/Ài>Ì}Ê«i«iÊLiÌÌiÀ]ÊiÊ>Ü>ÞðÊÊ-ÕÀ«ÀÃ}ÊÌ iÊiÊiÛiÀÊLivÀi° *i>ÃiÊÛÃÌÊ->ÌÕÀÊvÊÞ>ÃÊvÀÊ>ÊÌ iÊiÝVÌ}Ê`iÌ>ð
ÓääÇÊ->ÌÕÀÊÕÀ> ÊiÜÊnÊ«>ÃÃi}iÀÊ ÓääÇÊ6ÕiÊÞLÀ` ->ÌÕÀÊ"ÕÌ°Ê Û>>LiÊÌ ÃÊv>° ÓääÇÊ-ÞÊ,>`ÃÌiÀ ÜÜÜ°Ã>ÌÕÀv Þ>ðV ££xÊ >ÃÃiÌÌÊ >iÊUÊÞ>Ã]Ê ÊäÓÈä£ÊUÊ£nää䣣ÈÓ{ 2 SUMMER STARS Thursday, August 3, 2006
From The Cheap Seats Double The Baseball, Double The Fun
Many of you that read this space know that I am one-half of the play-by-play team for the Falmouth Commodores. Along with Darin Weeks, I sit high above home plate for Falmouth home games and bring each and every pitch to the fans listen- ing worldwide via the Internet and cellphones. It’s a fun gig, I must say. Some nights are better than oth- ers, certainly. It’s always a challenge to make a blowout sound interesting to the people who must hear every play. And the nights that the games are barnburners, the time fl ies right by. I’ll look at my watch and can’t believe that we’ve been at it for three-plus hours. Every now and then, though, you have a day at the ballpark that really stands out, the type that you know will remain in the memory banks for a long, long time. Last Friday was certainly one of those as the fi rst-place Cotuit Kettleers came to town to face off against the Falmouth Commodores for a twin bill. Doubleheaders in the Cape League are rather rare. The Com- modores will play a total of three this year, barring more rain, but none are scheduled before the season begins. We did not have any in Falmouth last year, and I think we did maybe one the year before that. Friday, though, was not only a day that featured two base- ball games, but featured two great baseball games; two truly memorable contests that saw the Commodores come out on top by one run each time, winning game-one 7-6 and game-two 2-1. Before I go any further, I will admit that I am somewhat of a homer. Yes, I cover the games for the Enterprise and Summer Meet ‘The Closer’ Stars, and we are supposed to be somewhat neutral for the Page Three Internet. But let’s face it, I’m not 100-percent down the middle. I do my absolute best, but in the back of my mind I pull for Falmouth. I was raised in this town and have lived here for the majority of my 32 years. It’s good for business when Falmouth wins, and it’s fun to be a part of. Doing 18 innings of play-by-play and color is a challenge. First that’s a lot of talking. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to talk for basically seven hours in a row, but let me tell you, it is a challenge. McGuire Happy To The vocal chords can only go nonstop for so long before they Be Home begin to tire. By inning fi ve of game two you feel like you’ve been on the fi eld all day. Throw in the fact that it was a hotter than usual Page Five day, and the fatigue level really climbs. The best part of Falmouth and Cotuit getting together was the fact that we knew there would be power on display. The top two home run hitters in the Cape Legaue, Falmouth’s Warren McFad- den and Cotuit’s Justin Smoak, each entered the day with seven Inside the Game: homers to their credit. They would combine to jack four balls over Bunting the fence that day, with Smoak hitting two in the fi rst game and one in the second. McFadden hit his in game one. Smoak is no Swinging For The Fences Page Eleven joke; that’s for sure. The switch hitter took two out the other way and was a force. 6 Falmouth held on for a win in the fi rst game, despite a ninth- inning blast by Smoak, and then came back to win the second RICK JOHNSON game on a walk-off triple by Taylor Harbin. That’s right, a walk-off triple. Harbin connected on the fi rst pitch of the bottom of the Summer Stars’ ‘Best of the Best’ ninth and delivered a laser beam to the right-centerfi eld wall. Hus- tling all the way, Harbin had three with ease, but the throw in from Page 10 the outfi eld got away from Cotuit and went out of play, allowing Harbin to walk in with the run that gave Falmouth a sweep, and Batting Around ALL STAR WRAP-UP put them right back into the playoff hunt as the season entered its Pages 12-13 fi nal days. There were so many other great performances that day that it gave one the appreciation for just how good these kids we go to watch play are. Joe Patterson got the ball knowing he had to go deep for the ragged Falmouth pitching staff and gave his seven best innings of the summer. Sam Demel, who works just about every day for the Commodores, saved both ends of the double dip. James Simmons worked a great game on the hill Look for this issue online @ www.capenews.net for Cotuit, and took his own turns at-bat, a rarity these days. Basically, Friday was a day of great baseball, exactly what the Cape League is all about. Goodbye For Now On The Cover: Brewster’s Matt LaPorta unleashes Well, that’s it for Summer Stars version 1.0. Our fi rst summer a mighty swing. Photo by Rick Johnson is in the books, and we hope that you enjoyed reading these pages every week. Chuck Borge, who heads up the publication, really led the way in our effort to bring you a great product every week and publisher project manager design services manager made sure that we kept the course. He’s already thinking up William Hough Chuck Borge Christine Stutzman ways to make next summer’s magazine even better. sports editor My writers, especially Matt Burke, Darin Weeks, and Mark sales manager design services Brown, were awesome. They kept coming up with fresh ideas Rich Maclone Steve Krammes Linda Stewart and delivered home runs on a regular basis. photo editor Jill Spencer As for me, there’s a part of me that’s glad its over—the part Julia Balducci that likes to take the occasional day off—but there’s a much sales Daniel W. Webb bigger part of me that will miss Summer Stars until next June. Danielle Guay design & layout press supervisor I cover sporting events nearly every day, but I always answer Tricia Keough Elisabet K. Rodrigues David Pittman that my favorite thing to do is cover the Cape League. Summer Dawn Mitchell Stars allowed me to get to know the league, and, more impor- Trisha Herlihy tantly, the people who make it work so well, even better. I can’t te 50 Depot Avenue Barbara Warner En rpr wait to step back to the plate and take swings in 10 months. e i Falmouth, MA 02540 Nancy Medeiros h s Rich Maclone is the sports editor for Summer Stars and Enter- e 508-548-4700 • 1-800-286-7744 Esther Buchanan T prise Publishing. He can be reached at [email protected] Falmouth • Mashpee • Bourne • Sandwich Fax: 508-540-8407 Thursday, August 3, 2006 SUMMER STARS 3 THHEE CLLOSEROSER
SPORTPIX PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCOTT 4 SUMMER STARS Thursday, August 3, 2006 CARIGNAN IS A MASTER OF Finishing Teams Off BY MATTHEW M. BURKE split fi nger. The door into the bull- Music can also play the role pen swings open; there are of intimidator at the Major merely three outs needed to League level. Eric Gagne, win the ballgame. The closer of the Dodgers, comes out ominously enters the fi eld of of the pen with the Guns N’ play, brimming with confi - Roses track “Welcome to the dence, trotting to the rubber Jungle” blaring. Former Cape MATTHEW BURKE armed with a larger than life Leaguer Billy Wagner, of the Three pitches is all swagger. Chills run up the Mets, comes out to “Enter he needs. Bourne spines of all opposing batters Sandman” by Metallica, as closer Andrew as they watch the unfolding does Yankees ace Mariano Carignan shows spectacle. Rivera. his hand display- The closer is used to the With all of their supersti- ing a change- pressure; in fact, he thrives tions, often grizzly appear- up (left), fastball on it. Up one run in the bot- ance, and wily actions on (above) and slider tom of the ninth, facing the and off the fi eld, closers are (below). meat of the opposing team’s known for their quirkiness as batting order on the road? No much as their pitching prow- problem. ess, and the scruffy, long- The closer reaches the haired, Andrew Carignan of mound, with the bravado of the Bourne Braves fi ts the bill a professional wrestler’s en- perfectly. trance, frequently armed with With a fastball in the mid- only a few pitches, but more 90s, and his small stature, at often than not, one of them is fi rst glance he appears to be extra special, a go-to pitch. the second coming of Billy The closer is usually the best Wagner. He is a power pitcher, relief pitcher on any given and despite losing the College team and because of