting things. leave alone. Most mistakes ly. This sets my mind straight 7 AM: Last night, after our in coaching come through again and puts me back into game against the Y-D Red overcoaching. The best way the proper perspective. Win Sox (Loss, 5-2), we ran out of to mess with a good hitter is or lose, baseball is, and will daylight and weren’t able to to get him thinking. always be, just a game. work on the field. This morn- 2:40 PM: Team batting 5:01 PM: Jay Brown throws ing, I wanted to get some practice means that I’ll be the first pitch against the quality work in, so that Lowell hitting ground balls to our Orleans Cardinals. Jay gives Park would look sharp for the infielders for the next 40 the Kettleers eight tough in- campers. Camp on Fridays is minutes. As a former infielder, nings and leaves with a 3-0 at Lowell Park, home of the I appreciate watching our lead. Since he’s near his pitch Kettleers, and it begins at players day in and day out. count limit, Coach Roberts 8:45. Over a six-week period, In a game, the average fan decides to use someone else the Kettleer organization runs may see our middle infield- for the ninth. Corey Gearrin two camps at separate sites ers spin one or, maybe, two finds out he’s the guy. Now, (Cotuit Elementary and Cen- double plays. We may field there are always interesting treville Elementary schools). six or seven ground balls. As personalities on a baseball At the end of the each week, impressive as some of the team. The Kettleers aren’t both camps combine and plays may appear during a any different. Gearrin is one meet at the Kettleer field. Af- game, what most spectators of the friendliest players I’ve ter about an hour working on don’t get to see is that what coached. He’s great with kids the pitcher’s mound, batters’ appears to be spectacular, is at camp. He’s hardworking boxes and bullpens, the field really routine. at practice. He’s as humble was set up for 75 campers. Eric Farris and Reese Ha- as can be off the field, no 8:45 AM: Camp begins. vens are the middle infielders better than anyone else. But I’ve worked baseball camps for today’s game. In between when I relay the message that in the past, both as a player Coach Roberts peppering the he’s going to enter to close a during my time at Penn strike zone, Coach Boles and game, he flips a switch and State and during the last I alternate hitting ground balls becomes one nasty ballplay- year coaching in the college to short and second. Eric and er. It’s best to leave him alone ranks. Youngsters always like Reese get a solid 30 minutes and not talk unless you want interacting with the players. worth of honing their double to get barked at. That’s a constant. What’s fun play feeds. Corey sprints onto the with camp this time around 4:30 PM: Following pre- mound and wastes no time in Cotuit is that the players game BP and infield/outfield, recording the final three outs. truly enjoy and look forward all three assistant coaches The Kettleers win with a final to making friends with the DON PARKINSON children. Once the campers Cotuit Assistant Coach Adam Warchal surveys the field prior to forget most of the baseball a CCBL matchup. they learned during the week, there’s something that will remain. These youngsters have new heroes. You can see it in their eyes. For me, it’s gratifying to do my best to set a positive example for our ���������� players to follow. That’s what I try to do today. We cover outfield, infield, baserunning, hitting, and pitching during the first half of camp. After a snack break, the campers are herded across the street to an area, where a giant slip-and-slide ��������������� is waiting for them. Camp ends at noon. Noon: Now that camp’s ������������������������� over for the day, there’s a chance to run to the local ������������������������������� deli for some lunch. Coach (Jeremy) Boles and I drive to �������� �������� the store for some snacks ��������������������� ���������������� before we need to be back ������������ ������������ at the field for early batting practice. ����������� �������������� 1:20 PM: Early BP starts around 1:30 PM each day. As DON PARKINSON ������� ������������ coaches, early BP is code for Tending to the field, Assistant Coach Adam Warchal has found ������������ ������������ lots of throwing. Luckily for CCBL responsibilities extend beyond the game itself. ������������������� me, Coach Boles and Coach 6 SUMMER STARS Thursday, July 20, 2006 Passing Along All That They’ve Learned

BY MATTHEW M. BURKE The game of baseball is a game of inches. For a pitcher, missing the strike zone by an inch can cost your team the game. For a hitter, not being able to take a pitch the other way can cost the team a base hit and a game-tying run. The only way to master the game is to learn it from people who know the intricacies of it, the correct form, the most ben- eficial training regimens, and the most advantageous drills; all of which will help young players master the funda- mentals. In Harwich, as well as in ev- ery other Cape League town, the players and the coaching staffs take this very seriously and have been helping to raise a new, more prepared, breed of ballplayer. For Harwich pitching coach, Justin Gordon, 27, there is no better feeling in the world than teaching the game to the next generation. In his first year with the Mari- ner staff, the pitching coach TOM UNDERWOOD from Western Illinois Univer- Mariners players stretch out with a group of youth players at a recent clinic in Harwich. sity is taking his prior teach- ing experience and applying Massasoit Community Col- hit while conveying his vast sons he had started giving in University, where he has been it to make the kids of Harwich lege pitched well enough to knowledge about the game 2000 were expanding, and he the pitching coach for two and the surrounding areas be drafted by the Milwaukee of baseball. The kids shared was soon teaching approxi- years. He is one year away better ballplayers. Brewers in the 32nd round in his passion and his dreams mately 40 lessons per week. from getting his double major “It’s important to me,” 1999. In the mid-90s, Gordon for eventual Major League He was getting more than he degree in turf and sports Coach Gordon said. “There was credited with having a stardom equally. could handle, he said, and he management. He is also in are so many kids that don’t fastball and a strong work Gordon left school to pur- was forced to delegate some his first year as a coach in the know the proper way to do ethic. sue his dreams and spent six of the lessons to friends. Cape Cod Baseball League, things. When you’re work- In the winter of 2000, just years in the Brewers system, After he was released performing pitching coach ing with a kid for a week or a prior to reporting to spring playing for Helena, Ogden, by the Brewers in 2003, duties for the Harwich Mari- month, they’re getting better. training, Gordon began and Beloit, where he record- he pitched for the North ners. There is no better feeling.” teaching at the Taunton Hit- ed a career high 103 strike- Shore Spirit in the Northeast “You can’t do anything Coach Gordon grew up in ting Academy. He showed outs in a season. He played League, based in Lynn, for nowadays without a degree,” Taunton and as a freshman at youngsters how to pitch and his last two years with the one season. He said that he he said. “I didn’t want to be Brewers for the High Desert had a .7 ERA and the Spirit old and starting to work on Mavericks. were within one game of the it.” He kept teaching during the championship, but there were So now Coach Gordon off-seasons and ran an All- no offers from professional guides kids in three different ��������������������� Star baseball camp for Little teams. It was time to move age groups through the differ- Leaguers for three years. He on. High A was the closest to ent stations at the Mariners �������������������� also coached the Southeast the big leagues that Gordon baseball clinic, which takes Region team to a 6–0 record would get, but despite all of