SUMMER STARS Thursday, June 29, 2006

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From The Cheap Seats A Top Player’s Conundrum: Cape League Or Team USA Decisions, decisions. Put yourself in the shoes of an elite baseball player for a moment and appreciate the unique conundrum that many face at this time of the year. On one hand they have an invitation to play in the Cape Cod Baseball League, the premier summer league in the country. Not only does the Cape League offer the best daily competition and a chance to be noticed by a gaggle of scouts, but the other variables are nice as well. There is the beach for the rare off day. The travel from ballpark to ballpark is quite easy. The atmosphere is somewhat relaxed and the fans appreciate just about every move on the diamond. It’s a pretty sweet gig for the summer. On the other hand, some of the best players also get another invitation for the summer—to play for Team USA. Wow, the national baseball team, a chance to put a jersey on that reads “USA” across the chest. Not only does it rate a 10 out of 10 on the cool scale, but it’s an honor as well. However, the national team isn’t quite as laid back and loose as the Cape team. The national team’s travel sched- DANIEL W. WEBB ule is a bear, to say the least, with games lined up all over the United States and ending in Havana, Cuba. It’s an interesting way to see the world, but most of the sightseeing is done from buses and in airport terminals. Waiting On So what’s a player to do? Both options offer pros and The CWS cons. It would be hard to say that going either way is wrong. Unfortunately, the Cape League hierarchy has to Page Four cope with the players having to make those choices each and every summer, despite having many of them already signed on to play for their respective clubs. This year, like Doing the most, the bulk of the USA invitees were already planning Dirty Work to play in the Cape League. Of the first 20 players asked to Page Five tryout, 16 were on Cape League preseason rosters. When the invitation from the national team comes, some players jump at the chance. It’s something they’ve got to try and who can really blame them. Others, though, know right Men With Mics away that they have no interest in living that lifestyle for the Page Six summer and would much rather work on their game in one place, rather than sit on charter after charter and live on hotel and restaurant food. Players, Cotuit Head Coach Mike Roberts has seen both sides of the coin. His son Brian, an all-star second baseman with the Host Families Shar e Baltimore Orioles, spent the summer between his freshman Andrew Romine 3 A Unique Bond and sophomore years with Team USA. The next summer he Page Seven came to Cape Cod. The elder Roberts said that the better place, in his eyes, was the ballparks by the sandy beaches. DON PARKINSON/ENTERPRISE “You make a lot of progress if you come [to Cape Cod] to work [on baseball],” Roberts said. “Team USA is certainly glamorous, but if practicing is something that’s important, Ballpark Of The Week and getting better at baseball, then the Cape League is Page 8 the better choice, I think....[Team USA] doesn’t have a lot of time to practice because of the travel, and it’s hard to improve that way. By The Numbers “The Cape League is a grind-it-out every night [league], Pages 12 & 13 like in pro ball, against great competition.” Roberts also said that, competition-wise, the Cape Batting Around League can’t be beat. “The Cape is the best amateur competition in the world,” he said. “The national team is very Pages 11-14 different from what it was in 1984...it’s not like they play against the real Cuban team now.” Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox Head Coach Scott Pickler Look for this issue online @ www.capenews.net believes the chance to play for Team USA is a tough one to tur n down. “To put USA across your chest is thrilling for a lot of kids and to put that on your resume is something you’ll always On The Cover: Andrew Romine follows in his father’s have, too. A lot of kids try [Team USA] one time, and then footsteps with a stint in the CCBL. Don Parkinson Photo they come here,” Pickler said. Pickler certainly would love to have the best players play in the Cape League each year, but when one of his Sox players has to leave Red Wilson Field to try out for the publisher project manager design services manager national team, he feels no ill will at all. “It’s great either way. William Hough Chuck Borge Christine Stutzman ‘I’m happy for you if you make the team, and I’m happy to sports editor have you here’ is what I tell them,” Pickler said. sales manager design services Rich Maclone This week, the players are vying for the 22 spots on Steve Krammes Linda Stewart the national team. The roster will be finalized by the start photo editor Jill Spencer of July. Some of those kids will be on Cape Cod within a sales Daniel W. Webb Julia Balducci couple of days and others will prepare to take on Taiwan in Danielle Guay Pawtucket. design & layout press supervisor Tricia Keough What’s certain is that the best baseball players in the land Elisabet K. Rodrigues David Pittman will all be on a diamond somewhere this summer. Let’s hope Dawn Mitchell Trisha Herlihy they all are on the one that works out best for them. 50 Depot Avenue Barbara Warner Enterp Rich Maclone is the sports editor for Summer Stars e ri Falmouth, MA 02540 h s and Enterprise Publishing. He can be reached at Nancy Medeiros e T 508-548-4700 • 1-800-286-7744 [email protected]. Esther Buchanan F a l m o u t h • M a s h p e e • B o u r n e • S a n d w i c h Fax: 508-540-8407 Thursday, June 29, 2006 SUMMER STARS 3 Andrew Romine Following Similar Path As His Father BY DAN CROWLEY 100 high school players in the the face had done more dam- talk with my dad every night east, he certainly knows that Brewster Whitecaps nation by BaseballResources. age than had been initially and he tells me to keep- when it comes to baseball, he shortstop Andrew Romine com. In his senior year, he expected. ing working hard, to stay has done all a father can do is walking in the footsteps was drafted by the Philadel- “We didn’t realize until I got positive, and not get down on for a son. Up to now Andrew’s of his father. Boston Red phia Phillies. home,” he said. “We called myself.” career has in many ways Sox fans will recognize the Wisely, when it came time a doctor and he said I had Kevin Romine is now a Los mirrored that of his father. He name. Andrew’s father, Kevin, for his son to enter college some hair line fractures in the Angeles County Police Detec- plans to continue to follow played for the Sox for seven and take his baseball to the cheekbone.” tive and Andrew doesn’t see his father’s advice, remember seasons from 1985-91. next level, his dad, while at But Andrew’s troubles how his father would be able the lessons he taught, and Andrew Romine grew up his side, left the decision to didn’t end there. A pinched to come to the Cape to watch hopefully, one day, follow his in a baseball family. “I never Andrew. vein in his neck required him play. As much as Kevin father’s footsteps all the way to really knew any different,” he Before joining the Red surgery and the removal of might want to make the trip the majors. smiled, thinking back. “I was Sox, Kevin Romine was a a rib. It wasn’t until there always watching baseball, standout player and two-time were just 22 games left in playing baseball, and going All-American at Arizona State his sophomore season that to baseball games for as long University. He still holds the he got back on the field. Not as I can remember.” record for the highest career being able to play baseball Andrew was born Christ- batting average in Sun Devil for a prolonged period for mas Eve 1985 in Winter- history, hitting .408 in his the first time in his life was haven, Florida, then the two seasons. He is also the hard. When he rejoined the spring training home of the school’s career stolen base Sun Devils he played with Red Sox. That year, his father leader (86), with a single sea- such a renewed joy that was a rookie with the Red son high of 59. In 1981, he led the first week back he was Sox and for the next six sea- the Sun Devils to a national named the Pac-10 Player of sons whenever he could he championship at Omaha. Of the Week and the Collegiate brought