this he World Series in devastating is used primarily to secure a fashion to Oregon State earlier close game. this year, Carignan has been He glares at the opposing successful for the Braves and hitters mulling around the earned himself a spot on the on deck circle as he warms All-Star team this season. necticut, and raised in Nor- games played by high school we had them….Maybe we got up. He will either win or lose The only diffi culty for wich, Carignan played ball stars in front of scouts and a little too comfortable.” the game for his team. The Carignan this summer, in his at Norwich Free Academy. college coaches. He said that Carignan said that the pressure mounts. He grits second year with the Braves, Baseball was in his blood: he started getting interest after Heels have the majority of the his teeth, and with all eyes is the lack of games to close, his father, Gary, played ball he took part. This great-grand- team coming back for next watching, he attempts to seal due to the Braves dismal 7-28 at Florida Southern and the child of a former Major League year, Carignan’s draft year. the victory. He grips the ball record. Out of Bourne’s seven University of New Haven. groundbreaker decided to go He said that he hopes to get and unfl inchingly looks for wins, Carignan has three His great-grandfather, to the University of North Caro- drafted, and his performance the sign from the catcher as saves, and a 1.29 ERA in 14 Augustine “Lefty” Dugas lina at Chapel Hill. and the exposure that his the batter steps in. total innings as of the end of played professionally for the At North Carolina, Carignan team will get as the runner up It takes a special player to July. Because of the College Pittsburgh Pirates and the started his freshman year as champions will surely play a thrive in that type of situation, World Series in Omaha, Ne- Washington Senators. He a middle relief man. He had large role. He has his sights from the Cape League to the braska, he was a late arrival, was the fi rst Canadian-born some success, not record- back on Omaha, where he Major Leagues; they are very getting to the Cape on July 5. ballplayer to play profession- ing a decision, but appearing has unfi nished business. hard to come by. Coach Harvey Shapiro said ally in the Major Leagues. His 17 times, giving up runs in Carignan has three pitches, Often, it’s all about that spe- that had Carignan reported career ended in 1943 after only fi ve of them. On March a fastball, a slider, and a chan- cial pitch….In the case of Red earlier, Bourne’s season might four seasons. He batted .206, 11, 2005, he struck out fi ve geup. According to Coach Sox rookie closer sensation have turned out differently. had three home runs, and 23 batters in two shutout innings Shapiro, Carignan needs to Jonathan Papelbon, his spe- That’s the scope of the effect a RBI in 218 at bats. against Virginia Tech. Bourne work on his off-speed offerings cial pitch is his fastball in the closer has on the game, espe- In 1977, Mr. Dugas threw coach Harvey Shapiro said to improve the effectiveness upper 90s. For Hall of Famer cially a player like Carignan. out the fi rst pitch during the that he blossomed last sum- of his fastball, but he said that Rollie Fingers it was the split- “It’s been a tough season, opening ceremony for Olympic mer in the Cape League and Carignan is one of the top fi nger fastball, and for Hoyt we’ve lost a lot of guys,” Stadium, the then home of the was a huge part of Bourne’s closers in the country. “He’s Wilhelm is was the knuckler. said the serious and affable, now defunct Montreal Expos, success. your typical closer,” Shapiro Closers have become an Connecticut-bred 20-year- according to Associated Press Last season at UNC he was said. “He’s a power guy….He integral part of the game old Carignan, a Red Sox fan. accounts. He passed in 1997. elevated to the closer’s role goes right at people.” Shapiro since the late ‘70s when they “Our record doesn’t show how Carignan has fond memories and was a huge part of the added that they had fi ve or fi rst started to become fairly good our team is at all. We of his great-grandfather. “I North Carolina postseason six games before Carignan prevalent. The persona of a just fi nd a way to lose games.” think he passed away when run, which ended ina loss to reported to the team where closer is usually one of fl am- He said that having 12 wins I was eight,” he said. “I defi - Oregon State in the College they couldn’t get six outs, he boyance and intimidation. as opposed to the seven they nitely remember him being at World Series fi nal. Carignan was sorely missed as he vied Fingers became an icon be- currently have is separated my games; I defi nitely have recorded 15 saves during the for a national title. “He throws cause he had an intimidating only by a few bounces of the memories.” regular season, and 44 Ks in a heavy ball and it’s got late look: a handlebar mustache, baseball. The Braves just can’t At Norwich Free Academy, 32.2 innings, leading the team movement. It can sink and like a villain from a silent pic- seem to get a lucky break. Carignan won Gatorade and in saves and fi nished games. it jumps….He’s pitched very ture, not to mention a nasty Born in New London, Con- Connecticut Coaches Associa- He said that his makeup led well.” tion, State Player of the Year him to be a closer. As far as being a success- honors as a senior. He led the The Tar Heels fi nished the ful closer in the future, and team to a state title as a junior ’06 campaign with more wins maybe even in the Major ѮFTQPUMJHIUJTPO and despite tossing 15 straight than any other team in school Leagues, Coach Shapiro said no-hit innings for Norwich Le- history at 54-15. They also that Carignan had the most 4VNNFS4UBST gion and recording a 20-strike- ended the season ranked important part down pat. out game, he was not looked number two in the Collegiate “He’s got a quiet presence,” BUXXXDBQFOFXTOFU at as much as he would have Baseball and the National Coach Shapiro said. “He’s liked by Southern schools. He Collegiate Baseball Writers As- not a yapper. He has a pres- said that he attended multiple sociation polls; Carignan was a ence on this team where he’s 4VSGJOGPSUIFMBUFTUPOUIF showcases, including East big part of that success. “That a leader by the way he carries $BQF$PE#BTFCBMM-FBHVF Coast Pro in Wilmington, North was tough,” he said of the loss himself, and by the way he Carolina, for a collection of to OSU. “We defi nitely thought pitches. He’s all business.” Thursday, August 3, 2006 SUMMER STARS 5 A Rough Rider Comes Home BY DARIN WEEKS lades he earned, McGuire lege’s fi rst year in the ACC ter than in Alaska”, said is relishing every mo- It was the summer of was unable to secure a was a tough one and they McGuire refl ecting on last ment on the diamonds 1992 in Harwich and doz- summer trip home to play fi nished with a 9-21 con- summer. “The coaches of Cape Cod this sum- ens of local kids scurry in the Cape League so he ference record. Similarly, here are great, too. They’ll mer. From Harwich to around Whitehouse Field jumped on a plane to Ke- McGuire’s stats dipped as work with you if you need Chestnut Hill to Kenai to chasing foul balls and nai, Alaska to play for the well. Though still being them or if they notice Hyannis, McGuire’s cir- looking to get an auto- Peninsula Oilers. one of the Eagles’ primary something, but otherwise cuitous route home has graph from Kevin Millar “I remember my fi rst day offensive weapons, he bat- they just let you play.” given him an appreciation and the rest of the Harwich in Alaska, I saw a moose ted just .264 with 3 home Though Jared McGuire’s for the opportunity to live Mariners. It is a safe as- in my host parent’s back- runs and 37 RBI. journey to the Cape a childhood dream born sumption that in the minds yard”, remembered Mc- Despite a sub par sea- League was one that while getting autographs of those local children, Guire. “In the summer, the son by his standards, fi nally came full-circle, at Whitehouse Field in many watched imagining sun is up 24 hours a day McGuire still longed for a there’s no doubt that he Harwich. the day when they would so it’s a lot different than shot at the Cape League fi nd themselves some- what I was used to.” and thanks to the Hyannis day playing in the Cape After a summer in the Mets, he would fi nally get Cod Baseball League. Alaska League where he his shot. Though