place at Whitehouse Field in ���������������������������������� and a Bay State Games that, he could never let go of Harwich. The stations include ����������������������������������������� gold in 2004, not to mention the game he loved. base running, hitting, infield, the fact that he coached at He decided that he wanted and outfield to name a few. ��������������������������������������� Nomar Garciaparra’s baseball to go back to college and Stations last approximately ��������������������������������������� camp when he was in Bos- wanted to continue teach- 20 minutes. ton. ing the game to kids. So he The clinic runs Monday ����������������������� By this time, the private les- took a job at Western Illinois Continued on Next Page Thursday, July 20, 2006 SUMMER STARS 7 CCBL All-Star Game To Passing Along All That Be Broadcast On National Public Radio They’ve Learned Continued from Page 6 munications for the CCBL, has been deeply The 44th annual Cape Cod In addition to www.ca- through Friday and participants can just involved in the clinics in Harwich for almost Baseball League All-Star peandislands.org, the CCBL show up any Monday morning just before five years now. He said the clinics benefit not Game on July 29th at 4 p.m. All-Star Game will also be the beginning of the session to register at only the communities and the players but also at Red Wilson Field in South streamed on www.capecod- the concession stand. For ages 5 to 9, clinic the organization. “The clinics help pay for Yarmouth, will be broadcast- baseball.org, along with all 10 instruction begins at 9 AM and ends at 10:30 travel and uniform expenses,” he said, which ed live on WCAI (90.1 FM), Cape League team Web sites, AM and costs $65 per week; for ages 10 to can be quite costly. “They helps contribute to WNAN (91.1 FM) and WZAI on the Cape Cod Baseball 14, instruction begins at 10:30 and ends at the financial viability of the franchise.” Mc- (94.3 FM), the Cape and League Network powered by noon and also costs $65 per week; for ages Gonigle said that the clinics are the “largest Islands NPR stations, and Cape.Com. Listeners will also 15 to 17, instruction begins at 9:15 and ends single moneymaker” for each team. streamed at www.capeandis- be able to listen to the broad- at 11:15 AM and costs $125 per week. “We’ve got a great staff,” McGonigle added. lands.org. cast by dialing one of the Ages 15 to 17 get more one-on-one instruc- “These kids look up to [the Mariner players] "We're excited about five designated local phone tion, according to Coach Gordon. On Friday like they were playing for the Boston Red reaching a new audience numbers. all the kids play in games and get to show off Sox. These are all memories that kids carry through our partnership with what they learned during the week. for a long, long time.” McGonigle said that The Cape and Islands NPR “The instruction is second to none right the motto of Mariner clinic is “fun-damental.” stations," said League presi- Who's Hot … now,” Coach Gordon said. “The kids (Mari- The Mariner staff teaches but the number one dent Judy Walden Scarafile. ners players) are great. I couldn’t ask for it to goal is for the kids who attend to have fun "It's outstanding having our And Who's Not go any better. These (Mariners team) are the playing the game. premier event broadcasted Matt Wieters (Georgia best 25 guys I’ve ever been around. They get For MacDonald and Thomas, the teaching on such a prestigious me- Tech) of Orleans is the cur- there early, and it’s a total team effort. It’s go- experience they receive now could possibly dium." rent CCBL leader with a ing to be a tough team to lose when mid-Au- carry over should they not make the Major Cape and Islands NPR .344 batting average, while gust comes around.” Leagues. This way, like Coach Gordon, they stations Broadcast Director Chatham's Chris Carrara Daniel MacDonald, 20, a pitcher from Seton can be a part of baseball for the rest of their Steve Young added, "Some (Winthrop) and Harwich's Hall works at the camps and feels that they lives. people have been surprised Josh Donaldson (Auburn) benefit the players as well as the kids. Not “I’m hoping to take baseball as far as I can to hear that an NPR station is are tied for second at .333 … only does he have a summer job that involves go,” Thomas said. “Maybe down the road… broadcasting sports, but this Falmouth outfielder Warren baseball, he said, but also getting up early coaching definitely appeals to me.” MacDon- game fits right into our stated McFadden (Tulane) leads the and being mentally and physically active ald emphatically added, “I’m definitely into TOM UNDERWOODmission to 'celebrate the CCBL with six homers and 19 prepares him for the games that follow that coaching, I want to stay a part of the game. Mariners players stretch out with a group of youth players at a recent clinic in Harwich. uniqueness of the communi- runs scored, while Matt Riz- evening. I’m going to coach for the rest of my life.” ties that we serve.' zotti (Manhattan) of Chatham “It’s something we should do,” he said of So while the kids learn to play ball, the "Baseball fans the world is still the league leader with giving back to the community and impart- ballplayers learn to teach, and in the end, over know that Cape Cod 18 RBIs … Buster Posey ing baseball knowledge to Cape Cod’s youth everyone at the Harwich clinics has fun in the communities, in the sum- (Florida State) of Y-D has population. “Teaching kids what I’ve learned process. mer, are THE places to watch accounted for a pace-set- is my favorite part. If I could pass that on, the major league players of ting 31 hits, while Donaldson that’s the best.” tomorrow. We're very excited leads with nine doubles … Teammate Devin Thomas, a 21-year-old that, with our wide listening Shaun Seibert (Arkansas) of catcher from Brown, played for Cotuit last area and our online stream- Brewster in 29 innings and year and took part in their summer clinics. He ing, we'll be bringing the very Jay Brown (Young Harris) in said that while the Cotuit clinic is bigger than best of those future players, 20 innings are the pitching the Mariners, the objective is still the same. and the very best of Cape leaders with a 3-0 record and “I just try to make sure [the kids] have fun,” Cod, to our listeners, wher- a perfect 0.00 ERA … Joshua he said. “It’s a great way to spend a summer ever they might be," said Fields (Georgia) of Y-D leads if you’re a baseball player.” He said that the Young. the CCBL with seven saves, friendships he forges with the kids has been a CHUCK BORGE Dan Rubin, Internet broad- while Brewster's Cody Crow- wonderful part of the experience. Commodore Chris Dabrowiecki gets a turn be- cast voice of the Yarmouth- ell (Vanderbilt) has struck out Jim McGonigle, who serves as treasurer hind the plate at a recent youth clinic in Fal- Dennis Red Sox, will provide a league-leading 35 batters for the Mariners as well as director of com- mouth. play-by-play, with color com- … Cotuit still leads the league mentary from the league's with a .274 team batting aver- Director of Public Relations age and is also the pitching & Broadcasting, John Garner, leader with a 1.97 team ERA Jr. … Bourne is at the bottom of Forty-six of the top play- the league statistics in team ers in the Cape League, 23 batting (.204) and pitching from both the East and West (4.42 ERA). ������������� Divisions, will be selected by John Garner, Jr., the field managers on July Director of Public Relations 25 and announced by CCBL & Broadcasting ������������ Commissioner Paul Galop. ���������������������������������� ������������������ ���������������� ������������������ ������������������ ���������������������

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Ballpark of the Week Welcome To Margaritaville