his young son along course, he’d want his son to Baseball Foundation Na- to the ballpark. head for Tempe. tional Honor Roll Player of “I was still pretty young “The decision was all the Week. when my dad finished his ca- mine,” Andrew said. “(ASU) “I was just happy to be reer,” Andrew noted. “I’ll have was always in the back of back, I was relaxed and was Waiting On little things that will remind my head. We’ve always had having fun,” he laughed. “You The CWS me of things that happened, maroon and gold around the try all the time to do the best Page Four or I’ll remember something house. They have great tradi- you can, but nothing like that when I hear my father talking, tions, you get a great educa- happened before.” but it’s pretty vague.” tion and they have a great This summer, Andrew Doing the Maybe Andrew was too baseball program there.” Romine is enjoying playing in young to realize it at the time, Andrew considered other the Cape League. His father Dirty Work but his love affair with the schools as well, including: played his summer baseball Page Five game had begun. In the late Cal State Fullerton, Fresno in 1980 in Alaska for the Mat- 1980s Andrew played in the State, and UCLA. But, when it Su Miners. Red Sox clubhouse while his came time to decide, his trip “My dad tells me that Alas- father played ball. to Tempe and ASU stood out. ka was the league to play in “I have some memories “My dad gave me as much back then and I tell him, ‘Not of Wade Boggs and Jody information as I needed,” he anymore dad, it’s the Cape Reed,” Romine remembered. explained. “Whenever I had now,’ ” Andrew laughed. “I remember one time I was questions, he was there. But “After having it taken away Players, hiding in Wade Boggs’s he didn’t want to make the from me last year, I’m looking Host Families Share locker in a pile of shoes decision for me. I was the forward to this summer and and he found me in there. one to choose Arizona State.” some great baseball.” A Unique Bond Memories like that are great. When Andrew arrived in In addition to hard work, Page Seven I remember some of the sons Tempe, he was given jersey one thing his father has and daughters of some of number 12, the same number taught him is to always retain the players and we still get his father had worn. a positive attitude. Christmas cards from some “They asked what number “The game is so difficult of them once in a while. My I wanted, and I said it didn’t physically and mentally that DON PARKINSON/ENTERPRISE mom and dad tell me stories really matter,” Andrew re- if you aren’t positive and are Andrew Romine makes a play at short for the Whitecaps dur- of growing up around Fenway membered. “They handed not ready to go, it can mess ing a game last week in Bourne. Romine comes to the Cape Park and how I was afraid of me number 12 and said this everything up,” he added. “I League hoping to build on a strong year at Arizona State. the wave whenever it would is what we want to see you come by.” wear.” Andrew began play- Arizona State University re- ing baseball at about the tired the number 12 in honor same age he took his first of Kevin Romine last May. His steps, and once he was old son will be the last Sun Devil enough to play on a team, to wear it. his dad was there to coach. At the end of a very suc- Kevin coached his son’s Little cessful freshman year, League teams, Pony League Andrew found himself stand- teams, and more. He built a ing in Rosenblatt Stadium in batting cage in the back yard Omaha where his father had to teach Andrew how to hit played 24 years earlier. ASU and turned him into a switch was once again contending hitter. But most of all he for the national champion- instilled in his son a love of ship. the game and a dedication to “I was only on the field for hard work that Andrew lives about 10 minutes when a guy design services manager by today. came up to me and asked Christine Stutzman “There has never been a me to sign a ball,” Andrew re- design services day go by that I haven’t done called. “He carefully handed something to improve my it to me and said, ‘Be careful, Linda Stewart game,” Andrew admitted, it’s kind of special.’ I looked Jill Spencer “and I have my dad to thank on the other side and it had Julia Balducci for that. He was always there my dad’s signature. The guy press supervisor to help and instruct me.” looked at me and said, ‘I Andrew had a standout got that when your dad was David Pittman season at Trabuco Hills High here in the ‘81 college world School in Mission Viejo, Cali- series.’ ” fornia. He was named an all- Life couldn’t have been star in the Area Code Games, better for both father and son played in the North-South until after the College World DON PARKINSON/ENTERPRISE California All-Star Game and Series when they learned that Andrew Romine has shown that he has very strong bat control. The infielder had struck out just was named as one of the top a pitch that had hit Andrew in twice in his first six games and was second on his team in runs scored. 4 SUMMER STARS Thursday, June 29, 2006 World Series Has CCBL Teams Waiting Impatiently BY MARK A. BROWN doing so well. So why the said. “During these first few can remember it,” said Stur- St. Clair, Barney, LHP Ross Last Tuesday night, Matt somber looks? weeks, you really have to play tevant. Detwiler (Missouri State), and Ranson and Chris Forbes sat “Man, we could really use 50-50 ball to have a shot. If By the end of the NCAA RHP Aaron Shafer (Wichita looking glumly at the TV. a healthy catcher right now,” you fall behind in this league, first round on June 5, the State). The two Falmouth Commo- said Forbes with a shake of by the time you get all your tourney field had been In an effort to bridge the dores coaches stopped at a his head. players in, it’s too late to be slashed to 16 teams, freeing manpower gap, the Cape local restaurant after return- A day earlier, in a freak play, competitive,” he said. up 78 players to head east. League holds a tryout each ing from Chatham, where that Commodores catcher Andy Each year, the 64-team But another 67 were still with year. This season, rain post- evening’s ballgame had been Walker had been struck in NCAA Division 1 postseason their college teams in the poned the event until Sunday, fogged out. (That’s right, the arm by a bat swung by tournament puts a strain on second round, which began June 11—a mere four days fogged out. It happens here Brewster’s Adam LaPlante. all 10 Cape League squads. June 9. before the season opener. Of- on the Cape….) The bat broke on impact, and The further college teams Brewster and Falmouth ficials from all 10 teams were While most patrons were Walker’s arm, while not frac- advance in their quest for were again the hardest hit, on hand as 89 players went gleefully watching Tim tured, didn’t fare much better. the national title, the longer it each short nine players. through drills at Wareham’s Wakefield spin a gem for the He’ll be sidelined indefinitely. takes for their CCBL-bound Cotuit was missing eight, and Clem Spillane Field. Boston Red Sox, Ranson The injury ultimately led players to head home, pack Wareham and Y-D each had “I needed some bodies,” and Forbes had their eyes Commodores’ General Man- their belongings, and finally seven slots to fill. said Sturtevant, one of those fixed on the only screen in ager Chuck Sturtevant to turn make their way to this sum- Injuries and NCAA obliga- in attendance. He came away the place not tuned to the to Kelly LaDow, a catcher for mer baseball enclave. tions aren’t the only disrup- with six temporary players, Sox game. Instead they Bridgewater State. LaDow, As the tourney got underway tions to Cape League rosters. including Brown University were focused on the Miami- who redshirted this past sea- June 2, there were 145 players The Y-D Red Sox lost closer infielder Matt Nuzzo. In his Oregon State Elite Eight son after breaking the thumb from 42 teams that were slated Matt Meyer last week after first CCBL at-bat, the Everett matchup in the College on his catching hand, is also to play on the Cape. With the Boston College lefty native launched a 94-mph World Series. a Falmouth native, the first to only 23 roster slots available signed a pro contract with fastball 410 feet over the cen- The Beavers, whose roster play for the hometown Com- to each CCBL team, nearly the Cleveland Indians. ter field fence