originally Although that day would hit just .191 in 35 games brought in as a tempo- never come for most for the Oilers, McGuire rary player by Hyannis, he of those kids, for Jared returned for his junior eventually signed a full- McGuire his persistence season and had to adapt season contract a week paid off as 14 years later, to new surroundings once before opening day as the the Harwich native and again. Though his team- Mets found themselves Boston College outfi elder mates and the campus with several roster spots now dons a Hyannis Mets looked the same, Boston to fi ll. uniform in the league he College had departed the Since his arrival at grew up watching. Big East Conference and McKeon Park, McGuire “I grew up going to Cape joined the baseball pow- has reminded baseball League games”, said Mc- erhouse Atlantic Coast fans on Cape Cod of his Guire. “I used to be one of Conference in 2006. talent. Through 31 games, those kids asking for au- “There’s defi nitely a lot McGuire is hitting .264, tographs and broken bats of excitement on campus second best on the roster, and now kids are asking about the ACC”, said Mc- and leads the Mets with 19 me for that stuff.” Guire. “I think for baseball, runs scored. He has also McGuire’s route to Hyan- the competition is defi nite- played almost fl awless nis began at Harwich High ly better, but the Big East defense in the Hyannis School where he was a had a lot of good pitching, outfi eld as well. three-sport star with the too.” “The competition here Rough Riders, notably in Predictably, Boston Col- on the Cape is much bet- baseball and hockey. Dur- ing his senior year, he bat- ted .618 and earned sev- eral honors, including the Boston Globe’s and Bos- ton Herald’s Player of the Year accolades. Although he had offers to play col- lege hockey, McGuire followed his heart to play America’s Pastime. When it came time to choose a college, McGuire decided to stay in the northeast so he popped his collar and enrolled at Boston Col- lege where he would play NICOLE ZARTARIAN baseball for Coach Peter Harwich native Jared McGuire gets to live out his childhood Hughes’ Eagles. baseball fantasy as a member of the Hyannis Mets. The success McGuire earned in Harwich trans- lated quickly to college as he hit .421 in 38 at bats /Ì>Ê"ÀÌ «i`VÊ >Ài for BC in 16 games. Fol- lowing his freshmen year, *>ÕÊ °Ê `]Ê ° ° he spent his summer in >À`Ê iÀÌwÊi`Ê"ÀÌ «i`VÊ-ÕÀ}i the New York Collegiate Baseball League where he ÞÃÊÃÃ]Ê* ÊUÊ >À>Ê >`>Ã>À]Ê* hit .270 and helped lead ÎÈäÊvvÀ`Ê-ÌÀiiÌÊUÊ>ÕÌ ]Ê ÊäÓx{ä the Amsterdam Mohawks * i\Êxän{xÇ{ääÊUÊ>Ý\Êxän{xÇ{££ to a 27-18 record and the League Championship. h'OOD ,UCK #OMMODORESv When McGuire returned to Chestnut Hill for his sophomore season, he .JTTZPVS /,$%49-% fl ourished. When the cam- *DF$SFBN'MBWPVST paign was over, McGuire led the Big East in batting &ROZEN 0UDDING 'INGER 'RAPENUT with a .391 average and became the fi rst sopho- 0EPPERMINT -ALTS &RAPPES &LOATS more to win the Big East’s Player of the Year Award NICOLE ZARTARIAN &2%% 1PMBS$BWF since Notre Dame’s Brandt Jared McGuire is all smiles as the former Harwich star returns *DF$SFBN1BS MPVS home to the Cape with a stint playing for the Hyannis Mets in $POFPS4VOEBF Ust did it in 1998. Despite 8I FO:PV#VZ0OF 3UF.BTIQ FF$PUVJU- JOF all the success and acco- the league he grew up watching. $BMM"IF BE 6 SUMMER STARS Thursday, August 3, 2006 Decision Time For Powerhitting Matt Laporta
BY RICK JOHNSON where he has put together a The University of Florida’s terrifi c career. With the Ga- Matt LaPorta really enjoys tors he has a career average summering here on the Cape, of .298, with 54 home runs especially when it comes to and 154 RBI. That puts him in playing baseball in the Cape some select company, being Cod League. LaPorta is play- second all-time in the Gators’ ing for the Brewster White- record books for career home caps this summer, but was runs to the Texas Rangers’ a member of the Yarmouth- Brad Wilkerson, who leads Dennis Red Sox in 2004 when with 55. He was named the they captured the league Southeastern Conference championship. Player of the Year in 2005 He was recently drafted in when he hit .328, with 26 HR the 14th round by the Boston and 79 RBI in leading Florida Red Sox in the 2006 draft, to a record of 48-23 and their which now gives him an- 1st appearance in the College other connection to the New World Series since 1998. England area. Right now, They lost to Texas in the however, Matt isn’t sure if his championship fi nal, while immediate future includes becoming the fi rst SEC team the Red Sox. The Sox wanted to reach the fi nals. They also to wait and see how things fi nished the season as the went for him this summer on second-ranked team in the the Cape and to see if the country. strained oblique injury he suf- In the summer of 2005, fered during the college sea- Matt was a member of the son had suffi ciently healed. prestigious USA National He’s also been battling a nag- Team. He led the team in ging injury this summer that home runs and RBI over their has caused him to miss six to 16-game schedule. That was seven games this past week. certainly a good reason why On one of his fi rst games he skipped the Cape Cod back, he homered in a fi rst- League last year. place showdown with Yar- Having put together two mouth-Dennis, won 3-2 by terrifi c seasons on the Cape, Y-D in a competitive, well- sandwiched around a fi ne played game. Through July year playing for our country, 26, LaPorta was hitting .277 it’s no wonder why the Red with fi ve homers and 17 RBI. Sox came calling on June His Florida teammate, Da- 6, the MLB Draft Day. The vid Cash, is currently playing BoSox recently commented for the Bourne Braves. Cash that they didn’t have a lot of started as a temp player, but power in their minor league quickly proved that he was system, which prompted a fi ne player in his own right. trading Bronson Arroyo for Until a recent cold stretch, Wily Mo Pena. When, or if, Cash had been leading the they fi nally get around to league in hitting. signing LaPorta, their power After graduating from high will increase because he’s school in 2003, the Port one of the premier power hit- Charlotte, Florida, native was ters in college baseball. With drafted by the Chicago Cubs, his OBP(on base percentage) ironically also in the 14th numbers, he led the Gators at round. .410, he is just what the Sox He didn’t sign with the looks for in their organiza- Cubs at that time, even tion. though they were his favorite Port Charlotte is about team growing up. He said an hour north of Fort My- that took a lot of soul-search- ers, Florida, where the Red SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCOTT ing to choose instead to Sox hold their annual spring Firstbaseman Matt LaPorta loosens up before a recent CCBL game. sign with the Florida Gators, training. But that doesn’t Thursday, August 3, 2006 SUMMER STARS 7 out. This will certainly pay LaPorta feels he has “some- off no matter where he plays thing to prove” if he returns next season. to school. Coming off his He and his teammates Player of the Year season of don’t get out on the Cape 2005, Matt missed 13 games too much during the season, with his injury this past spring but Matt said, “we do get to and didn’t have the sea- enjoy the beach occasion- son he would have liked or ally.” expected. He will also pass LaPorta is clearly a fan Wilkerson if he returns, and favorite here on the Cape, not pity the teams, especially just for his hitting prowess, the pitchers, in the SEC next but his engaging personality year as he comes back with a as well. He enjoys the game vengeance to his 2005 form. of baseball and doesn’t let Unfortunately, if he returns an 0-fer get him down. To to Florida, we here in New him baseball is supposed to England may not have the be fun and he makes sure pleasure of seeing him in a to “have fun” each day he Red Sox uniform but that will comes to the park. be our loss, and the Gators’ A group of young kids gain. chanted his name at every at-bat in the Y-D game, and at the end of the game, he was surrounded by those Check Out More same kids seeking his auto- Summer Stars graph. If Matt does return to the Online @ University of Florida, certainly his coaches will be thrilled. www.capenews.net But from his perspective,
RICK JOHNSON Matt LaPorta lets some personality shine through as he reaches second safely.