BY MATTHEW M. BURKE cluding Red Sox catchers Doug McKeon Park isn’t just a Mirabelli and Jason Varitek. ballpark; it represents some- On July 12, another classic thing more important. The element of Cape Cod emerged white posts that hold up the at McKeon: the weather. netting behind home plate The Hyannis Mets hosted the resemble a piece of a sailboat; Harwich Mariners last Wednes- the white seashells that deco- day night and, with one out rate the grounds are a portal in the bottom of the second to the beach. Even the solid inning, the game was called off blue paint job on the wooden due to rain. Mets staff, armed bleachers and the Margarita- with rakes and buckets of sand, ville style ‘Mets Mart’ merchan- attempted to save the day by dise store, were crafted in the keeping the field dry at the MATTHEW BURKE quintessential Cape Cod style. mound and around the plate, but The best view in the park is along the third base line up on the hill. McKeon Park, only two miles in the end, the umpires felt that from the Kennedy compound, the game could not continue as Paul II High School. The field is a generous philanthropist, fans the game I attended. on Irving and Marchant av- fans scrambled for their cars. located behind the school. can keep the foul balls they Best Feature: The best enues in Hyannisport, is a The score was even at 1-1 For some reason there catch. At most other parks, feature of McKeon Park is the symbol of Cape Cod and all when the game was called due doesn’t seem to be enough fans are encouraged to turn the Cape Cod feel created by the the classic elements that have to the elements. The game will parking at McKeon. The park- balls in, often exchanged for a crushed shells, white posts, made the Cape a premier tour- be made up in its entirety on ing lot seemed remarkably 50/50 raffle ticket. The balls are and matching blue paint on the ist destination. Monday, July 24, at 5 PM. full for a rainy day. There were sold at McKeon for $6. wooden bleachers. The quaint, The Hyannis Mets are a Best Place to Park: The cars parking on the lawn and Other best buys at McKeon cozy, snack shack and souve- storied Cape League franchise. best place to park at McKeon in unorthodox spots on the include Mets key chains for $2, nir stand look like a small Cape They have churned out Major is in one of the parking spots property, yet the stands were lanyards for $3, Mets pennants Cod cottage or scenes from Leaguer after Major Leaguer, in- that surround the Pope John not nearly filled to capacity. for $3, fridge magnets for $1.50, a ballfield Jimmy Buffet might Despite the absence of stu- beach balls for $3, pencils for build. McKeon will surely leave dents at the school during the $1, baby bibs for $8, and large an imprint of the Cape on tour- summer months, there is al- CCBL pennants for $5. All of the ists and make residents proud ways the possibility that there Mets merchandise looks good to be at the park. The seashells was a meeting or teachers and is extremely well made. were an impressive touch. The working inside, but the number According to Karen Hurley beautiful landscaping also of cars seemed disproportion- and Maura Bussiere, who work added to the atmosphere. ate to the number of fans. the Mets Mart during Mets home The Park: McKeon Park is Patrons of McKeon should games, there are normally two a wonderful park to take in a • get to the park early for the merchandise racks put out for game, rain or shine. The facili- CAPE LEAGUE BASEBALL – READ All About It! best spot. Games start at 5 the fans, but due to the rain ties are excellent, despite the “A must read for every fan!” PM, so fans should plan on ar- on July 12, the racks holding lackluster Pope John Paul II – Judy Walden Scara le, President riving at 4:15 PM. T-shirts, jackets, and golf shirts High School facilities that were Cape Cod Baseball League Best Place to Watch: The were nowhere to be seen. roped off with yellow tape on best place to take in a game Ms. Hurley and Ms. Bussiere July 12. Also, the road into “A fascinating book as accessible to at McKeon Park is down the said that the Mets offer both McKeon was filled with pot- the novice as to the die-hard fan ... will third base line, adjacent to the home and away fitted caps holes, which took away from surely delight both locals and tourists ... leftfielder, up on the hill. The for $25. They are very popular an otherwise beautiful ballpark. a lively narrative covering every aspect Mets have even put wooden items and given the look and The approach road and of the league.” – The Cape Codder bleachers up to accommodate quality, the hats are a best buy parking issues aside, the park fans that prefer that particular for the price. makes for a great experience “Makes you pine for summer and baseball view. The bleachers seem out The Mets offer a member that every Cape Cod resident 365 days a year!” – Peter Frechette, of place, set back from the discount of 20 percent off on and every visitor should enjoy Coordinating Producer, Touching the Game MATTHEW BURKE field, but they are just right. merchandise. Memberships are at least once. However, be- Be sure the get a cheeseburger in paradise, while here in “Mar- There are metal bleachers $20 for an individual and $40 cause of the shells, a wheel- garitaville.” behind home plate that also of- for a family. chair would have difficulty Beach Chairs and Baseball Bats fer an amazing view, but they are Food: The food at McKeon getting down to the field. A Celebration of the Cape Cod Baseball League usually filled with scouts. If you is typical baseball park food. Several female patrons of- by Steve Weissman Go inside the nation’s premier bring a foldout chair to McKeon, Their hot dogs for $1.50 looked fered me shelter from the rain Go behind the scenes, into the dug- college summer league! you simply can’t go wrong. tasty, but even in the rain, chil- for a spell under their umbrella, out, and onto the  eld! See how the Best Buys: Free is always dren flocked to the concession which showed that McKeon’s teams are built, how the games come 222 pages ... 100+ never- the best buy and if you are stand for nachos with cheese fans are some of the nicest. to be, and what a season is like for before-published photos! lucky enough to be standing in for $2.50. Soda, water, and How Far I Got on 20 Bucks: I the players, scouts, host families, the right place at the right time, coffee for $1 were normal for ran for my car after seeing two team volunteers, tourists, and towns- Stories of 3 dozen+ players since drafted by MLB! you may be lucky enough to CCBL parks as was popcorn exciting innings of baseball, my people who make it all so special! catch the best buy at McKeon for $1, peanuts for $1, and ice camera and notebook getting Park. The Mets announce be- cream for $1 or $2. Pizza is wet, and my clothing soaked. See excerpts and order at www.theballyard.com fore their games that thanks to normally available, but not for I realized that I had not spent the $20 that I normally do to Also available at all Cape League  elds, see how far I could get. It was selected Cape Cod bookstores, and Amazon.com too late to turn back. But if I had had the chance, I would have purchased a hot dog for $1.50 and a drink for $1 to try the food. I would have purchased a Mets key chain for $2 and matching lanyard for $3. The orange and blue colors of the Mets were quite appealing. I also would have purchased a Hyannis Mets baby bib for $8 as a gift for a friend of mine’s newborn son and a Mets pennant for $3 as a gift to my father. I’m a sucker for a good ice cream and on that hot sum- mer night, I would have most likely spent my last $1.50 in that manner. McKeon Park was beautiful, despite the school facilities. The parking situation was wor- risome and the handicapped accessibility issue played on my mind… .But anything is MATTHEW BURKE MATTHEW BURKE worth watching a baseball The Mets Mart doubles as a perch for the local broadcasters Scouts assemble behind home plate with their usual arsenal of game in Margaritaville. 4 stars. and offers a wide array of goods for fans. radar guns and notebooks. Thursday, July 20, 2006 SUMMER STARS 9

Cotuit Pitcher

MATTHEW BURKE The best view in the park is along the third base line up on the hill.

SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCOTT Wally, the Green Monster, made his way from Fenway to Brew- ster to celebrate the Whitecaps’ new field grand opening. SPORTPIX PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCOTT PHOTO BY MATTHEW SPORTPIX • CAPE LEAGUE BASEBALL – READ All About It! “A must read for every fan!” – Judy Walden Scara le, President Cape Cod Baseball League “A fascinating book as accessible to Jay the novice as to the die-hard fan ... will Kettleers surely delight both locals and tourists ... a lively narrative covering every aspect BROWN of the league.” – The Cape Codder

“Makes you pine for summer and baseball KK Codders’ Player of the Week 365 days a year!” – Peter Frechette, Jay Brown, of the Cotuit Kettleers and Young Harris, Georgia, Coordinating Producer, has had quite an outstanding summer thus far. The right-handed Touching the Game pitcher recently went to 3-0 with an eight innings of five-hit, shut- out baseball, with eight K’s and no walks, against Orleans as the Beach Chairs and Baseball Bats Kettleers took down a 5-0 win in a matchup between the top two A Celebration of the Cape Cod Baseball League teams in the Cape League. Brown, who has worked out of the by Steve Weissman Go inside the nation’s premier pen and as a starter, leads the league with a 0.00 earned-run av- Go behind the scenes, into the dug- college summer league! erage and had an amazing 5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, fanning out, and onto the  eld! See how the 20 and walk- teams are built, how the games come 222 pages ... 100+ never- “Cape Cod Dining as it should be!” to be, and what a season is like for before-published photos! ing just four. the players, scouts, host families, 465 Grand Avenue, Falmouth Heights 508-299-8200 team volunteers, tourists, and towns- Stories of 3 dozen+ players since drafted by MLB! people who make it all so special! See excerpts and order at www.theballyard.com Check out SummerStars on the web @ Also available at all Cape League  elds, selected Cape Cod bookstores, and Amazon.com www.capenews.net ���������

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IS IT A RAIN OUT? CALL 508-432-6909 Thursday, July 20, 2006 SUMMER STARS 11 Batting Around A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League West Division Roundup Kettleers Still Out in Front them to the top, while more Coming into the game with losses, the Gatemen have sports movie of all time was Since the and more fans at Lowell Park a three-game losing streak, had little help at the plate. released, Shooter was born season's start, are hoping and believing this the Gatemen battled the Despite falling seven of into a sports crazed family the Cotuit ball may roll pretty far. Whitecaps of Brewster in a their last eight games, the whose love for Hoosiers was Kettleers have By Nicholas Mucci, CCBL pitcher's duel between Ware- Gatemen have received help undoubtedly incomparable. been much Intern ham's Chris Hicks (Georgia in the Western Division and Much like Hopper in the like a ball roll- [email protected] Tech) and Brewster's Cody continue to remain in second film, Shooter has delivered a ing down a hill, picking up Crowell (Vanderbilt). With only place. Wareham will take stellar performance thus far steam as they go. Consis- Holding onto Second in four hits generated offen- the four-game losing streak for the Commodores. After tency is an understatement Wareham sively in the win, the Gatemen (through Friday) back home pitching out of the bullpen to describe the way this team After post- saw the first and only run on Sunday to face the Bourne early in the season to get has played thus far. Despite ing a strong cross the plate in the fourth Braves before an afternoon acclimated to the league, a few minor letdowns each record when Jason Ogata (LSU) home crowd. Hunt has settled in nicely week, the team goes to the early in the followed a leadoff single By Daniel Scalia, CCBL to a starting role and has park, hits some batting prac- season, the with two stolen bases and a Intern positioned himself among tice and simply takes care of Wareham passed ball, leading to a 1-0 [email protected] the league's elite pitchers. its opponent with ease. Gatemen victory. Hicks was awarded This is quite an accomplish- Success, which should have seen better days come his first win in as many starts Hunt Shooting for Perfection ment, knowing the caliber of be spelled with a capital week's end. Still maintaining for the Gatemen, throwing six Here's a players that annually pass "S" for the Kettleers, has the second-place spot in the innings of three-hit baseball. name for through the league. spawned from some pretty Western Division, the Gate- Nick Cassavechia (Baylor) you: Shoot- In three starts with Virginia basic, fundamental baseball men have been experiment- and Connor Graham (Mi- er Hunt. this past spring, the freshman that anyone can understand. ing defensively in efforts to ami-Ohio) closed it out, with Commo- didn't factor in any decisions, Timely hitting, unselfish play, find the perfect lineup. Graham being awarded his dore fans but managed to strike out an and some dominant pitching Beginning the week with fourth save. or casual impressive 33 batters in 33 by a staff that is the premier a three-game homestand, The Gatemen followed their onlook- innings. Highly recruited out bunch this side of Fenway the Gatemen were hosts to first and only win of the week ers who of high school, Shooter was have propelled this team to the Cotuit Kettleers. De- with two strong pitching per- engross named the Gatorade Player the top of the standings. spite multi-hit games by formances by Riley Boening themselves of the Year for New Jersey The Kettleers' team accom- both Bradley Suttle (Texas) (Texas) and Travis Banwart in great Cape League action merely one year ago. This plishments have been most and Diallo Fon (Vanderbilt), (Wichita State). Banwart left this summer may pick up a spring, Hunt found himself in impressive through this point including a solo home run by his outing Wednesday night stat sheet and wonder, how the late innings against ACC in the season. They lead the Suttle in the second, Ware- clutching his right elbow, did he get this name? Funny rival and then top-ranked league in batting average at ham's share of costly errors but is expected to appear you should ask. Clemson University on the .278, 17 points higher than eventually led to the loss. for his next start. Wareham "After Dennis Hopper's opening weekend of ACC the next team despite recent With a late-inning rally started has always been known for character 'Shooter' in the play. slips in production. Their by Robert Lara (LSU) in the dominance on the mound, movie Hoosiers," said the six- Hunt's work ethic and pitching staff is 15-6 with a seventh, the Gatemen could but unfortunately has seen foot-three righthander from "Hoosier" attitude has help 1.88 ERA, good for first in the no longer tame the bats of little offensive production in Wyckoff, New Jersey. mold him into the player is league as well. This staff led the streaking Kettleers in the the past week. Posting just Born in 1986, the same today, and it is paying big by Dan Delucia (Ohio State), 6-4 defeat. seven hits in two consecutive year that USA Today's best Continued on Next Page James Simmons (UC River- side), and Jay Brown (Young Harris) has been at the top of the league from the begin- ning as well. They don't lead the league in strikeouts; in fact, they stand dead last in that category, which makes this feat even more unbeliev- able. Cotuit doesn't boast an overpowering staff - they simply know how to pitch. They are intelligent pitchers who have one of the league's best catchers in Sean Gas- ton (Notre Dame) calling the shots. On offense, they do pos- sess some power led by the big bats of Justin Smoak (South Carolina), Kyle Russell (Texas) and Jeff Rea (Missis- sippi State). Each has driven in over 10 runs and has been known to have a little extra power to hit a few long balls as well. Cotuit is sitting on top of the West for the time being, with a comfortable seven- point lead on Wareham and eight points on a hot Fal- mouth team that has won six of its last seven games. Assuming they keep the ball rolling, there may be no stopping this team whose attack is led by head coach Mike Roberts, who has instilled in his players an un- selfish mentality that may be unmatched in this league. It's MATTHEW BURKE this attitude that has brought Local fans get a chat session with Mets’ shortstop Ryan Flaherty during a rain delay. 