for a homer. includes four kids slated to modores since Colin Eastman two-thirds of the league’s 230 Just this past weekend, a Last year, Sturtevant rolled play for the Commodores this handled a few games in the players were in limbo. number of CCBL players be- a seven at the tryouts by summer, had just tacked on a outfield as a temporary player Falmouth and Brewster were gan auditioning for 36 spots snagging ex-UConn pitcher run to make it a 5-1 game in several seasons ago. each short 20 players. Even on Team USA in Pittsfield. Tim Norton, who went on their favor. One of those kids In addition to the quartet the team affected the least, Among those under consider- to share the Cape League’s was stud backstop Mitch from Oregon State, Falmouth Yarmouth-Dennis, was shy a ation were 1B Joe Savery of Most Outstanding Pitcher Canham. was missing four players from dozen players, and opening Wareham (Rice), five Harwich award. One might expect the two Clemson as well as pitcher day was just 12 days away. players including ace lefty As the College World Series Falmouth coaches would be Cole St. Clair of Rice Univer- “In the 20 years I’ve been in Sean Doolittle (Virginia), and continued last week, 44 Cape happy to see Canham’s team sity. “It’s tough,” Sturtevant this league, this is the worst I four Commodores including League players were still competing with their college squads. Over the weekend, it was down to two teams for the championship—North �� Carolina and those Beavers of Oregon State, which meant �� Sturtevant and his staff were still waiting for their healthy � �� catcher Canham, as well as shortstop Darwin Barney, and pitchers Eddie Kunz and Joe � �� Paterson. �� As for the Tar Heels, four �� CCBL teams were awaiting nine of their players. Closer Andrew Carignan is �� headed for Bourne. Catcher �� Tim Federowicz, starter Rob �� Woodard, OF Seth Williams, and 3B Reid Fronk are bound � �� for Chatham. The Harwich �� Mariners will get 1B Chad �� Flack, SS Josh Horton, and �� OF/1B Matt Spencer. Starting �� Luke Putkonen is destined for �� Wareham. �� Their Cape League coaches �� all say they can’t arrive soon �� enough. Thursday, June 29, 2006 SUMMER STARS 5 Doing The Dirty Work: CCBL Players Are Their Own Grounds Crew BY MICHAEL O’CONNOR In the big leagues, the grounds crew is constantly at work. Either running the tarp out on the field during rain delays or working between innings, their job never ends. It is a round-the-clock responsibility, which keeps many a major league baseball park in pristine condition. It also adds to the atmosphere of enjoying a game. However, here in the Cape Cod Baseball League, things are a little different. “The home team for the evening performs as the grounds crew,” coach Jeff Trundy of the Falmouth Commodores explained. After both teams have practiced, the home team gets underway working on the field. It is done right before the start of the game and takes approximately a half-hour, barring any unfore- seen problems. They start off by rolling the big batting cage, also known as the “turtle,” out of the way, usually done by two pitchers not starting the game, as the position players stretch out and get ready. It is wheeled into an area so as not to af- fect foul balls or anything in play. It is important to get the cage out of the way first so they can set up the batters box around home plate. The “L” net is the next thing to be removed. It has a cou- MICHAEL O’CONNOR ple of wheels, but isn’t nearly True hops and bounces wouldn’t be possible if not for the painstaking work of the players prior to each game. The ballplayers as large and can be moved are responsible for smoothing out the surface in front of the plate, and along the infield. by one player. The “L” net is set up in front of the mound during practice and allows pitchers not scheduled that whoever is throwing batting night. practice not to be taken out One of the more intricate by a lined shot at the mound. duties the players do is to This net also is wheeled to an set up home plate, including area out of play so as not to the batters box. They use a interfere during the ballgame. “batters box frame” to out- Finally there is the “Bucket” line the imprint for the chalk net in the outfield to protect to be laid down. Once this infielders from the balls be- is done on both sides, home ing thrown back in from the plate is put down in the outfielders. middle and the chalk is run The invaluable golf club car from the back part of home DANIEL W. WEBB comes into play next. The plate to the foul line. It’s an Dragging the field prior to the only exception with this club intricate process. game is just one chore that cart is it has an area where Finally, one of the last jobs the CCBL players and coach- you can carry things on the performed is wetting down es are responsible for. back. The players roll up the the dirt. As coach Trundy field tarp on a steel pole be- explained, “It keeps the ing used around the batting dust down and helps to cage, and then load it onto compact the dirt and make the back of the cart, which it a little firmer.” is driven to where the other This is literally the last equipment is being stored. thing done before the The same is done with the teams take the field, as “grass protector” out in front you don’t want it down too of the batting cage, so the early or the dirt will dry out. grass doesn’t get chewed up. Final touches also include Once those things are spray painting home plate cleared out of the way, the and the pitchers mound. raking begins. One player Once these things are around home plate begins finished, it’s time to play raking and smoothing out ball. The field is in nice the area. A drag rake is con- condition and game-ready. nected to the club car and The smell of a barbecue the raking gets done more and kids playing not far efficiently and quickly, out in away enhances the atmo- the infield. Other players will sphere as I get comfort- RICH MACLONE smooth out the base lines able in my seat. It is sure The mound, and infield, are MICHAEL O’CONNOR with regular garden rakes. to be another great night of sprayed down before the first Many players state that they take pride in making the batter’s The players doing this are the baseball. pitches are thrown. box perfect. 6 SUMMER STARS Thursday, June 29, 2006

Live From The Diamond: Cape League Broadcasters Bring Games To The Fans BY MATTHEW M. BURKE you played catch as darkness broadcaster. Castiglione had Tom Sedlacek, the 24-year- fell on a cool Cape summer better watch out because old Minnesota native, was night. Gleason has his sights set on born for this. His blond hair Sedlacek has worked hard his job. “I would love to move juts out from the sides of for his shot to broadcast up the ranks and eventually his Bourne Braves baseball every game this year, finally do the Sox or maybe even a cap. The game just ended jumping out of a rotating network job,” he said. “[The and he can’t turn it off. The cast of Braves interns after best part about broadcasting radio voice goes on deep into last season, and he is ulti- the Gatemen’s games is] the the night after the game has mately shooting for the minor fact that I have been living my ended. leagues. dream for five years and hav- In his business, you either It has been a long road to ing a blast doing it. Not many have the voice or you don’t, the Cape League for him, people can say that.” and you can either remem- literally, and if he continues Gleason graduated from ber and recite stats at the to work as hard as he did to UMass Dartmouth in 2002. He drop of a hat, or you can’t. get to the Cape League, he has previous experience edit- Tom Sedlacek, a three-year could become another Cape ing broadcasts for National Braves broadcasting veteran, League success story. Public Radio. He said that he has all the tools needed to Sedlacek, joined by his has always known he wanted become a broadcaster at the partner in crime, first-year MATT BURKE to be a broadcaster. “I use next level. Braves intern Matthew Sil- Tom Sedlacek and Matthew Silberman will broadcast Braves a wheelchair and cannot His voice is a one-of-a-kind berman, 21, from Memphis, games this season. physically compete on the broadcasting voice, different Tennessee, are just one of the league’s 10 broadcast teams. problems experienced at the diamond,” he said. “So this is from a