mean LaPorta was a Red His dad, along with some arrival. Sox fan growing up. Howev- other family members, Matt’s host parents, Bob er, playing ball on the Cape planned to be on the Cape and Vicki, have treated him for two summers and play- for the recent All-Star week- very well and he is so thank- ing at Fenway with the Cape end. Their timing was per- ful for their kindness and All-Stars has turned LaPorta fect as they got to watch the generosity. They attend al- into a member of Red Sox All-Star game and the Home most all the team’s games to Nation. He said they are now Run contest, both of which support Matt and to watch his second favorite team LaPorta participated in. their own son, who is one of RICK JOHNSON and his favorite American Since they were not able to the Whitecaps’ batboys. Brewster’s Matt LaPorta has been twice drafted by ball clubs League team. get up here for many games LaPorta is not working this looking to capitalize on his strength at bat. LaPorta chose to play prior to the big weekend, summer as he is concentrat- baseball in the Cape League Matt was excited about their ing on baseball and working for a number of reasons, but primarily because it’s the premier summer college , &55-& ) 0 3,)$% INTO baseball league. He said 3CHOOL 3TREET #OTUIT s they draw the best pitchers, players and athletes, which +0*/64#&'03&03"'5&35)&(".&4 leads to the toughest compe- /PEN PM FOR $INNER DAYS A WEEK &RI 3AT FOR ,UNCH tition in the country. He also commented on the fans of &OKPZRVFTBEJMMBT DBM[POFT QJ[[BT ZPVSGBWPSJUF the Cape teams, as he called GSJFETFBGPPE TUFBLT CVSHFST QMVTEBJMZTQFDJBMT them “great” fans who really support their teams. LaPorta "MMJUFNTBWBJMBCMFGPSUBLFPVU 1UALITY 3EAFOOD has experienced these loyal fans in two towns, this sum- 'REAT &OOD 'OOD 4IMES .ICE 0EOPLE mer in Brewster and in 2004 9OULL ALWAYS BE 3!&% championship year at Yar- mouth-Dennis. -6/$) ի%*//&3 ի ,*%441&$*"-4 After the All-Star break, the Brewster Whitecaps will be &!,-/54( 3!.$7)#( focusing on the playoffs. At 2TE s 0ALMER !VE #OAST 'UARD 2OAD this writing the team sat in second place in the East, but in good shape to capture a playoff spot. LaPorta hopes (!27)#(0/24 3/54( 9!2-/54( to leave the Cape this sum- 2TE 2TE mer with his second Cape Cod League championship in WWWSEAFOODSAMSCOM three years. 0RIOR SALES EXCLUDED 2ETAIL SALES ONLY -UST lNANCE THROUGH ,IGHTHOUSE &ORD %XPIRES !UGUST 8 SUMMER STARS Thursday, August 3, 2006
Ballpark of the Week Red Wilson Field Obliges With Perfect All-Star Game BY MATTHEW M. BURKE Best Place To Park: The best place to This is it folks…The fi nal issue of Summer park at Red Wilson Field is in the parking lot Stars is here with our fi nal ballpark review of right next to the fi eld. The games in Y-D are the summer. So far it’s been a great inaugu- played at the high school, so there is plenty ral run for all of us here at Enterprise Pub- of parking. lishing, based in Falmouth. Thanks for your Best Place To Watch: The best place to continued support. watch a game at Red Wilson is to sit in a For those parks I have yet to review (Har- foldout chair down either the fi rst or third wich, Chatham, Brewster), I’ll be picking up base line. There are no obstructions, and where I left off next year. For the parks I have Red Wilson offers great, unhindered views. reviewed, it has been my pleasure and honor Best Buys: The best buys at the all-star to be at each and every park. In their own game came in the form of YD merchandise. special way, each CCBL park offers some- A YD license plate frame for $3 was a great PHOTOS BY MATTHEW BURKE thing different to its patrons, a little slice of bargain. YD baby bibs were also a good deal 50-50 Raffl es help pay for team expenses and can really pay Cape Cod and its people. The volunteers at at $8; key chains were quite affordable at off for some lucky fan. all of the parks make the league what it is to- $3, and bat pens for $4 would have satis- day, and I would like to take this opportunity fi ed any small child with studies on his mind. to thank all of you. Decals for $1 ensured that everyone could It has been an amazing summer of base- take a piece of the CCBL home with them at ball thus far in the Cape Cod Baseball the end of a successful summer season. My League and should make for an even more critic’s pick was a classy all-star T-shirt for amazing playoff race. I have my money rid- $15. ing on the safe bet, Cotuit, because of its Food: The food at Red Wilson for the all- potent offense and strong pitching staff. Plus star game was not typical. Hood was giving I must admit: I attended their camps when I away free ice cream; Outback Steakhouse was a kid, and looked up to Mike Buddy and had a tent, and the regular YD favorites were Jermaine Allensworth. also for sale at the concession stand. This Going back over my notes for this sum- included cheeseburgers for $3.50, pizza $2, mer, I was very impressed watching Matt hot dogs $2, cold drinks $1.50, and assorted Mangini, Josh Donaldson, Justin Smoak, and ice cream truck treats, which were reason- Eammon Portice, Matt Nuzzo, Eddie Kunz, ably priced. Paul Koss, Matt LaPorta, and Steffan Wilson, Best Feature: The best feature of the all- among many others this summer. star game was the atmosphere. The players For me, the all-star game is the highlight talked to the media and signed autographs of every summer because you get to wit- for youngsters in a circus-like atmosphere. ness the best of the best fl ex their raw It is quite close to professional baseball and There was an extra baseball shop set up at the All Star Game talent against each other, in front of all of for many players, it is their fi rst experience to tend to all your souvenir needs. the scouts, with all the chips in the pot. It’s dealing with such attention. unbelievable to think of all of the all-stars The Park: Red Wilson Field is an average who have gone on to productive professional park with above-average landscaping. The careers after having played in the game or views are good, as is the team, the food, the hit in the home run hitting contest. prices, and the staff. The fi eld was well taken Red Wilson Field, home of the Yarmouth- care of for the all-star game. The YD logo Dennis Red Sox hosted the Cape Cod that was spraypainted on the fi eld behind Baseball Leagues’ extremely popular and home plate looked like MLB workers had ever-growing all-star game last Saturday in been hanging around. The amount of scouts front of nearly 4,000 fans. at the game was really cool, too, and you Josh Satin of Orleans won the MVP award have to think that at least one player will get after knocking in three runs, including a two- drafted because of the way they played, and run home run in the sixth inning to lead the it’s simply amazing to witness that. East past the West 7-2. How Far I Got On 20 Bucks: For $20 dol- Satin hit the dinger off of the home run lars at Red Wilson I kept it simple. I bought hitting contest’s winner, Mitch Moreland from an all-star game T-shirt for $15 and also a Bourne, who is not normally a pitcher, but piece of pizza and two bottles of water to because of the lack of fresh arms, he was deal with the sweltering heat. asked before the game if he would take the Red Wilson Field is a good experience hill. for a regular season game. Drawbacks are Moreland had just impressed the crowd the fi eld’s lack of lights. But for the all-star with 25 home runs on his way to defeating game, it is perfect. The fi eld holds a lot of Steffan Wilson from Harvard and Wareham in people, and there was plenty of parking. The The Y-D Red Sox regular gift shop stocks plenty of goods for the fi nals. Brad Chalk of Falmouth, who had all-star game should be held at Red Wilson fans. two hits, joined Satin as the MVP from the every year. It just keeps getting better. Four West. stars.
These fans are all smiles despite the heat as they took in the All Star Game at Red Wilson Field.
Players only, but fans always have access to the game at Red Wilson Field. Thursday, August 3, 2006 SUMMER STARS 9
Cape League All-Stars To Be Recognized At Fenway Park The 2006 CCBL All-Stars and fi eld managers will be honored in a special pre-game ceremony on Thursday at Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox vs. Cleve- land Indians game. Each player will be introduced over the public address system with his name dis- played on the center fi eld message board. One of the Cape League alumni currently playing for the Red Sox will take part in the ceremony. Past presenters include Kevin Millar (Harwich ’92), Doug Mirabelli (Hyannis ’90) and Mike Myers (Brewster ’88-’89).
SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY SHANNON TAYLOR Cotuit’s Eric Faris tags a hard-charging Antone DeJesus at the All-Star game this past week- end. Cotuit 1st Base
SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY NATHAN VAUGHAN A little autograph seeker gets a souvenir baseball signed at the CCBL All Star game. SportsPix photo by Matthew Scott 77-
7", 7 Ê-*",/-ÊEÊ / ,/ /]Ê Justin º >>}}ÊÌ iÊ ii`ÃÊvÊÌ iÌiÃÊ>`Ê-Õ} ÌÊ>vÌiÀÊ ÌiÀÌ>iÀû SMOAK KETTLEERS '3"/,;"*/0 KK Codders’ Player of the Week Justin Smoak has been raking all season long and this past week 6*Ê >ÃiL>Ê"«iÀ>Ìà he showed just how much of a power he is during a doublehead- er at Falmouth. Smoak, whose team is running away with the Î£Ê ii«Ü`Ê ÀÛi]Ê >ÃÌÊ>ÕÌ ]Ê ÊäÓxÎÈ west division, smacked three homers in two games to take over * iÉ>ÝÊxän{xÇxÎ{Ó sole possession of ¿ rst place in the home run race, connecting for two in the ¿ rst game as a left-handed hitter, and then crack- iÊÇÇ{nÎÈÇ£ÇÎ ing another in the second game from the other side of the plate. â>â{J>`i« >°iÌÊUÊÜÜÜ°ÃiÜÀ`Ûi°V Smoak, a ¿ rst baseman from the University of South Carolina, is also the league-leader in runs batted in and is ninth overall in hitting. “Cape Cod Dining as it should be!” "EWJTJOH/FHPUJBUJPOTÊ 465 Grand Avenue, Falmouth Heights 508-299-8200 10 SUMMER STARS Thursday, August 3, 2006 “Best Of The Best”
There are so many great players in the Cape Cod Baseball League that picking one as the most valuable seemed unfair to the writing staff here at Summer Stars. Instead of put- ting it to a vote, we had three of our writers tell you who they believe was the best of the best this year in the Cape League. Here’s what they said: Rich Maclone’s Picks Player Of The Year Pitcher Of The Year Justin Smoak: Shave a few letters off of Charlie Furbush: The Hyannis Met did not his last name and you’ve got the full story, play on the best team in the Cape League, Just Smoke. This University of South Caro- but he helped keep this middle-of-the-pack lina fi rst baseman is a talented power hitter club in it as the ace. For the second straight that also can connect for average and with year, Furbush led his team in strikeouts and a late charge could challenge for the triple innings pitched. This season he is among crown in the Cape League. Smoak, who the league leaders in earned run average plays fi rst for the Cotuit Kettleers, leads the (1.50) and winning percentage (3-1, .750). league in home runs (10), RBI (24), extra- Furbush has worked 48 innings as of today base hits (20) and slugging percentage and has allowed only 35 hits during those (.591). He’s third in the league in runs scored frames. He also boasts a better than 3-to- as well (24). If you’re looking for a reason 1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, with 43 Ks and that the Kettleers are one of the favorites to just 13 bases on balls. To top it all off the win it all, look no further than here, and the lefty tossed one of just two no-hitters in fact that they have a great pitching staff. the Cape League this season, blanking the Bourne Braves with an astounding 133- pitch effort on July 26. He then came back on two days’ rest to start the All-Star game and retired the side on just seven pitches, getting three ground ball outs. Furbush has SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY SPORTPIX PHOTO BY been a top player at St. Joseph’s of Maine BILL VAUGHAN MATTHEW SCOTT the last two years, but is moving on to the Justin Smoak Charlie Furbush big-time now as he will be in the rotation at Louisiana State. Matthew M. Burke’s Player Of The Year Picks Pitcher Of The Year Josh Donaldson: Out of Auburn University was the most bal- Shaun Seibert: The hurler from Arkansas didn’t have a no- anced hitter in the league this summer with a .327 batting aver- hitter, nor did he lead the league in strikeouts, but the Brews- age (through July 25), which was second in the league, in 113 at ter Whitecap was the most consistent pitcher in the CCBL this bats. The Harwich Mariner collected 18 RBI, not to mention 13 season, leading the league in ERA, 0.00 (through July 25), and extra base hits on his way toward fi nishing in the top fi ve in six wins, 5-0. He started seven games for the Whitecaps this sea- out of 11 major hitting categories. Against sac-bunt-happy Fal- son and recorded 33 Ks while giving up 22 hits and no home mouth on July 19, he was fi ve for fi ve in putouts in the loss. This runs. On July 6, Seibert had one of his best outings, going included gunning out two Commodores in consecutive innings six innings strong, allowing no earned runs on three hits, and as they tried to steal second base. He started at catcher for striking out eight. He started on the hill for the East Division the East Division all-stars and appeared in the home run hitting all-stars last Saturday. contest.
SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY SHANNON TAYLOR CHUCK BORGE Josh Donaldson Shaun Seibert Darrin Weeks’s Picks
Player of the Year Pitcher of the Year Matt Wieters: It’s not often that a player with Donnie Hume: Playing for a star-studded an illustrious reputation lives up to pre-season program at Long Beach, it was easy for Donnie hype in the Cape League. Of the many bright Hume to remain anonymous among the “who’s stars that arrived on Cape Cod this summer, who” of top baseball talent. When the 6’2” Matt Wieters’s star shined the brightest. Com- righty from Vacaville, California, donned a Y-D ing off a year at Georgia Tech that saw the Red Sox uniform, it didn’t take long for Cape Yellow Jacket catcher hit .355 and earn Base- League players to quickly learn his name. Cur- ball America’s First Team All-American honors, rently owning a 4-0 record with a 2.40 ERA, Wieters quickly showed his Orleans Cardinals’ Hume gained league-wide notoriety after a 5-0 teammates that he was as good as advertised. 3-hit complete game gem on June 20 over Hy- Although arriving late due to College World annis. Following that start, Hume has become Series duties, Wieters leads his team with a the ace of a Y-D staff that has catapulted the league-best .324 batting average as well as Red Sox to the top spot in the Eastern Divi- tops the Cardinals with 7 home runs and 19 sion with an eye toward their second Divisional RBI while playing in just 28 games. A likely crown in the last three years. Despite just a top pick in next June’s draft, the Goose Creek, 3-4 record at Long Beach with an ERA of 4.22, South Carolina, native leads the Cape League Hume dominance this summer has sent notice with a. .448 On Base Percentage powered by SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY SPORTPIX PHOTO BY to his coaches back at school of his potential his team best 22 walks to go along with his tre- MATTHEW SCOTT MATTHEW SCOTT to succeed in the footsteps of former “Dirtbag” Matt Wieters Donnie Hume mendous power. hurler Jared Weaver. Thursday, August 3, 2006 SUMMER STARS 11
Inside The Game Bunting: Light Contact, Big Results
BY MARK A. BROWN next batter, Jeremy Farrell. The Commodores happen Considering that the Farrell got a bunt down, but to have one of the best bunt- Cape Cod Baseball League just a bit harder than he would ers in the league in center draws the very best col- have liked. The ball bounced fi elder Brad Chalk, who said lege baseball players in the straight back to Banwart, who bunting is “kind of a lost art.” nation, including smooth scooped it, spun around, and Brad, a left-handed hitter who swingers and brawny slug- threw to third base trying to get completed his sophomore gers, fans may sometimes the lead runner. However his season at Clemson University be surprised to see hitters throw was a split-second late, this spring, has set the school tapping the ball lightly in- loading the bases. record for sacrifi ce bunts the stead of taking full swings. The Commodores eventually last two years. He dropped But that little tap, called plated a run, forced home when down 15 as a freshman, then a bunt, is one of the Banwart hit Mitch Canham with topped his own mark last most important skills a an inside pitch. That run, set up season with 21. player can bring to the by two bunts, gave Falmouth a 2- Brad, who is also a danger- table in the CCBL. With 0 lead on their way to an impor- ous hitter when swinging away, many games low-scor- tant 3-0 win over their Western said he owes his success in ing affairs decided by a Division rivals in the heat of the bunting to hard work. “It takes run or two, outcomes are playoff chase. a lot of practice to learn to do often decided by how well When a manager decides to it right,” he said. “It’s all about teams move baserunners have a player bunt to advance a angles,” he said. along. Along with the sto- baserunner, he must take the situ- The most important thing, len base, the bunt helps ation into account. Usually a bunt Brad said, is studying the teams score when offense is called for when there are no defense and knowing ex- is hard to come by. outs and a runner at fi rst base. If actly where to place the ball. When bunting, a hit- successful, the bunt puts that run- It starts with the opposing ter tries to deaden the ner on second base with one out, pitcher. “If he throws righty, ball, such that it bounces where a single can score him. his momentum after he harmlessly to an area be- Ideally, the fi rst two batters have throws takes him toward fi rst RICH MACLONE tween home plate and the reached base to start the inning, base,” he said, “so I’m more Falmouth’s master of the long-ball, Warren McFadden, lays pitchers mound, or down putting them at fi rst and second likely to bunt it toward third down a bunt in BP. either base line. A well- base. A successful bunt will move base instead.” placed bunt will end up them to second and third base, Brad also tries to gauge the the outside are just the oppo- a “push bunt,” where he tries in a spot where opposing where they both have a good throwing arms of the fi elders. site, he noted. “They’re easier to tap the ball a little harder fi elders will have trouble chance of coming around to score “If we’re trying to move a guy to send to the third-base side than a normal bunt, aiming it making a clean play. on a base hit to the outfi eld. Often from second over to third, but tougher for me to pull to toward the second baseman, The bunter will square the runner on third can even score and the fi rst baseman throws fi rst.” but out of the pitcher’s reach. his stance to face the easily on a ground ball out, es- lefty, he can charge down the Since opposing fi elders Defenders are getting wise to pitcher, and moves his top pecially when the ball is hit to the line and make that throw to have come to expect him to that approach as well. “Some- hand on the bat up toward right side of the infi eld. third, so I’ll try to avoid bun- lay down a bunt, even with no times the second baseman the meat of the barrel. The A bunt that’s used to advance a ting toward him,” he said. runners on base, it often works sneaks in trying to prevent it,” batter also takes care to baserunner is called a “sacrifi ce The type and location of a to his advantage as a hitter. he said. keep his fi ngers off the bunt,” so-named because the pitch also play a role in deter- “When they play me to bunt, Brad is also fl eet afoot, front of the bat. most important goal is to ensure mining which way he’ll bunt I may decide to swing away something Coach Forbes When a pitch arrives at the runner moves to the next base. it, he said—and that’s if he instead,” he said. “If the corner said is an added weapon the plate, the hitter pivots Unless the bunt is exceptionally decides to bunt at all. “Pitches infi elders are playing in and that makes him a dangerous the bat and positions the placed, the batter usually winds up that come inside are tough, guarding the lines, it opens up bunter. “He’s so quick out barrel such that the incom- getting thrown out at fi rst base—in and it’s hard to position the bat holes elsewhere in the de- of the batter’s box,” he said. ing ball will hit the bottom effect, sacrifi cing himself. to get the ball down the third fense.” “His speed changes every- half of the cylinder. A bunt Bunting can also used by a base line,” he said. Pitches on Brad has worked to develop thing.” that hits the top half will batter as a surprise tactic in generally be popped up, an an effort to reach base. When easy play for the catcher, infi elders play deep and a bunt is pitcher, or infi elders. dropped down, they have a slim The bunter may also chance of getting to the ball and pull the bat back slightly making the throw to fi rst. just before contacting the A more rare bunting situation ball. This last-second ma- comes when a bunt is used to neuver helps to deaden try to score a runner from third the ball, which the pitcher base. In this play, called a “sui- can deliver at speeds of cide squeeze,” the baserunner over 90 miles per hour. breaks toward home plate as A pair of bunts played a the pitcher starts his delivery. If key role in Sunday night’s the batter gets the bunt down game between Falmouth properly, there’s a decent chance # $% & $ and Wareham. Falmouth of the runner scoring. However, '(()$ $(* $ $+ $( second baseman Taylor should he miss the ball or bunt it Harbin led off the second too hard back to the pitcher, the , $ $+ $(* - $.