12 SUMMER STARS Thursday, July 20, 2006 Batting Around A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League EASTERN DIVISION W L T PTS STREAK LAST 10 YARMOUTH-DENNIS 16 11 0 32 W 8 9-1 West Roundup Continued... BREWSTER 15 11 2 32 L 1 6-4 ORLEANS 15 12 1 31 L 1 3-7 Continued from Page 11 nis was once again shut out, Wright. HARWICH 11 14 0 22 W 1 5-5 dividends right now in the this time by Chatham. The The Braves traveled to Co- CHATHAM 10 14 1 21 L 2 3-7 Cape League. Hunt is boast- Mets, who have displayed tuit the following night to face WESTERN DIVISION W L T PTS STREAK LAST 10 ing a 2-0 record, a minuscule strong offense in the past few the Kettleers in a game that COTUIT 16 7 1 33 L 1 7-3 1.48 ERA, and is second in weeks, struggled in Chatham ended in a tie. The game was WAREHAM 14 14 0 28 W 2 3-7 the league in strikeouts with and throughout the remainder stopped after nine innings of 32, three shy of the league- of the week. play due to darkness at Low- through July 16, 2006 through FALMOUTH 12 13 1 25 W 1 6-4 HYANNIS 11 12 2 24 W 1 5-5 leading Cody Crowell (Van- However, players remain ell Park. The Braves struck DIVISION STANDINGS BOURNE 4 16 2 10 L 3 3-7 derbilt) of Brewster. positive. Mets pitcher Matt early, scoring one run in each Shooter gives much praise Daly (Hawaii), who had his of the fi rst three innings. BATTING TOP 10 to his father, who was the best outing yet against Bourne once again sought (MINIMUM 70 PLATE APPEARANCES) coach of his high school Bourne on Sunday, notes, "I support from Krum, who went BATTER CLUB AVG G AB R H HR RBI team. Seeing him through think this week we were in a 3-for-4 at the plate in the tie. years of ups and downs, it slump. It happens. We have Following back-to-back Cash, David BOU .338 16 65 11 22 0 5 should come as no surprise confi dence that we will get nights of rainouts, the Braves Wieters, Matt OLN .333 19 72 6 24 3 12 that Hunt's parents attended back on track in the weeks headed back home to face Sommer, Luke YRD .317 25 63 10 20 2 13 one of their son's two domi- leading up to the All-Star the Chatham A's in a battle Donaldson, HAR .315 24 92 15 29 3 14 nating starting performances Game and playoffs." between cellar dwellers. The Josh this season. On that day, The Mets look to rebound Braves starter, Bobby Bell Posey, Buster YRD .312 27 109 15 34 1 12 Shooter gave them a Hoo- at Brewster on Sunday, and (Rice), pitched well over 5 Carrara, Chris CHA .306 19 62 13 19 0 2 siers-like outing, mowing with four of their next fi ve 1/3 innings, giving up two Bianucci, YRD .306 18 62 13 19 3 7 down opposing batters and games after that at home, earned runs and striking out Michael letting his parents do nothing hopefully Mother Nature fi ve. Despite the strong effort Angle, Matt COT .303 24 76 15 23 1 6 but smile. won't rain on their parade. at the plate by David Cash, Rea, Jeffrey COT .301 23 93 19 28 0 14 The Commodores have By Courtney Reilly, CCBL who went 2-for-5 with a triple Farris, Eric COT .299 22 67 9 20 0 8 held on to third place in the Intern and a run scored, the Braves West through this week, hop- [email protected] struggled offensively in their HOME RUNS ing to climb in the standings losing efforts. McFadden, FAL 6 when they get a shot at fi rst- Performing impressively Warren Braves Starting to Turn place Cotuit on Sunday. Things Around for the Braves in the bullpen, Dykstra, Allan CHA 4 By Nicholas Mucci, CCBL Unfortu- Andrew Carignan (North Smoak, Justin COT 4 Intern nately for Carolina) has struck out Wallace, Brett FAL 4 [email protected] the Bourne seven batters in three innings LaPorta, BRW 4 Braves, the of relief in three appearances Matthew Rain, Rain Go Away weather since his arrival from the Col- RBI The Hyan- continues to lege World Series. Rizzotti, Matt CHA 18 nis Mets are be uncooperative and the By Daniel Scalia, CCBL Emaus, Brad YRD 16 in need of a rainouts continue to pile up. Intern Mooreland, BOU 15 rest. Al- With their fi fth week in a row [email protected] Mitch though the featuring at least one rainout, McFadden, FAL 15 Mets had two "off" days this the Braves have had two Warren week due to the inclement games postponed due to the Dave Gavitt LaPorta, BRW 15 weather, they appear tired. weather this past week. Matthew Hyannis has lost its last three In efforts to quiet the re- Honored By STOLEN BASES games and fallen from third cently hot bats of the Hyan- Carrara, Chris CHA 11 to fourth place in the Western nis Mets, the Braves viewed Big East Gotcher, Ryan WAR 11 Division. The three-game los- an impressive performance Kaiser, Kody OLN 11 ing streak started off against thrown by Tom Farmer (Ak- Former CCBL fi eld Leclerc, Brian BOU 10 the Bourne Braves, who hold ron) on Sunday. Farmer be- manager and basketball Brown, Corey CHA 9 the worst record in the league gan the game with fi ve no-hit coaching legend Dave (4-13-2). Sunday's 5-0 loss to innings, pushing the Braves TEAM AVG AB R H HR BB SO SB CS Gavitt will be honored by BATTING Bourne produced a domino along to their third win in their The BIG EAST Confer- Cotuit .269 788 124 212 11 110 175 30 19 effect, as the team fell to last four games. Despite Hy- ence with a special tribute Chatham, Harwich and Cotuit annis putting the leadoff man Falmouth .255 926 113 236 24 69 252 25 19 event for its founder and later in the week. on in the fi rst fi ve innings, the Hyannis .244 812 81 198 4 85 176 17 10 2006 Naismith Basketball The loss to Bourne came Braves witnessed four double Harwich .229 830 91 190 10 79 196 40 22 Hall of Fame inductee at in large part on account of plays turned by middle in- the Rhode Island Conven- Yarmouth- .224 875 123 196 20 91 173 31 14 a slow start on the pitching fi elders Brett Bartles (Duke) Dennis tion Center in Providence, mound. Alex Hale (Richmond) and Andy Goff (Wake Forest). Brewster .223 913 117 204 15 116 181 19 14 R.I. on August 10 at 5:30 lasted only two innings. The Austin Krum (Dallas Baptist) Orleans .222 898 90 199 9 92 229 32 14 p.m. The conference has Braves' Austin Krum (Dallas led the Braves offensively in Wareham .213 898 105 191 7 113 207 48 11 scheduled this tribute Baptist) and Mitch Mooreland the fi rst with a solo homer of because tickets to the Chatham .210 803 89 169 9 100 220 40 10 (Mississippi) capitalized on his own followed by a Mitch Bourne .205 696 65 143 4 78 188 21 13 enshrinement ceremony in Hale's struggle to put up two Mooreland (Mississippi State) Springfi eld, Mass. are lim- ADDITIONAL BATTING LEADERS homers in the fi rst inning. two-run shot just two batters ited. Tickets for the event HITS Bourne would continue from later. The Braves scored three are $100 per person and there and never look back. runs in the fi rst on pace to Posey, Buster YRD 34 should be made payable Although Matt Daly (Hawaii) the 5-0 victory. Donaldson, HAR 29 to the BIG EAST Confer- and Gary Lee (South Caro- With one inning proving Josh ence: Attn: DAVE GAVITT lina-Aiken) provided strong to be the signifi cant turning Rea, Jeffrey COT 29 TRIBUTE, BIG EAST Con- pitching for the rest of the point of the game, the Braves Mangini, Matt HYA 28 ference, 222 Richmond St. game, the Braves offense looked again to Krum for sup- DOUBLES Suite 110, Providence, R.I. remained unfazed. Offen- port against the streaking 02903. The conference will Donaldson, HAR 9 sively, the Mets faced several Cotuit Kettleers. Cotuit man- Josh assemble a unique "video missed opportunities and aged all of their eight runs in tribute book," which will Russell, Kyle COT 8 the closest chance to scor- the fourth inning to defeat the SLUGGING PERCENTAGE run during the event. It is ing was in the fi fth inning Braves. Bourne was unable designed to allow both Smoak, Justin COT .525 when Mark McGonigle (New to generate any runs offen- individuals and organiza- Donaldson, Josh HAR .511 Orleans) advanced to third on sively until the ninth inning, tions to offer their formal McFadden, FAL .510 a David Macias (Vanderbilt) which featured a double by Warren congratulations and best single. Ty Wright (Oklahoma State). wishes to Dave and his Wallace, Brett FAL .500 Monday, despite a strong Krum displayed excellence at wife Julie and help to off- Bianucci, YRD .500 seven innings by pitcher Aar- the plate once again (going 2- set costs of the event. Michael on Brown (Houston), Hyan- for-3) and received help from Thursday, July 20, 2006 SUMMER STARS 13 Batting Batting Around Around A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League East Division Roundup CAPE COD LEAGUE LEADERS (Through Games Of 7/16/06) Red Sox on a Roll Cape Cod Baseball is all that trophy, too. Backing up De- about. They hope to contin- Matt on offense and start- PITCHING TOP 10 (MINIMUM 20 IP) spite ue their success on Sunday, ing the home run derby this PITCHER CLUB W-L ERA IP H BB SO the hosting the Chatham A's at week among the Whitecaps Seibert, Shaun BRW 3-0 0.00 29 16 17 25 rainy Red Wilson Field at 5 p.m. is Justin Snyder (San Diego), Brown, Jay COT 3-0 0.00 20 10 4 16 weather By Courtney Reilly, CCBL In- who hit his second homer and tern reilly@capecodbaseball. of the season Sunday and Hargrove, CHA 2-0 0.59 31 13 13 21 cool org increased his RBI total to 10 Ricky temper- with a two-run double against Kopp, David FAL 2-1 0.77 23 16 6 13 atures, Moving On Up Orleans Friday. Justin is also Cecil, Brett OLN 1-0 0.87 21 9 8 27 the Yarmouth-Dennis Red The doing well in the outfield; Davis, Ty OLN 2-1 0.94 29 17 13 25 Sox are hot. The Sox have Whitecaps former Whitecaps president Bleich, Jeremy WAR 1-1 1.23 22 16 5 19 won six of their last seven are moving Gene L'Etoile said, "some Simmons, James COT 3-1 1.26 36 25 1 27 games and are now in third on up, to of the catches he makes are place in the Eastern Division. first place unbelievable." Farmer, Tom BOU 1-1 1.26 29 16 14 25 Y-D started the season in last in the Continuing with the home Moreau, CHA 0-2 1.29 21 12 6 13 place, but this week thanks to Eastern run count, Colin Cowgill Nathan strong offense and unyielding Division. (Kentucky) hit his second WINS defense, they have proved Having won four and tied homer on Tuesday and is tied Watson, Tony HAR 4 they are stiff competition in one of six games this week, for first with Snyder and Matt SAVES the race for the champion- Brewster has been on a roll Cusick (USC) in doubles with ship. - and from the looks of the four apiece. Jared Clark (CS Fields, Joshua YRD 7 After a week filled with Whitecaps, they are hungry Fullerton) also hit his second Demel, Sam FAL 6 rain, stir-crazy fans took in for a championship. It seems homer of the season Tuesday. Cecil, Brett OLN 6 the sun as they flocked to their previous lucky streak Colt Sedbrook (Arizona) Latham, Daniel HYA 6 Red Wilson Field to see Y-D has turned into solid perfor- hit a leadoff home run to STRIKEOUTS take on the Falmouth Com- mance, and from hitting to start his tally on Tuesday modores. One week before, pitching the Whitecaps are and came in as a pinch-hit- Doyle, Terry YRD 39 the Sox fell to Falmouth 5-3, getting the job done. ter in the ninth inning Friday Crowell, Cody BRW 37 but this week they literally Now, it is true that no one to hit an RBI single that tied Watson, Tony HAR 33 came out swinging. Y-D set person is responsible for a the game at 3-3. That game Hunt, Shooter FAL 32 the tone in the first inning as win or a loss, but there is eventually ended in a tie DeVries, Cole BRW 32 Tyler Henry (Rice) scored on no denying the effect Matt against Orleans, which kept TEAM W-L ERA H CG SHO SV HR BB SO a Buster Posey (Florida State) LaPorta (Florida) has on the the Whitecaps in first place. PITCHING out at second. They would Whitecaps. Brewster head Last but definitely not least add another run to the board coach Bob Macaluso said, is pitcher Shaun Seibert (Ar- Cotuit 16-7 1.93 163 0 6 4 8 64 162 in the second when a Danny "He has been a boost to our kansas), the top pitcher in the Chatham 10-14 2.41 159 2 2 5 7 80 180 Lehmann (Rice) single to right offense and is playing nice league who got his third win of Wareham 14-14 2.85 224 1 2 7 6 83 208 field allowed Jordan Pacheco first base as well." the season this week, giving Orleans 15-12 2.87 196 0 3 8 15 114 188 (New Mexico) to advance to Matt is very well known on him a record of 3-0. He has a Harwich 11-14 3.16 176 1 4 6 11 96 229 third. Luke Sommer's (San the Cape. Being chosen by mind-blowing 0.00 ERA in 28 Francisco) sacrifice bunt the Boston Red Sox in the 2/3 innings with 25 strikeouts. Yarmouth- 16-11 3.22 202 2 4 11 15 110 243 Dennis allowed Pacheco to score draft is one reason he is a At this time, the team is all and the Sox were up 2-0. The Cape Cod favorite. Then add here and has been able to Hyannis 11-12 3.24 209 0 1 7 13 95 190 Commodores answered back what he did to help the 2004 play together for a couple Brewster 15-11 3.38 238 1 1 9 14 106 206 with a combined five runs in Y-D Red Sox get to the cham- of weeks, and it is obvious Falmouth 12-13 3.51 191 0 4 7 17 102 211 the second and third innings. pionship along with what he Coach Macaluso and his staff Bourne 4-16 4.48 180 0 2 2 7 89 180 But the fourth inning exhib- has been doing for the 2006 put together a great group of ited just how much the Sox Whitecaps. And with all the ballplayers. So, if all things ADDITIONAL PITCHING LEADERS have improved since the start autograph seekers around remain constant, we are look- GAMES of the season. Y-D scored a him, some might argue he is ing at a definite playoff team. Cassavechia, WAR 16 total of six runs and left Com- practically a celebrity. Matt By Johnna DeChristoforo, Nicki modore starter Kris Dobrow- loves it, saying, "It's good to CCBL Intern dechristoforo@c Demel, Sam FAL 14 iecki (Northeastern) and his be back enjoying the fans." apecodbaseball.org Lee, Gary HYA 12 teammates in dismay. Sean He is a native of Port Graham, Connor WAR 12 Morgan (Tulane) replaced Charlotte, Fla., and has SHUTOUTS Dobrowiecki later that inning, been a Gator for three years. Cardinals Bid Farewell to but the damage had already This will be his final year at Valencia Woodard, CHA 1 been done. Florida, where he has made The best Robert The sixth-inning scoring a lasting impression on his song to Doyle, Terry YRD 1 extravaganza that resulted in team. One of his many ac- summarize Hume, Donnie YRD 1 six runs for Y-D was kicked complishments is being only the roster INNINGS PITCHED off by a Mike Bianucci (Au- two home runs away from for a Cape Boening, Riley WAR 39.0 burn) home run that drove beating a school record of 55. Cod Base- Shunick, Clayton OLN 37.0 home Pacheco and Lehmann. Although Matt can hit all ball League Not to be outdone, Sommer over the field, which is why team would Crowell, Cody BRW 36.2 followed Bianucci with an- he is leading his team and probably be David Bowie's Simmons, James COT 35.2 other homer for the Sox. With tied at second in the league "Changes." An ordinary roster Doyle, Terry YRD 35.2 two outs, Brad Emaus (Tu- with 15 RBIs, he is well will see several additions and LOSSES lane) stepped up to the plate known for his home run hit- subtractions throughout the Gardner, Matt BOU 4 … the result? You guessed ting ability. He is currently year, and it is up to the field it … another home run! The tied for second in the league manager to adapt to these Several 3 Players Tied at Sox took the lead at 8-5 and with four homers. Matt attri- changes. never looked back. butes his success to his faith: The Orleans Cardinals lost WALKS The Commodores tried to "I rely on God for my strength one of their top hitters last Surkamp, Eric OLN 18 answer back, but only man- and to let me have fun in the week to Major League Base- Seibert, Shaun BRW 17 aged to score a total of three game." ball. Danny Valencia (Miami) Daly, Matt HYA 17 runs in the sixth and ninth Matt said he is here to was drafted by the Minnesota Doyle, Terry YRD 17 innings. After the homer-filled "play against good competi- Twins in the 19th round of fourth, the Sox put up five tion, make friends, and win a June's amateur draft but de- HOME RUNS ALLOWED more runs to end the game championship for Brewster." layed signing with the Twins Dobrowiecki, FAL 9 with the 11-8 win. There are a couple other until last week. This allowed Kris Yarmouth-Dennis provided guys who are certainly work- him to make a stop with the DeVries, Cole BRW 5 its fans with a taste of what ing hard to help bring home Continued on Next Page Don, Johnny HAR 4 14 SUMMER STARS Thursday, July 20, 2006 Batting Around WILL PLAY A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League East Roundup Continued...