civilian voice in some many dynamic broadcasting “I come from Minnesota home opener, the chemistry the next best way for me to unknown yet distinct way, duos you will find delivering to do this; I come out here is there and the pair looks stay involved and contribute much like the great Red Sox the play-by play via the Inter- specifically for the Braves,” forward to a great summer to the team.” announcer Joe Castiglione’s net on the Cape Cod Base- Sedlacek says. “Matt drives talking baseball. Devotion to his team, the nasal tone. It is divergent. ball League’s numerous team all the way from Providence “Next year I’ll be going to Gatemen, comes from Glea- The kind of voice that you’d web sites this season. every game day.” the minor league baseball son being a hometown boy. recall growing up to, played Devotion to the national Silberman is a senior at hiring fair at baseball’s winter He remembers taking hitting out of your father’s small, pastime is a common denom- Johnson and Wales Univer- meetings,” Sedlacek says instruction from Sox great tattered radio, as the two of inator within every one of the sity in Providence, Rhode enthusiastically. “Hopefully Mo Vaughn in the late ‘80s. Island, and commutes to the with a CD of games from “The field is only 10 minutes games, while Sedlacek, a this season I’ll find a paid from my house, and I could recent college graduate, has job somewhere in the minor never transfer my loyalty to made the Cape his home for leagues.” another team after this long,” North Falmouth Hardware Store the past three summers after Silberman, a sports man- he said. “The Gatemen are �� learning about the league agement major, agrees. “Yea, a top-notch organization on the Internet. He says that that would definitely be inter- filled with terrific people who prior to that fateful Google esting, I’m going to finish my have made me feel extremely �� search where he discovered degree first and everything, welcome and at home since �� the league, he didn’t even and see what else I can find.” day one. They took a chance know where Cape Cod was. In Wareham, Patrick Glea- on me and I truly do appreci- �� “Originally I’m from Mem- son, a 26-year-old Wareham ate it.” phis, Tennessee, so this native who has been broad- He said that people know �� definitely is a trek for me and casting the Gatemen for his voice and approach him my first summer spending the past five years, is living at games, saying that they �� it up here,” Silberman adds. out his dreams to one day have been listening to him Despite some minor technical Continued on Page 9 �� become a Major League ��

91 County Road • North Falmouth 508-564-6160 MONDAY-SATURDAY 8AM-5PM, SUNDAY 11AM-4PM ��

�� Thursday, June 29, 2006 SUMMER STARS 7 Players, Host Families Share A Unique Bond

BY DARIN WEEKS same. Helen Kennedy, the Every June, their door- director of Falmouth’s Recre- steps are darkened by young ation Department and house men with large duffel bags parent for 11 years, has cre- and heads full of baseball ated several lifetime bonds dreams. For over 10 weeks, a through her years of housing few hundred Cape Leaguers, Commodore players, includ- some arriving on Cape Cod ing current Chicago Cubs’ for the first time, will begin reliever David Aardsma and in many cases what will be Tampa Bay Devil Ray Kevin a lifelong relationship with Cash. host families who open their “I’ve met so many great homes to them for the sum- players,” explained Kennedy. mer. “I’ve housed players for 11 The Cape Cod Baseball years now and I still stay in League offers many tests touch with every kid who has to challenge the mettle of ever stayed with me.” some of America’s best Though most Cape League young ballplayers. On the fans will remember players field, hurlers with 90-plus by their on field accomplish- mile-per-hour fastballs and ments, host parents gain a hitters with the ability to hit unique perspective into the a ball into tomorrow lurk in lives of these young men and the shadows of every Cape tend to recollect some of the League park. Off the field, funny off the field moments these same college students that happen during the sum- must adapt to a new envi- mer. ronment, including learning “I remember when I housed and living by the rules of (David) Aardsma, he had families who welcome them borrowed someone’s pink with open arms as if they Cadillac to drive for the sum- were their own children. mer,” remembered Kennedy. Though initial awkward- “He drove it to Hyannis one ness and some growing day and it broke down; it was House dad Paul McCracken celebrated the 2004 Cape Cod Baseball League championship with pains may occur, in many hysterical.” his player Brett Harker. cases a transformation oc- One night last summer curs over a summertime that while housing Y-D Red Sox’ turns a stranger from hun- Chris Errecart (a 2006 fifth- dreds of miles away into a round pick of the Milwaukee family member and creates Brewers), McCracken drove a lifelong bond centered home one night to find a around a shared love for strange car in his Yarmouth America’s favorite pastime. driveway. When he asked Paul McCracken, a mort- Errecart whose car it was, gage lender for Cape Cod he was stunned to learn the Five by day and host parent car belonged to Boston Red for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox President Larry Luc- Sox by night, has hosted chino. players for the last three “A friend of Chris’s was an years and has quickly be- intern for the Boston Red Sox come the quintessential Cape last summer,” explained Mc- League host parent. Cracken. “I guess she worked “I was interested in base- for Lucchino and asked him ball, and the Cape League if she could borrow his car has a great reputation,” to drive to the Cape. So I’m explained McCracken of at my house looking out his initial desire to host Red the window and see Larry Sox players at his Yarmouth Lucchino’s car sitting in my home. “My first player (Col- driveway.” lege of Charleston alum and Although McCracken and current Philadelphia Phillies’ Kennedy have hosted play- Longtime house mom Helen Kennedy, and her daughter Elizabeth, visited two of her former players at Rice University, Austin Davis (left) and David Aardsma (right). minor leaguer Brett Harker) ers for different amounts of was a good kid and we hit it time, both have realized that off right away.” when the summer ends, the “It’s great to see their dif- While some host families relationship they create with ferent personalities,” said have small children who their players endures. Last McCracken, who will soon �� quickly idolize their summer spring, McCracken flew to travel to attend Harker’s housemates, others like Mc- Charleston to watch Harker wedding. “It’s just a lot of �� Cracken, whose children are play and, ironically, lived fun to talk baseball and real- grown, relish the idea of help- with the player again, this � �� ize how young they really ing shape the young minds time under Harker’s roof. of ballplayers, especially in Kennedy has made similar are…when they make it to the area of a fan’s passion for pilgrimages across America the majors, I’ll remember the � �� baseball. to watch her former play- times when they were living �� “I remember after a game ers’ progress through their in my house and the fun we Brett came home and we careers. had.” watched a Red Sox-Yankees game on TV,” said McCracken. “What I remember is that game �� was so intense, he never even �� changed out of his uniform �� and really learned the intensity �� of that rivalry…I think he also �� learned that summer that (for- �� mer Yankee) Bucky Dent has a � �� middle name.” �� Up the Cape in Falmouth, �� the rooting loyalties change, �� but the stories remain the �� 8 SUMMER STARS Thursday, June 29, 2006 Ballpark Review Eldredge Park: The House that Nomar Built BY MATTHEW M. BURKE separating you from the action is a chalk line. Ty Davis, a junior from Vanderbilt, took the Bring a chair or a blanket to this park for it only hill for the defending Cape League Champion seats 300, but its capacity is 6,000. Orleans Cardinals and pitched an unassum- Best Buys: The best buys at Eldredge Park ing gem last Friday night at Eldredge Park off come in the novelty department. Baseballs Route 28 in Orleans. The right-hander from with the giant red bird emblazoned on them Austin, Texas, went to work under ominous, are $5, perfect for autographs. Cape Leagu- cloudy skies, and between scattered show- ers are more than generous when it comes to ers, and under the threat of thunderstorms, signing for kids. Cardinals key chains can go pitched six complete innings and dazzled the anywhere from $1.25 to $3. Cape Cod Base- Falmouth Commodores, forcing line drive out ball League baby bibs for $8 will start even after ground ball out, on his way to getting the the youngest Cape League fan out in the right win, 2-1. direction. The best buy, however, is a gratis Brett Cecil from Maryland closed out the high quality yearbook detailing everything game and ensured a Cardinals’ victory de- Cardinals. This is key for the diehard fan. spite giving up a 400-foot solo home run to left Food: The Cardinals treat their fans like roy- center in the top of the ninth to Tulane’s Aja alty at their home games with a large assort- Barto, who is off to an exceptional start at the ment of goodies. From grilled meats, like hot MATT BURKE plate this season. The MVP of this game was dogs for $2, burgers for $3, cheeseburgers Get a snack and never miss a pitch. the Cardinals defense, which fended off the for $3.50, and sausages for $3.50, to typical Commodores every time they tried to mount a baseball fare like sunflower seeds, peanuts, comeback. and popcorn, fans can go to the games with a Eldredge Park has long been revered as tight budget and an empty stomach and leave one of the most family-friendly parks in the happy and satisfied. The most popular item Cape Cod Baseball League and it has always at the park was by far the hot dogs, but the been home to one of the Cape’s most storied highest quality meal was the foot-long base- teams. Located at Nauset Regional Middle ball park-style sausages. The park is so good School, the ballpark is the furthest field down to Cardinal fans that the condiment table Cape, which might not draw a lot of Upper even had fresh chopped onions and relish! Capers, but has instead created a subculture Fenway, eat your heart out. of diehard Lower Cape, Cardinals’ aficiona- Best Feature: The best feature of the park dos. is the top-notch facilities as a whole, includ- The house that Nomar built has seen its ing a playground, tennis courts, and soccer share of fantastic ballplayers, with a 1993 fields. Nauset Regional Middle School has team that included Garciaparra, Aaron Boone, something for everyone in very close proxim- and Jay Payton, 1999’s Mark Teixeira, 1994’s ity to one another. You can lean against the Todd Helton, and who could forget the 1988 outfield fence in center and check out the team that included J.T. Snow and Frank game while keeping an eye on your kids on Thomas. the jungle gym, and giving a thumbs up to Team General Manager Sue Horton said that your oldest as he does his best to imitate the fans are so diehard that they have been Brazil’s Ronaldinho on the soccer field. known to leave chairs set up the night before The Park: The landscaping is pristine, the MATT BURKE a game, just to save their spot on the hill, facilities are magnificent, and nothing beats Youngsters find Eldredge Park a fun place to watch the games, down the first base line. Some fans choose to night games under the lights at Eldredge and not just because of the action. The site also has a play- do it the morning of the game. Both groups Park. The handicapped accessible restrooms ground. cause some dismay to the town workers try- are first-rate. However, the field is not very ing to mow the grass. handicapped accessible and there is defi- Ms. Horton said that despite the mowing nitely a lack of seating. You could get a wheel difficulties, the players love the atmosphere chair onto the field but the slope is not opti- and believe that the level of enthusiasm exud- mal. But for a family, no park beats Eldredge; ed by the fans adds to the experience, making just don’t forget to bring bug spray and a Orleans’ Eldredge Park one of the most excit- blanket or beach chairs. Your kids will love ing ballparks to watch a game in. the playground and they even have an ice Best Place to Park: The best part about cream truck. Eat dinner before the game on having your field at a school is the amount of its picnic tables next to the playground, and available parking. As you drive up on Eldredge watch out for foul balls on the hill. Park, with the field on your right, take a right How Far I Got on 20 Bucks: I started out after the park and drive around the outfield. by purchasing a medium kids T-shirt for $10. You’ll see the sign for the administration build- Then, I enjoyed sunflower seeds for $1, and ing. There you will see a plethora of spots a sausage for $3.50. Before leaving, I bought about 30 yards behind the center fielder. If it’s a baseball with the funky red Cards mascot a particularly nice day, you should get there on it for autographs, $5. With the change left early because it will fill up fast, and not only over, I was able to buy some candy. MATT BURKE with baseball fans. There is a playground, a The Cardinals is one of the best teams to Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair to the ballpark when you go tennis court, and a soccer field that also draw check out at home because it fields a good to Orleans. people in droves. Watch out for the skate- team, year in and year out, and their facili- boarding youngsters and the parents rushing ties are incredible. Eldredge Park Field would to watch their kids as they whiz down the get five stars because a game there, under slide in the playground, and you are ready the lights, is a phenomenal and unforget- to enjoy the game. The Cardinals offer night table experience, but without a level, paved games with a 7 o’clock start. ramp down to the field for handicapped fans, Best Place to Watch: The best place to Eldredge Park Field only gets four stars. watch a Cardinals’ game ultimately is through the small crevice between the press box and the backstop behind home plate. The only problem: it’s reserved for “Scouts.” If it is uninhabited early in the season, make a break for the best seats in the house with your foldout chair, but if for some reason you see a man holding a radar gun, the hill is where it’s at. The hill stretches from halfway between home plate and first base, all the way to the bullpen on the other side of the right field fence. Dur- ing a Cardinals game, you will watch the hill fill up with blankets and beach chairs very quickly. MATT BURKE Families and father/son tandems dot the hillside The view from the hill, along the first base line, is one of the wherever you look. This is where the majority of MATT BURKE most famous and enjoyable places to watch a Cape League the homegrown fans sit. Travel further down the Orleans is a fan-friendly place to visit to see a game. Locals are known to drop off their chairs to secure their line, away from home plate, and the only thing Cape League game. spot along the hill the day before a game sometimes. Thursday, June 29, 2006 SUMMER STARS 9 Cape League Broadcasters Bring Games To The Fans Continued from Page 6 from as far away as California. Gleason wouldn’t mind the notoriety of being associated with a great home run call in the Major Leagues. In 2002 he borrowed a chord from the famous British rock band Queen, “We are the champions,” he shout- ed, as the Gatemen defeated the Orleans Cardinals at home for the league championship. He says that the call was not exactly the “picture of impartiality,” but he says that he has “gotten a lot better since that first year.” In Cotuit, Towney Godfrey, 20, a Yankees fan from New Jersey, and Benny Gordon-Goldstein, 20, a Phillies fan also from New Jersey, are a young team of broadcasters whose passions also look toward the pro game. “I want to be a play-by-play announcer for a Major League baseball team someday,” Godfrey, currently attending Virginia Tech, said. “This seemed like the perfect place to start…. The Cape League is special because it’s so much different than any other league you’ll see on TV today. The players in this league play because they love the game. In addition, they find different ways to give back to the community.” Gordon-Goldstein’s favorite player, Chase Utley, once donned the cranberry-colored cap of his Co- tuit Kettleers, which makes the Boston University student’s broadcasting experience that much more interesting.