$' $+ $( inning with a perfectly runner becomes a sitting duck. , '$$ '.$' placed bunt that bounced It may sound simple, but laying twice and then died on the down a good bunt in the Cape grass to the right of the League is harder than one might pitcher’s mound. The third think. One reason is that many baseman, not expecting college baseball coaches eschew the bunt, was playing deep the bunt in favor of more aggres- behind the bag. sive swinging, so their players Ryan Anetsberger drew arrive on Cape Cod without that a walk for the Commo- skill set. “Some programs don’t dores, putting runners work on it at all,” said Falmouth at fi rst and second. The Commodores hitting coach Chris !!" defense, anticipating the Forbes. “They look at it as an bunt, made some adjust- unproductive out.” / /00!/1232*444556 5. ments with the fi rst and Forbes, an assistant at the third basemen both mov- University of Northern Colorado, ing about 12 feet in on is one of those coaches who the grass. They each took spends little time on bunting with a couple of extra steps his players there. “But here in the toward the plate as Gate- Cape League, bunting is abso- men hurler Travis Banwart lutely essential,” he said. “It’s a .78.7 made his pitches to the big part of the game.” 12 SUMMER STARS Thursday, August 3, 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 24 15 0 48 W 2 7-3 BREWSTER 21 16 2 44 L 2 6-4 ORLEANS 20 18 1 41 L 1 5-5 HARWICH 17 20 0 34 W 1 6-4 CHATHAM 17 20 1 35 L 1 4-6 WESTERN DIVISION W L T PTS STREAK LAST 10 COTUIT 25 12 1 51 W 1 7-3 WAREHAM 20 18 0 40 L 2 6-4
through July 30, 2006 through FALMOUTH 19 18 1 39 W 4 6-4 HYANNIS 15 20 2 32 W 1 3-7 DIVISION STANDINGS BOURNE 7 28 2 16 L 2 2-8 BATTING TOP 10 (MINIMUM 102 PLATE APPEARANCES) BATTER CLUB AVG G AB R H HR RBI Cusick, Matt BRW .320 35 122 16 39 1 10 Donaldson, HAR .313 34 131 9 41 4 20 Josh Mangini, Matt HYA .313 34 134 9 42 2 16 Farris, Eric COT .310 36 126 14 39 1 16 Canham, FAL .310 22 87 17 27 2 10 Mitch Wieters, Matt OLN .303 30 109 17 33 7 19 Posey, Buster YRD .301 39 146 22 44 2 15 Chalk, Brad FAL .298 30 131 14 39 0 9 SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCOTT All Star Managers Trundy and Shapiro talk things over before the game. Smoak, Justin COT .292 34 137 24 40 10 25 Havens, Reese COT .291 32 110 15 32 2 14 HOME RUNS East Wins Battle Of Fill-in Pitchers, 7-2 Smoak, Justin COT 10 SOUTH YARMOUTH, Mass. single by Brad Chalk (Clem- two-run blast to deep center. McFadden, Warren FAL 8 - Red Wilson Field played son) and was driven home In the bottom of the seventh, Wieters, Matt OLN 7 host yesterday (July 29) to by Jeffrey Rea (Mississippi David Cash (Florida) came Dykstra, Allan CHA 6 the 44th Cape Cod Baseball State). in from the outfi eld to pitch. Several Players 5 League All-Star Game, pre- The East matched that run Neither Snyder nor Cash had Tied at sented by the Leading Banks in the bottom of the third ever pitched in a game in RBI of Cape Cod. It is only fi tting with a sacrifi ce fl y by Antone their Cape League careers. Smoak, Justin COT 25 that the team hosting the All- DeJesus (Kentucky), driv- The East broke it open in Rizzotti, Matt CHA 24 Star Game leads the Eastern ing in Reid Fronk (UNC). The the seventh with four runs off Dykstra, Allan CHA 23 Division with 46 points and a East threatened to score fi ll-in pitcher Cash, highlight- Emaus, Brad YRD 22 23-15-0 record, and it is only more with the bases loaded, ed by a DeJesus RBI double fi tting that the home East but Matt Mangini (Oklahoma and a Matt Wieters (Georgia Several Players 20 Tied At squad came away with a 7-2 State) made a nice leaping Tech) RBI single. victory. catch at third, denying the The East followed with its STOLEN BASES Before the start of the East at least two more runs. own recruitment from the Kaiser, Kody OLN 16 game, players and coaches The West answered right Home Run Hitting Contest, Carrara, Chris CHA 14 both felt humbled to be back in the top of the fourth pressing starting fi rst base- Brown, Corey CHA 13 selected to participate in with a sacrifi ce fl y by Brett man Matt LaPorta (Florida) Gotcher, Ryan WAR 13 the All-Star Game. Kelly Wallace, (Arizona State), into service for a ground Farris, Eric COT 12 Nicholson of Orleans, head scoring Mitch Canham (Or- out in the seventh. LaPorta TEAM AVG AB R H HR BB SO SB CS coach of the Eastern Divi- egon State). also came in for the eighth, BATTING sion, felt that "today is about Both teams started the striking out two players and Cotuit .261 1255 185 327 25 155 285 49 23 the players. I told them to game short on pitchers due possibly rethinking his cur- Falmouth .252 1312 160 331 31 102 352 36 25 play how they play because to doubleheaders colliding rent position of fi rst base for Hyannis .248 1204 130 299 9 115 281 24 18 that is what got them here, with the playoff races in the Brewster. Yarmouth- .239 1265 175 302 31 135 263 43 23 they are to enjoy this mo- Cape League schedule, and To close out the 7-2 victory Dennis ment because it is something both teams had to turn to for the East was Brett Cecil Harwich .227 1216 131 276 14 115 281 52 26 special." their position players for sup- (Maryland), whose nine saves Wareham .226 1250 146 282 9 153 298 63 14 Buster Posey (Florida State) port. The East used center currently land him third in the Brewster .222 1246 147 276 16 166 261 31 24 of the Y-D Red Sox and op- fi elder Justin Snyder (San Di- league. Sommer recorded Orleans .222 1258 142 279 17 156 302 50 21 posing player Justin Smoak ego) in the fi fth and left fi elder his fi rst ever Cape League Chatham .217 1222 144 265 17 160 355 54 15 (South Carolina) of the Cotuit Luke Sommer (San Fran- win, while Mooreland was Bourne .199 1168 93 232 7 131 313 31 15 Kettleers both felt that playing cisco) in the sixth. Snyder al- saddled with the loss after in the game was an "honor." lowed the fi rst two batters to coming to the park with only ADDITIONAL BATTING LEADERS Both started the All-Star Game reach but then got Rea to fl y the homers from his own bat and have been powering their out, Smoak to strike out, and on his mind. HITS teams into fi rst place of their Sean Gaston (Notre Dame) to The major league scouts in Posey, Buster YRD 44 respective divisions. fl y out. Sommer also allowed attendance selected Satin as Mangini, Matt HYA 42 The starting pitchers, distant the fi rst two batters to reach, the MVP of the East and Chalk Donaldson, HAR 41 memories by the end of the but he settled down to work as the MVP of the West. Satin Josh game, were Charlie Furbush 1 2/3 scoreless innings on the was chosen for his two-run Smoak, Justin COT 40 (St. Joseph's-ME) of Hyannis way to the win in the game. homer that gave the East a 3-2 DOUBLES for the West and Shaun Seib- The West then recruited the lead. Chalk went 2-for-4 with Satin, Josh OLN 13 ert (Arkansas) of Brewster for Baseball Factory Home Run a stolen base and a walk while the East. Both pitchers threw Hitting Contest champion, providing some defense in Smoak, Justin COT 10 perfect innings, each forcing Mitch Moreland (Mississippi center fi eld. Donaldson, HAR 10 Josh three ground balls to get things State), to pitch in the bottom All the All-Stars will con- Several 9 started. of the sixth. Mooreland was tinue to fi ght for a playoff Players Tied at The West got on the board not originally selected to the spot with one week left in the SLUGGING PERCENTAGE fi rst in the top of the third. All-Star Game, but after his season. After that week, they Will Atwood (South Caro- 25-homer performance high- enjoy a rare day off before Smoak, Justin COT .584 lina) got the fi rst two outs lighted the pre-game festivi- the playoffs start, Tuesday, Wieters, Matt OLN .532 on grounders, but then he ties, he could not be passed August 8. McFadden, Warren FAL .486 gave up a double to Eric up. Josh Satin (University of By