Continued from Page 13 Tough Times in Harwich and showing the baseball "The doubleheader gives the Tuesday's night off turned Orleans Cardinals, where he This community all he has to offer. kids a well deserved day off into three nights off due to played third base and hit .269 week has As Josh wants to showcase from games." However, the rain showers on Wednesday with 3 home runs. not been his dominance at the plate, doubleheader didn't work out and Thursday. The time off The announcement of Va- very pleas- he is also fueled by his desire well for Chatham. The Fal- gave the A's offense some lencia's signing was made last ant for the to "win games and get bet- mouth Commodores swept time to regroup and finally Saturday, July 8 at Eldredge Mariners, ter." Although the Mariners the two games, with much come alive at the end of the Park and the fans showed their as losing are hitting a rough patch right of the credit landing on the week. The A's ended the support with a large ovation. four in a now, it is not due to lack of great pitching performances week with a win against the His former teammates showed row and having two straight effort by Josh or the rest of of Cory Riordan (Fordham) Bourne Braves. Reid Fronk their support with a 2-1 win rain days has only moved the Mariners team. and David Kopp (Clemson), (North Carolina) and Corey over the Harwich Mariners. the Mariners further away Another infielder showing who combined for two wins Brown (Oklahoma State) both Matt Wieters (Georgia Tech) from first place and mounted off his stuff and making a and only one earned run. took one for the team and hit a game-winning RBI single frustration on the team. But big impact on the Mariners Robert Woodard (North drove in two important runs in the bottom of the 11th and through all the negativity, is Sergio Miranda (Virginia Carolina) would step up when they were hit by con- Brett Cecil (Maryland) pitched there is still good news to Commonwealth). Miranda Monday night and prove to secutive pitches in the top of three innings of scoreless relief report. is second on the team to be the team's ace. Woodard sixth. Allan Dykstra (Wake to get the win over Harwich. The main story is Josh Don- Donaldson in hits with 19 and had a strong college season Forest) then blew the game The Cardinals are in the aldson (Auburn). This spring, is tied for first in stolen bases in 2006 for the North Carolina wide open with a single that middle of a grueling stretch of Josh finished his sophomore with five. Brandon Menchaca Tar Heels but spent most of drove in two runs, as the A's baseball where they will play year at Auburn University and (Delaware) has also been the season in the shadow of rolled to a 6-2 win. 11 games in 11 nights. How- led his team with 10 home getting more comfortable Roger Clemens' award win- The Chatham A's continue ever, they continue to play runs. His hitting ability has with the bat, and along with ner Andrew Miller. Woodard their climb towards a playoff solid baseball and currently sit made him a starter and Miranda, hit his first home run stepped out of this shadow spot in the coming week as in second place of the Eastern steady offensive force for two of the season Sunday against with his performance on they hope for more great per- Division behind the first-place seasons with the Tigers. Brewster. And Antone DeJe- Monday night. The three- formances out of their pitch- Brewster Whitecaps. This summer Josh is mak- sus (Kentucky) is obviously year CCBL veteran pitched ing staff. Robert Woodard's After a tough 7-1 loss to the ing headlines for the Harwich doing something right with an nine innings of one-hit base- next start is on Monday night, Yarmouth Dennis Red Sox on Mariners. Josh has been on-base percentage of .446, ball to give the A's a 1-0 win. when the A's travel to Har- Saturday night, the Cardinals quite the standout these past making him second in the Adrian Ortiz's (Pepperdine) wich to take on the Mariners. traveled to Arnie Allen Diamond couple weeks, being right- league. RBI in the bottom of the fifth By Jonathan to take on the Falmouth Com- fully named the Cape League There's so much talent gave Woodard the only run French, CCBL Intern modores. Michael Hyde (Florida Player of the Week for July but so few wins, but the he would need all night. [email protected] State) received the win for the 3-9. He leads the Mariners Mariners are hoping to turn Cards, giving up only one run in with 13 RBIs and a .333 bat- that around. After their los- five innings of work. Despite his ting average, good for sec- ing streak and days off they size, 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, ond in the league. He is also came away with a win against Joe Dunigan (Oklahoma) looked first in doubles with nine and Wareham on Friday. Maybe impressive on the basepaths second in hits with 28 - only it can be chalked up to just a with two steals and a heads-up a few of the many categories few bad outings, but we will base running play in top of the his name reads on the league see just what this Mariners sixth to score the go-ahead leaders list. team can do this week when run. Andrew Davis (Kent State) As a third baseman and ro- they go up against some enjoyed a nice night by going tating catcher, Josh has a real teams that seem to be deal- 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run appreciation for game prepa- ing with a similar situation. scored as the Cardinals rolled to ration. He credits his own By Johnna DeChristoforo, a 6-2 win. preparation and the playing CCBL Intern dechristoforo@c After the win on Monday time offered by the coaches apecodbaseball.org night, Orleans entered a for how quickly he was able rough stretch, relinquishing to adapt to the league: "I first place of the Eastern Divi- prepare a lot and the coaches Woodard Performs Like An sion to the Brewster White- give us great opportunities Ace caps. The Whitecaps took so I've been able to adjust The bat- first place with a 4-2 win over quickly." tle to make the Cardinals on Thursday Josh is using his time on the play- night. However, the Cards the Cape to make a name offs for the had a chance to take back for himself and to find out Chatham first place on Friday night, how he stacks up against the A's contin- when they traveled to Stony others. The CCBL is the top ues to be Brook Field to take on the amateur baseball league in an uphill Whitecaps again. With the the country, so these players climb. The score tied at two, Dunigan have a chance to compete team endured a tough week- appeared to play the role against the best in the na- end and ran into a number of of hero with a RBI single in tion while scoping out their quality starters from the op- the top of the ninth, but his competition at the same time. posing sides, but the offense heroics were matched by Colt He is taking advantage of this came on strong at the end of Sedbrook (Arizona), who pro- opportunity, saying, "I'm find- the week. vided a pinch-hit RBI single ing out what's out there - you The A's lost three games in the bottom of the ninth for want to play against the best over the weekend and only the Whitecaps. The teams competition." It is safe to say managed two runs dur- played a 10th inning before that Josh is holding his own. ing their three-game slide. the game was called for dark- Like so many young men, Despite the losses, Chatham ness in a 3-3 tie. Josh dreams of playing major continued to get strong The Cardinals hope to league baseball, but unlike performances out of their cement their roster and get so many he is well on his way starting pitchers. Nathan back to first place in the of making that dream come Moreau (Goergia) gave up coming week. They