MATT BURKE Broadcasters in Orleans enjoy the view from “Ed Mooney’s Bird’s Nest.” ��

��

�� Mon.-Thurs. 8:30-7:30; Fri. 8:30-6:00; Sat. 8:30-5:00 �� Mon.- Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8-12 ��Mon.- Fri. 8:00-5:00 10 SUMMER STARS Thursday, June 29, 2006 ��

�� u PPD ��2��8 ��8 ��8 �� 2 ��0 ��5 ��3 �� 9 �� (6-20) ��6 �� 3 ��1 �� PPD ��0 �� 1 ��2 ��1 ��10 ��0 �� 2 � ��6 �� 6 ��2 ��2 ��4 Y-D 5 @ Hya 0 ��6 ��8 ��12 �� 8 �� rain ��6 ��4 �� 1 ��3 ��1 ��17 �� 13��0 �� rain ��12 �� 7 ��0 ��11 �� 2��3 ��5 ��2 �� rain ��1 �� 3 ��1 ��6 ��5 ��5 ��4 �� rain ��2 ��5 ��7 ��2 �� 10��3 �� 1�� 5 Fal @ Orl ��rain �� rain �� Cot @ Bou 5:00 �� rain �� Orl @ Hya 5:00 �� rain �� Bre @ Fal 7:00 �� rain �� Y-D @ Cha 7:00 �� rain �� Har @ Bou 5:00 �� Cot @ Y-D 5:00 �� Orl @ Bre 5:00 �� War @ Cha 7:00 �� Bou @ Cot 5:00 �� Fal @ War 7:00 �� Hya @ Har 7:00 �� Thursday, June 29, 2006 SUMMER STARS 11 Batting Around A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League West Division Roundup Cotuit Swinging Hot Bats League title to where it rightfully the league in runs batted in Luke Murton (Georgia Tech) some new players are making COTUIT, belongs. (eight) as well as hits (13) while and are looking forward to the names for themselves here in Mass. - The By Nicholas Mucci, among the leaders with his .360 arrival of Chris Hicks (Georgia Hyannis. At least once in his Cape Cod Base- CCBL Internmucci@capecodbas batting average. "He has done Tech). Wylde is happy with the life, almost every local boy on ball League is a eball.org everything that has been asked start to the season and looks the Cape dreams of playing for summer league from him offensively," said GM toward an improvement de- the Cape Cod Baseball League. where players Gatemen Riding High John Wylde. "He puts the ball fensively after an unfortunate In 2006, Jared McGuire (Boston struggle adjust- in the West in play." week of errors. College) is living that dream. ing to wood bats at the begin- WAREHAM, After a day's rest, the Gatemen Daniel Scalia, CCBL Intern At the start of the season, the ning of the season. The league Mass. - After rebounded from their first loss [email protected] Hyannis Mets signed the 2005 also plays home to some of the starting the by facing the Harwich Mariners Big East Player of the Year to a nation's best pitching prospects season with Wednesday night. Travis Ban- Harwich Native Shifts regular contract. who constantly flirt with com- four straight wart (Wichita St.) held the mound Allegiance to Hyannis Although he grew up in plete games and shutouts day in wins, the for six innings, giving up only HYANNIS, Harwich, his family members and day out. Wareham one run and striking out four. Mass. - With were not always rooting for the Someone apparently forgot to Gatemen Banwart received help from the a second same team. "I was a Harwich tell the Kettleers. have experienced their first three hard-hitting bats of the Gate- week in Cape fan and my dad was General In its first six games, Cotuit losses in the last four games. The men, who posted 10 runs on 11 League under Manager of the Chatham A's. has scored over eight runs every Gatemen have shown strength hits. Shortstop Beemer Weems their belts, So I think it will be fun playing time out except one, which offensively, placing themselves (Baylor) and OF Diallo Fon (Van- the Hyannis Mets captured third against teams that I'm familiar was a 5-1 loss at the hands of among the league leaders. derbilt) each had three hits in place in the Western Division. with. And we're definitely Hyan- Falmouth. The explosion has Shawn Haviland (Harvard) the game. Banwart turned it over This is a welcome change for fans nis fans now," says the 6-1 left catapulted the Kettleers into first made his regular season debut again to Beno out of the bullpen, of the Mets, who last year went fielder. place in the Western Division on Sunday against the Bourne who threw three innings of three- 7-36-1 with the worst record in the This season, McGuire and his with a healthy 5-1 record. Braves after earning his first hit shutout ball. league. But this season, things BC Eagles spent their first year Despite the amount of runs win in the preseason. Havi- Costly errors made defensively appear to be different. The Mets in the ACC, where they finished scored, this team has stuck to land pitched strongly over the proved to be the reason for have won four of their last five ninth - not bad for a young team the small ball style of play for course of 3 2/3 innings, giving Thursday's 5-1 loss to Orleans. games. starting in such a competitive which head coach Mike Roberts up only one hit and one earned Riley Boening (Texas) lasted 4 Perhaps the most exciting league. However, McGuire notes has been known. They have run. Leaving with two men on, 1/3 innings, giving up only two game so far, and the first of the that although it offers competi- already swiped 17 bases, good Haviland was replaced by Steven hits and five runs, two of which Mets season to go into extra tion similar to the level he faces for second in the league, and Schwartz (Pennsylvania), who were earned. "Boening pitched innings, was on June 23 against at school, the CCBL is a league even Cotuit's power hitters have needed all of one pitch to get well but lost his command in the the Wareham Gatemen. The like no other. succumbed to the unselfish style out of the jam. It was not until bottom of the third," said GM 10th inning tested the Mets, "The ACC, where I played at of ball played in Cotuit, laying the eighth inning when the bats John Wylde. "He didn't make the who scored on a Wareham error school, is a good league, but down sacrifice bunts and doing began to come around for the pitches he tried to make." Con- with two outs. Although every- down here there is good competi- whatever it takes to manufacture Gatemen. In the ninth, the Gate- nor Graham (Miami-Ohio) came one was pleased with the win, it tion. Everyone is an outstanding runs. men turned to the bullpen and in to throw the ninth to tame the could not be more satisfying for player and the competition day The biggest contribution has veteran RHP Martin Beno (Mis- bats of the Cardinals. Graham's veterans from last year's team. in and day out is unbelievable, come from the bat of Reese sissippi Gulf Coast), who closed high velocity and strong com- Starter Charlie Furbush (St. and the pitching is good … so it's Havens (South Carolina) who has out the game to give the Gate- mand has put him on top of the Joseph's - Maine) was solid for gonna be a challenge." Some of an astonishing seven RBIs in nine men their fourth win in as many leader board in the save cat- the Mets, striking out five players the talented pitchers he will be at-bats. Equally amazing is Jeff games. Beno is currently among egory. and walking only two for the five up against this summer are his Dunbar (UC Riverside) and his six the league leaders in pitching, Tim Matthews (Baylor) innings that he pitched. In addi- own Boston College teammates, RBIs in six at-bats. The hot hitting posting a record of 1-0 and pitched six strong innings for tion, closer Daniel Latham (Tu- including Kevin Boggan and Terry has been contagious for Cotuit, giving up only five hits over the the Gatemen on Friday at Hyan- lane) garnered his first win of the Doyle. where fans have seen every player course of eight innings pitched. nis while showing movement season for the three innings (in- Both Boggan and Doyle are on the roster record at least one Monday night brought the and command of his pitches. cluding the 10th) that he pitched. members of the Yarmouth-Den- RBI thus far on the young season. Gatemen their first loss of the Nick Cassavechia (Baylor) But right fielder Mark McGonigle nis Red Sox, who shut out the The Kettleers have a combined season when they faced the came in to pitch four no-hit in- (New Orleans) was the true hero Mets (the team's only loss in team batting average of .343, Cotuit Kettleers. John Ely (Mi- nings only to earn the loss after of the game. McGonigle, who four of the past five games) in easily far and above the rest of ami-Ohio) earned the loss after a frustrating error was given up has struggled at bat this sum- Tuesday's makeup game by a the league, which is struggling to providing six innings of work in the bottom of the 10th. The mer, came through in a big way. score of 5-0. McGuire and the reach the .250 mark. and giving up three earned Mets pulled away with a 4-3 McGonigle's grounder to Ware- Mets will take another crack at With everything seemingly runs. The Gatemen saw little win. ham second baseman Jason Y-D on Monday, June 26 at Red functioning to perfection, Coach production offensively with After Georgia Tech's disap- Ogata (LSU) drove in the Matt Wilson Field in South Yarmouth. Roberts hasn't been shy going only six hits, two of which were pointing loss in the College Mangini (NC State) run that won By Courtney Reilly, CCBL Intern to the hit-and-run and taking earned by 3B/1B Steffan Wilson World Series, the Gatemen the game for Hyannis. [email protected] chances on the base paths, a (Harvard). Wilson is leading are excited to welcome 1B Along with the veterans, Continued on Next Page strategy he is more than happy to implement. "Hitting like this makes my job a lot easier. The boys are making the games fun to manage," claimed the third-year Cotuit coach after an emphatic beating �� of Orleans on Wednesday. To say the bats alone are leading to the success of the �� Kettleers would be a slap to the great young pitching staff that has been assembled. The staff has only allowed more than three �� runs in one game, and pitcher �� of the week Dan Delucia (Ohio � State) has been nearly perfect in �� his 16 innings of work, scatter- �� ing just five hits. His two starts �� have gone eight innings apiece, ��

with a gem coming at the hands � �

of Bourne, where he struck out �� seven Braves. �� The pitching staff has com- �� piled a combined ERA of 1.70. The numbers speak for them- �� selves. Cotuit is the league's �� best team in hitting and pitch- �� ing. This dominance has left the �� loyal fans and citizens of Cotuit �� foaming at the mouth in hopes that their team can keep these numbers up and bring the Cape �� 12 SUMMER STARS Thursday, June 29, 2006 Batting Around A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League

EASTERN DIVISION W L T PTS STREAK LAST 10 CHATHAM 5 1 1 11 W 2 5-1 ORLEANS 5 3 0 10 W 2 5-3 West Roundup Continued... HARWICH 4 4 0 8 W 2 4-4 Continued from Page 11 "The season so far has been lege) took the mound to face the BREWSTER 3 4 1 7 W 1 3-4 Commodores Struggling Out of a thrill. Things are going great," bats of the victorious Harwich YARMOUTH-DENNIS 3 5 0 6 L 2 3-5 the Gate said the 6-5 giant. Mariners. WESTERN DIVISION W L T PTS STREAK LAST 10 FAL- Barto is a huge presence at the With a day of rest coming COTUIT 5 2 0 10 L 1 5-2 MOUTH, plate, undoubtedly striking fear Tuesday, the Braves were look- WAREHAM 5 3 0 10 L 2 5-3 Mass. - With in opposing pitchers who must ing for a chance to earn their HYANNIS 4 4 0 8 W 3 4-4 eight players be conscious of the fact that fi rst win against the Brewster through June 23, 2006 through representing Barto could go deep on any pitch. Whitecaps. After surrendering FALMOUTH 2 5 0 4 L 4 2-5 two of the Barto's spring at Tulane didn't go two runs in the fi rst, Bourne DIVISION STANDINGS BOURNE 1 6 0 2 L 2 1-6 nation's top as well as planned, and this sum- starter Michael Lee (Bellevue collegiate mer he is out to prove something. CC) controlled the game until the BATTING TOP 10 programs So far he is doing quite well. fi fth. Austin Krum (Dallas Baptist) (MINIMUM 21 PLATE APPEARANCES) that have ad- As for the fans of Falmouth and 2B Andy Goff (Wake Forest) vanced deep who have already witnessed led the team with two hits apiece BATTER CLUB AVG G AB R H HR RBI into the Col- some diffi cult defeats, they and two runs scored. Luke Carrara, Chris CHA .500 5 16 6 8 0 1 lege World Series, the Falmouth can't help but ask one question Tucker (Florida State) came in to Macias, David HYA .406 8 32 3 13 0 5 Commodores have struggled in - when does Oregon State play? close the door on the Whitecaps, Delmonico, Tony COT .400 6 25 6 10 0 5 their absence. Fortunately for By Nicholas Mucci, giving Lee and the Braves their Falmouth, the Clemson Tigers CCBL Intern fi rst win in fi ve games by a score Wilson, Steffan WAR .394 8 33 4 13 0 9 were eliminated from the tourna- [email protected] of 8-6. Tucker has posted a 2.25 Espinosa, CHA .385 7 26 8 10 1 5 ment and their players should Braves Searching For ERA over four appearances. Danny be arriving soon. Oregon State, Stability and Victories Coming off their fi rst win, the Gaston, Sean COT .381 6 21 4 8 0 5 however, has magically ad- BOURNE, Mass. - Suffering Braves were looking to add to Rea, Jeff COT .379 7 29 9 11 0 5 vanced to the fi nals of the Series the win column against the hot Ogata, Jason WAR .375 7 16 9 6 0 1 despite losing in its fi rst tourna- bats of the Cotuit Kettleers. Co- ment game. from a rainout in their fi rst week, tuit started out scoring two runs Barto, Aja FAL .360 7 25 5 9 2 5 Falmouth has fi lled its roster the Bourne Braves completed in the fi rst on two hits. Braves Bianucci, YRD .348 7 23 6 8 1 1 with temporary players along with every game starting pitcher Mickey Storey Michael their original signees in an attempt but Saturday's (FAU) began to settle down until HOME RUNS to salvage the beginning of the washout in the he was relieved in the fi fth after season. Thus far, despite the second week giving up a total of four runs on Wallace, Brett FAL 3 record, Falmouth has been very of their Cape seven hits and seven strikeouts