Chad Burkart and Henley, Tyler YRD .482 Farris (Loyola Marymount), California) took advantage of Jonathan French, Donaldson, Josh HAR .481 who moved over to third on a the part-time pitcher with a CCBL Interns Thursday, August 3, 2006 SUMMER STARS 13 Batting Around A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League Standout Josh Satin Earns East MVP Award CAPE COD LEAGUE LEADERS (Through Games Of 7/30/06) SOUTH YARMOUTH, Mass. good day and he deserves was no question in most – Red Wilson Field was a pic- it." It is obvious that many of people's minds who would be PITCHING TOP 10 (MINIMUM 30 IP) ture of perfection for the 44th the scouts agreed. Satin was taking the title of MVP. PITCHER CLUB W-L ERA IP H BB SO annual All-Star Game. The the only player to hit a homer Commissioner Paul Galop not-so-familiar sun was shin- in the game and he had the also agreed with the vote, Seibert, Shaun BRW 5-0 0.00 41 22 23 33 ing bright and the sky was most RBIs with three. saying he was a "good choice *Merklinger, Dan HAR 4-0 0.89 41 27 16 44 clear, making the atmosphere East manager Kelly Nich- ... his home run changed the Hargrove, Ricky CHA 2-0 0.98 37 18 15 29 that much more exciting. olson, the head coach for game." That home run did Simmons, James COT 4-1 1.07 51 33 4 42 Fans were there early, leaving Satin’s Cardinals, knows how give the East the lead and Banwart, Travis WAR 3-2 1.09 33 29 7 30 only standing room for the much Satin deserves this ignited a hitting frenzy in the Staehely, COT 5-1 1.41 45 31 13 23 masses of people who con- honor. "He's been great and follow inning. Satin down- Christian tinued to shuffl e in through- has been really, really consis- played the hit, saying, "I tried *Atwood, Will BRW 2-0 1.41 32 15 14 25 out the day. The volunteers tent all summer ... today was to hit the ball hard and I was were hard at work and kept not a surprise." Satin stole fortunate enough it went out Furbush, Charlie HYA 3-1 1.50 48 35 13 43 busy serving up hot dogs and the show Saturday and there Continued on Page 15 *Bleich, Jeremy WAR 1-1 1.60 34 27 12 26 sodas and selling plenty of Shunick, Clayton OLN 4-4 1.73 52 35 9 31 Cape League memorabilia. It WINS was a great day for the CCBL Seibert, Shaun BRW 5 and for the game of baseball. Saturday was especially Staehely, COT 5 Christian great for the East All-Stars, who won the game 7-2. This Doyle, Terry YRD 5 year marks the fourth con- SAVES secutive year the East has Fields, Joshua YRD 12 overpowered the West. A Demel, Sam FAL 11 major factor in this year's Cecil, Brett OLN 10 victory was Orleans standout Josh Satin (California). During Latham, Daniel HYA 8 the sixth inning, Satin hit his STRIKEOUTS fi rst home run on the Cape, a Doyle, Terry YRD 52 two-run blast over the fence Hunt, Shooter FAL 50 that put the East up 3-2. He DeVries, Cole BRW 46 got himself another RBI in the seventh inning during a big Portice, BOU 45 rally by the East, which had Eammon all it would need to keep the TEAM W-L ERA H CG SHO SV HR BB SO lead and get the win. PITCHING Satin's outstanding perfor- Cotuit 2 5 - 2.13 270 0 7 9 14 106 256 mance earned him the East 12 MVP award, which was voted Chatham 17-20 2.66 264 2 2 10 14 120 281 on by the dozens of profes- MATTHEW SCOTT/ SPORTSPIX PHOTO Wareham 20-18 2.71 307 2 3 10 10 124 297 sional scouts in attendance. East Division Most Valuable Player Josh Satin is congratulated Harwich 17-20 2.98 259 2 4 9 14 140 322 One National League scout by CCBL offi cials Phil Edwards, Sol Yas, and Paul Galop in Brewster 21-16 3.08 325 1 2 15 21 137 276 said that Satin "had a very South Yarmouth at Red Wilson Field Saturday. Orleans 20-18 3.10 282 1 5 12 20 155 274 Yarmouth- 24-15 3.16 276 2 15 17 26 153 353 Dennis Moreland Wins HR Hitting Contest Falmouth 19-18 3.38 281 0 5 12 26 161 316 Hyannis 15-20 3.43 304 1 2 9 18 145 299 SOUTH YARMOUTH, Mass. – With only three home runs this season for the Bourne Bourne 7-28 4.07 301 1 3 4 13 148 317 Braves, Mitch Moreland (Mississippi State) was not the obvious pick to win Saturday’s home run derby at Red Wilson Field. Competing against established sluggers like Justin ADDITIONAL PITCHING LEADERS Smoak (South Carolina) of Cotuit and Matt LaPorta (Florida) of Brewster, Mitch didn’t alter his swing like many major league players have been known to do for these contests; in fact, GAMES he seemed to have no expectations at all. Demel, Sam FAL 22 “I just didn’t want to miss,” said the home run champ. “I was trying to make good contact Cassavechia, WAR 20 and it all worked out.” Nick Six players competed in this year’s Baseball Factory Home Run Hitting Contest, with SHUTOUTS Moreland and three others tied with fi ve home runs after the fi rst round. Wareham’s Steffan Woodard, CHA 1 Wilson (Harvard) hit 10 home runs in the fi rst round, making him the leader far and away. Robert Only two hitters were to advance to the fi nal round, and with four players tied, a fi ve-out INNINGS PITCHED playoff round was put in place. After this round, there was yet another tie, forcing a three pitch playoff between Moreland and LaPorta. One homer was enough to advance for Mitch, Shunick, OLN 52.0 who seemed fatigued after taking plenty of cuts on a humid summer day. Clayton Moreland was just getting started, hitting balls out of the park left and right to out-duel Boening, Riley WAR 51.0 Wilson in the fi nals. The lefty hit three home runs to start off his fi nal round, and with only Simmons,James COT 50.2 three outs he had already hit eight balls out of the park. Furbush, Charlie HYA 48.0 Wilson, who chose to hit second in the fi nals, was quick to regret that decision. After Doyle, Terry YRD 46.2 Moreland’s 14th and 15th homers screamed out of the park, Wilson was heard saying, “I should have hit fi rst.” LOSSES In the end, Moreland hit 16 homers in the fi nal round and 25 total in his fi rst ever home run Gardner, Matt BOU 5 derby. Exhausted after clearly giving the fans what they came to see, Mitch was all smiles Portice, Eammon BOU 5 and had one of his bench coaches to thank. Dorn, Johnny HAR 4 “Tim [D’Aquila] did a great job putting the ball in there and it just fl owed from there,” said Shunick, Clayton OLN 4 Moreland. Putkonen, Luke WAR 4 Although he wasn’t on the West All-Star roster, Mitch’s services would later be utilized again, surprisingly as a pitcher. With many teams in the midst of a playoff race and many WALKS pitchers tired and needing a rest, he was quick to volunteer himself. Walker, Kyle BOU 25 “I told them I was here and ready if they needed me,” said Moreland. “I just am hoping to Daly, Matt HYA 24 not get touched up.” HOME RUNS ALLOWED Unfortunately in the seventh inning the home run champ gave up one of his own, but of Dobrowiecki, FAL 10 greater signifi cance. Josh Satin (California) of Orleans took him deep to take the lead for the Kris East, which never looked back for a 7-2 win. DeVries, Cole BRW 7 By Nicholas Mucci, CCBL Intern [email protected] Sirois, Rich CHA 5 14 SUMMER STARS Thursday, August 3, 2006 Pitchers Were Scarce, But Hurlers Shine At All-Star Game SOUTH YARMOUTH, Mass. Sox to ground out to second, in the middle innings. Every – Pitching was the story of followed by a groundball to pitcher that took the mound the 2006 Cape League All- the shortstop by Matt Wieters just pounded the strike zone Star Game. It was a game (Georgia Tech) to end the in- and got outs. Though the marked by expedient innings ning on just seven pitches. pitching was not overpower- of effi cient pitching from In the second inning, ing, it was effective – and regular starters, and even a Terry Doyle (Boston College) after all, that is what being an couple of fi eld position play- showed why he was chosen All-Star is all about. ers. to be an All-Star from the Y- In the bottom of the fi fth With several teams bear- D Red Sox, getting the fi rst inning, with Cory Gearrin ing down to seal their spots two strikeouts of the game (Young Harris) of Cotuit pitch- in the playoffs, pitching was against the middle of the ing for the West, you could scarce. What little arms that West All-Stars’ lineup. Tom sense that the crowd had were available needed to be Farmer (Akron) responded