host the true. His main objective one run in eight innings of Harwich Mariners at Eldredge for this 2006 Cape League work on Saturday's 1-0 loss Park in a 5 p.m. twilight game season is to "try to get an to Cotuit. Sunday gave on Sunday. opportunity to better myself the fans at Veterans Field By Jonathan to get to the next level." The a chance to see a double- SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCOTT Orleans manager Kelly Nicholson talks things over with visitors French, CCBL Intern opportunity is here and he header. General Manager to the ballpark before a recent game. [email protected] is improving on a daily basis Charlie Thoms commented, Thursday, July 20, 2006 SUMMER STARS 15 Batting Around WILL PLAY for food A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League BY STEVE WEISSMAN Mom or your girlfriend aren't to make of this gustatory is more than a daily meal: told his host parent "I am A Cape League player's cooking for you, cleaning for largesse, but they all appreci- rather, it's a tangible sign beyond full," it was clear that day is a long one: working you, or doing your laundry," ate the effort and welcome that their temporary com- the mission had been accom- in the morning (either in the says Ex-Harwich Mariner and the opportunity to eat some- munity is glad to have them, plished. community or as a counselor former major league star Cory where other than at field-side. and supports them both as Steve Weissman is the at the Kids Clinic his team Snyder. So the most memo- athletes and as people. "We author of Beach Chairs and puts on), tending the field and rable occasions do seem to Something to Remember Us know they're far from their Baseball Bats: A Celebration taking batting and fielding be when someone invites the By families, and we want them of the Cape Cod Baseball practice in the afternoon, and guys back to the house for This fêting and feasting to know that we like having League, excerpts of which playing the daily game in the a good ol' fashioned feast, continues through the season them here," said Y-D co-host were included in this article. evening. By the time all is and the players can relax in a and even just beyond, as the Diane Neylon. "For us, noth- The book itself provides a said and done, there usually setting that feels a little more teams of the league gener- ing short of having the boys behind-the-scenes tour of is but one thing left on his like home. ally host send-off events to over would do, and Red Sox the nation's premier summer mind: food! bid their players adieu. The team coordinator Mike Pat- college league, and is avail- Maybe he grabbed a quick There's No Place Like Home Wareham Gatemen, for ex- koske made it very easy for able at all 10 Cape League lunch around noon, and if he Knowing this, the Weiss- ample, holds a clambake and us to schedule." The players ballparks, at selected Cape was lucky, he had some sort man/LaFrance and Neylon barbeque that provides more always appreciate that little bookstores, and online at of snack around game time families of South Yarmouth than a fitting end to another touch of home, and when Y-D www.theballyard.com and (typically either 5 or 7pm, recently banded together and season. And there's nothing pitcher Brett Harker last year Amazon.com. depending upon whether the had the Y-D Red Sox over quite like the sight of a bunch game field has lights). Either for dinner, and they watched of West Coast ballplayers try- way, he ate lightly all day with satisfaction as the play- ing to figure out which end of because he didn't want to ers ate their meals and then a lobster to open, and what risk playing on a full stomach, hung around to chat among to do with it once they've which would make him feel themselves and to play with opened it! lethargic and slow. But now the families' children and By this point in their Cape that the game is over, it's their friends. Such fun was careers, the players under- dark outside, and he's flat- being had that a coach at stand that the dinner that out HUNGRY. And if there's one point asked that he be magically appears every night one thing a college athlete informed if anyone was get- knows, it's when the dinner ting too rambunctious - and hour has come and gone! it was clear he was more con- cerned about his players than Getting By With A Little Help the kids! From Their Friends The game that night ended This regimentation and around eight o'clock, and routine is something of a new by eight-thirty, 23 uniformed sensation for many players, ballplayers (plus team interns who certainly work hard dur- and other volunteers) crowd- ing their college seasons but ed the backyard. Though do not play games every day, traveling in different cars, do not face the same high most of the players arrived at level of competition every nearly the same moment, and time out, and do not have the hungry horde advanced trouble fitting in a quality on the house like an invad- meal when they need one. ing army. The players were Former Brewster Whitecap still in uniform, and a wave pitcher Scott Lonergan de- of red lapped over the lawn, scribed the feeling as being flowed through the fence, and in "Ground Hog Day," a refer- pooled in the back yard. ence to the Bill Murray movie The menu consisted of of the same title in which the lasagna, meatballs, spiral-cut lead character wakes up ev- ham, baked beans, tossed ery morning only to discover salad, cookies, ice cream, he is reliving the day before. and pie, and if the size of the As you might imagine, this portions the players dealt takes a little getting used to. themselves was any guide, PHOTOS BY STEVE WEISSMAN/THEBALLYARD.COM Fortunately, help is avail- it was just what the doctor Players loaded up on an old- Former Gateman and professional infielder Casey Lambert able in the form of a growing ordered. "We've done this for fashioned Cape Cod lobster enjoys his ‘lobstah’ at Wareham’s annual end-of-year clam- meal. bake and barbeque. network of people who work several years now, and the to make sure Cape Leagu- coaches tell us it's as much ers are fed after each game. of a highlight for the players Standard practice is for each as it is for us," said co-host team to cajole a local restau- Andrea LaFrance. "Our whole rant, shop, or other club sup- family looks forward to it all porter into providing "real" winter, and it's especially food after each game, be it great when someone we've home or away. Sometimes, a had over goes on to do team volunteer or a local sup- something special." As an porter will buy pizza for the example, she points to Y-D gang; other times, a local res- pitcher Terry Doyle (Boston taurant will send box lunches College), who just pitched a up to the field, or invite the no-hitter against Chatham. team to come in for a tradi- Bob and Linda Riedl pro- tional "sit-down" experience. vide the same sort of amenity Occasionally, a family even for the Brewster Whitecaps, will bring its own barbeque for whom they host a cookout grill to the field or set out a every year at their house in spread in the parking lot, and the woods. There are ham- essentially bring its back yard burgers and hot dogs aplenty, to the ballyard. but also clam bisque and the The players, needless to most tender steaks on the say, are appreciative of all planet. Already impressed by this effort - especially af- the instructions they received ter their first slate of night earlier to park their cars be- games, after which the issue tween the tennis courts and becomes particularly acute. the swimming pool, the play- "You're not at home, and ers are not quite sure what Fans and friends gathered for a team meal in Yarmouth recently. 16 SUMMER STARS Thursday, July 20, 2006