been almost put to sleep. conserved for the sake of for the West with his whip- Justin Snyder (San Diego) playoff hopes. Regardless like, contorted delivery and stepped up to the plate and of the lack of pitchers, those a little help from a double launched a deep fl y ball to who did take the mound on play when Josh Donaldson the warning track in cen- Saturday evening proved (Auburn) lined out to second ter, but the soaring hit was worthy of their All-Star title. and Matt LaPorta (Florida) caught near the fence. Shaun Seibert (Arkansas) was thrown out at fi rst base The All-Star pitching staff of the Brewster Whitecaps before he could get back in of both teams was making opened the game up in the time. routine outs of the best hit- top of the fi rst inning for the The West struck fi rst when ters in the league. They made East All-Stars. His slow and Jeff Rea (Mississippi State) it look easy. deliberate delivery proved ripped a hanging curveball for Mitch Moreland (Mississippi troublesome for the fi rst three a double off of the lanky Will State), the fi rst baseman from batters of the game, as they Atwood (South Carolina) of Bourne, came in to pitch the got on top of the ball and Brewster. The line drive found bottom of the sixth inning in quickly ended the fi rst half in- its way to the fence in right an attempt to save the arms ning with three weak ground fi eld, and Eric Farris (Loyola of some of the West’s All-Star balls to the right side of the Marymount) scored the fi rst hurlers. Unfortunately, Mo- infi eld. run of the game. reland would end up taking SPORTSPIX PHOTO BY MATTHEW SCOTT Charlie Furbush (St. Jo- Atwood was not fl ustered, the loss when he gave up a Players lined up to sign autographs for nearly an hour before seph’s-ME) started for the though, as his very next pitch two-run homer to Josh Satin the game. West All-Stars, making quick was a blazing fastball that lit- (California). work of the fi rst three batters erally took the bat out of the The East All-Stars would shown he belongs on the players. Luke Sommer (San he faced. Mixing his curve, hands of Justin Smoak (South never look back. mound, if not for his tremen- Francisco), outfi elder for Y-D, change-up and fastball ef- Carolina), one of Cotuit’s best LaPorta, the regular fi rst dous ability to drive in runs earned the win while More- fectively, he kept the hitters hitters who lost his grip on baseman for Brewster, also from the batter’s box. land picked up the loss. off balance. Furbush got his lumber. Atwood closed did a little pitching. Striking At the end of the game, By Adam McGil- the leadoff man and then- out the inning by striking out out two of the four batters the need for arms showed. len, CCBL Intern hometown hero Buster Posey Smoak on three pitches. he faced, and not allowing a Both the winning and losing mcgillen@capecodbaseball. (Florida State) of the Y-D Red The game entered a lull single hit, LaPorta may have pitchers were regular position org Thank you
On behalf of the staě of Summers Stars, we take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all the Players, Fans, CCBL OĜ cials and, of course, our Advertisers, who helped bring this project to life. We look forward to doing it all again next summer, as Volume 2 of Summer Stars is aready starting to take shape. Have a great rest of the summer! Enterp e ri h s e T Falmouth • Mashpee • Bourne • Sandwich Thursday, August 3, 2006 SUMMER STARS 15 Standout Falmouth CF Chalk Josh Satin Wins West MVP Earns East SOUTH YARMOUTH, 64 games. Chalk has been Mass. – Brad Chalk of the noted by both his coach at MVP Award Falmouth Commodores Clemson as well as Com- earned the respect of major modores head coach Jeff Continued from Page 13 league scouts Saturday Trundy for his speed on the night at the All-Star Game basepaths and the abil- of the park." and was awarded the 2006 ity to bunt for a base hit. Satin was overwhelmed by Western Division MVP. His strength was noted at the award and by his season Born in Spartanburg, S.C. an early age when he was as well. He said it was just an and continuing his educa- named the 2004 Gatorade "honor to play in this league tion at the nearby Clemson Player of the Year as a and there was no bigger thrill University, the young phe- senior at Riverside High than when the coach told me nom has shown nothing School. He was All-Ameri- MATTHEW SCOTT /SPORTSPIX PHOTO I made the All-Star team." short of excellence for the can choice according to West Division Most Valuable Player Brad Chalk is congratu- This is for sure the highlight Commodores this season. Collegiate Baseball and lated by CCBL offi cials Phil Edwards, Paul Galop, and Sol Yas of his summer so far, but Coming into the All-Star earned three-time All-State Saturday at Red Wilson Field in South Yarmouth. what he would like is to top Game with a .310 batting and four time All-Region it all off by making it to the average with 39 hits has honors during his high impressive plays in center fi eld him the right vote.” playoffs and bringing a cham- placed him in the Top 10 school tenure. left little doubt amongst major Chalk scored one of the pionship home to Orleans. for batting and third in total Considered to have the league scouts on their MVP runs in Saturday night’s game There is a week left in hits. The graduated sopho- best outfi eld arm in the ACC, ballots this year. Across the and had a stolen base in the regular season and the more will be entering his Chalk was ranked the 44th board, Chalk was viewed as the fi fth. As the 2006 West Cardinals are in a close race junior year in the fall, earn- best sophomore in the nation. the top West performer in this All-Star MVP, Chalk is look- for a playoff spot. There is no ing him draft eligibility come Chalk is seen as one of the year’s game. Western Division ing for the Commodores to doubt that if Satin keeps up June of 2007. tougher outs in his lineup, head coach Harvey Shapiro continue their run to the fi nish his All-Star performance, the As a freshman at Clemson, striking out only 19 times in had praise for Chalk’s game, and earn a berth in this year’s Cardinals could end up back Chalk earned an All-Ameri- 200 at-bats during his sopho- saying, “Brad always plays playoffs. in the championship. can berth with a team-best more year. hard and tonight was no dif- By Daniel Scalia, CCBL In- By Johnna DeChristoforo, .350 batting average and a Putting together a multi-hit ferent. He had a couple of hits tern scalia@capecodbaseball. CCBL Intern dechristoforo@c .458 on-base percentage in All-Star Game and making and a few nice catches earning org apecodbaseball.org 16 SUMMER STARS Thursday, August 3, 2006 %SJGUXPPE1MB[B 4EATICKET (IGHWAY %SJGUXPPE 2OUTE 1MB[B $PNNPEPSFT #BTFCBMM %AST &ALMOUTH -! +PFT%SJWJOH3BOHF
/PEN -ONDAY &RIDAY AM PM s 3ATURDAY AM NOON /R "Y !PPOINTMENT &ULL 3ERVICE 4AILORING !LTERATIONS FOR THE &AMILY / iÊ iÃÌÊ*>ViÊÊ/Üt 3INCE 4HE #APES /.,9 ,EATHER &UR 2EPAIR #RUNCHI #REME 4UXEDO 2ENTAL s "RIDAL s -ILITARY #/50/. $OMESTIC s )NDUSTRIAL &ABRIC #APABILITIES 7E ALSO FEATURE !T (OME &ITTINGS !VAILABLE "LISS "ROTHERS $AIRY £x¯Ê" HARD ICE CREAM !LSO IN 3ANDWICH AT IN &,!6/23 ÞÊ*ÕÀV >Ãi &ARMERSVILLE 2D s ÜÌ ÊÌ ÃÊ>` /PEN 4UESDAY AM PM OR "Y !PPOINTMENT xänx{ä£
)BJS%FTJHO 3TEPHEN /#ONNELL 4QFDJBMJ[JOH*O s /XYGEN s #0!0 -POH)BJSt$VSMZ)BJSt$PMPSJOH s ,IFT #HAIRS s 7HEELCHAIRS $PNQMFUF'BNJMZ)BJSDBSF s 7ALKERS s /STOMY 3UPPLIES $PNQMFUF/BJMDBSF$FOUFS +ATHY 3CHERER s 3URGICAL 3TOCKINGS 4&37*/(5)&$0..6/*5:4/$& s ,YNCO &OOT 0RODUCTS s 3COOTERS MORE .0/ǩ4"5t5)634&7&/*/(4 s 0QFO:FBS3PVOEt"QQPJOUNFOUPS8BML*O (OURS -ONDAY &RIDAY "ILL !SPDEN 3!452$!9 .//.
$2!0%2)%3 7%$$).' 2)&47//$ '/7. $ 4IBXO1PMMBSE +PF4DJVUP 02%3%26!4)/. $FMM 8FIBWFNPWFE $FMM 4UPQJOBOEDIFDLPVUPVSOFXMPDBUJPOJO%SJGUXPPE1MB[B 35%$% /035)'"-.065) ,%!4(%2 #,%!.%23 &YDFMMFOU7BMVFBU *OHBUFEDPNNVOJUZ 5VSOLFZ#3T GVMMCBUI$BQF.FUJDVMPVTMZ 2%0!)23 NBJOUBJOFEJOTJEFBOEPVU DMPTFUPIJHIXBZ CFBDIFT BNVTUTFF &52 /0%. -ONDAY &RIDAY AM PM #,%!.).' 3ATURDAY AM PM 10$"44&5 34/2!'% 0OFPGB,JOEɨJTDVTUPNCVJMUMPHDBCJOIPNF PĊFST#3T CBUIT TBVOB -3 %3 -0'5 TDSFFO 3()24 QPSDIBOECPOVTSPPN-BSHFQSJWBUFCBDLZBSE $PNFTFFGPSZPVSTFMG 3%26)#% XXX)BSCPS)PNFT3FBMUZDPNt0''*$&'"9