Several 2 competitive in every game this League season. over a span of fi ve innings. Cotu- Players Tied at season. The Commodores have The Braves it LHP Dan Delucia (Ohio State). RBI lost four games by one run, leav- look toward their late arrivals Delucia controlled the bats of the Rizotti, Matt CHA 10 ing them essentially one clutch hit for improvement offensively and Braves, throwing a two-hitter in away each time. defensively. eight innings. Wilson, Steffan WAR 9 At every game you hear The Braves began the week Friday night the Braves traveled Havens, Reese COT 7 whispers from the crowd about facing division rival Wareham. to Chatham to face the Eastern Several 6 the scores in the College World Taking the mound for the Braves Division powerhouse. Unable to Players Tied at Series. Fans have been eagerly was RHP Tom Farmer (Akron), earn the win, the Braves showed STOLEN BASES awaiting the arrival of their highly who pitched extremely well over promise offensively, scoring two Gotcher, Ryan WAR 7 touted players from Clemson the course of six innings, giving runs on eight hits. OF Brett Lin- and Oregon State, but the play- up only one hit. Farmer was able nenkohl (Wake Forest) led the Leclerc, Brian BOU 5 ers on the fi eld are hoping that to retire 17 out of the 23 batters he Braves with two hits while reach- Carrara, Chris CHA 5 the fans notice them. The team saw. In the top of the eighth, the ing base on three of his four plate Several 4 has been out to prove its worth Braves were unable to tame the appearances. Players Tied at and a few players have fl own bats of the Gatemen any longer With three of the next fi ve TEAM AVG AB R H HR BB SO SB CS out of the gates with exceptional and gave up fi ve runs on three games at home, the Braves are BATTING starts. hits. looking toward the home crowd Cotuit .335 242 56 81 3 40 48 18 5 Three batters have had tremen- On Monday night the Braves for support. The Braves are Chatham .249 225 42 56 5 37 61 20 2 dous success in the fi rst full week, traveled to Harwich to face the expecting the return of Bobby while many more have struggled Mariners in search of their fi rst Bell (Rice), who has been late Falmouth .242 240 27 58 11 17 76 9 5 adjusting to the wooden bats. Aja win. Unfortunately for the Braves, in his arrival due to his stint in Hyannis .241 257 25 62 2 19 51 3 4 Barto (Tulane) and Brett Wallace they only saw offensive produc- the College World Series, within Harwich .240 275 30 66 1 18 67 13 8 (Arizona State) have been swing- tion by RF Brian Leclerc (Florida) the next week. The Braves will Wareham .235 251 44 59 3 36 46 19 3 ing the hot bats, with two and and 1B Mitch Mooreland (Missis- also see the arrival of Andrew Yarmouth- .201 264 33 53 6 33 63 6 4 three home runs respectively, on sippi St.), who combined for the Carignan (North Carolina) and Dennis the young season. only hits allowed by the Mariners. Mike Stutes (Oregon State) in the Orleans .199 246 25 49 0 29 68 10 5 Barto has adjusted well and Leclerc has hit safely in all but one coming week. Brewster .180 239 29 43 2 30 46 5 4 has enjoyed his stay on the Cape of the games this year at Bourne. Daniel Scalia, CCBL Intern thus far. Eammon Portice (Highpoint Col- [email protected] Bourne .165 218 13 36 0 24 58 8 5 ADDITIONAL BATTING LEADERS HITS Macias, David HYA 13 Wilson, Steffan WAR 13 Rea, Jeff COT 11 Several 10 Players Tied at DOUBLES Wilson, Steffan WAR 5 Posey, Buster YRD 4 Several 3 Players Tied at TRIPLES Espinosa, CHA 2 Danny Several 1 Players Tied at SLUGGING PERCENTAGE Espinosa, CHA .692 Danny Barto, Aja FAL .640 McFadden, FAL .556 Warren Nuzzo, Matt FAL .545 MATT BURKE Wilson, Steffan WAR .545 Solid coaching keeps Wareham tight with front-running Cotuit. Thursday, June 29, 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 CAPE COD LEAGUE LEADERS East Roundup (Through Games Of 6/23/06)

Winning Is More Fun Than Los- game tied in the bottom of the but the sign of a good pitcher PITCHING TOP 10 (MINIMUM 6 IP) ing in Chatham sixth at 2-2, an uncharacteristic and a good staff is the ability to PITCHER CLUB W-L ERA IP H BB SO CHA- fielding error lead by Espinosa pitch out of jams." THAM, led to a run scored by Matt Nicholson's point about the Corgan, YRD 1-0 0.00 14 6 3 19 Mass. - You Mangini (NC State). The run pitching staff being able to battle Chance can't help would be the last of the game in was clearly noted on June 17 in a Seibert, Shaun BRW 1-0 0.00 11 8 7 8 but notice a 3-2 win for Hyannis. Alex Hale 2-1 win over the Bourne Braves. *Surkamp, Eric OLN 1-0 0.00 10 2 6 9 the infec- (Richmond) and Daniel Latham The game lasted 12 innings as *Hume, Donnie YRD 1-0 0.00 9 3 2 7 tious smile (Tulane) pitched five strong the collection of Ryan Pond (NC of field innings of relief for Hyannis, State), Clayton Shunick (Georgia Hargrove, Ricky CHA 1-0 0.00 9 3 6 7 manager with Hale receiving the win and State), Brett Cecil (Maryland) Simmons, James COT 1-0 0.00 8 4 0 6 John Schiff- Latham the save. and Brock Baber (Kentucky) Beno, Martin WAR 1-0 0.00 8 5 1 7 ner during a Chatham A's game. The A's game against the combined to allow only one run, Schiffner recently commented, Falmouth Commodores was putting the team in position for Matthews, COT 1-0 0.00 7 4 5 4 "It's the greatest job in the world, cancelled for a second time on a dramatic Josh Satin RBI single Shane no question about it. How good June 20, this time due to fog. to score Shane Buscini (Georgia) Hale, Alex HYA 1-0 0.00 7 1 7 5 can it be when you are in the General Manger Charlie Thoms and win the game in the bottom Lee, Gary HYA 0-1 0.00 6 7 1 4 Cape Cod League, coaching noted, "The Cape League is of the 12th. with and against the best college one league that always has one The game of the week will WINS players in the country; you are in or two games cancelled due to occur on Monday, June 26 at El- Delucia, Dan COT 2 Chatham, Massachusetts, one of fog." The game will be made up dredge Park, when the Cardinals SAVES the most beautiful towns in the on June 27 at Veterans Field. take on the first-place Chatham world. It doesn't get any bet- By Jonathan French, CCBL A's in a rematch of last year's Lutz, Derrik CHA 2 ter." Coach Schiffner forgot to Intern french@capecodbaseball. Eastern Division playoff. McDonald, Dan HAR 2 add one thing - it's easy to smile org By Jonathan French, Cecil, Brett OLN 2 when you are winning. CCBL Intern The Chatham A's are providing [email protected] Graham, Connor WAR 2 their coach with an abundance Winning Ugly in Orleans STRIKEOUTS of smiles these days. Chatham ORLEANS, Corgan, YRD 19 currently stands atop the Eastern Mass. - Fans Hill Takes Over On the Mound Chance Division with a 5-1-1 record. The of baseball HARWICH, Mass. - Get used Crowell, Cody BRW 17 team has been close to flawless enjoy watch- to hearing through seven games. Hitting ing games the name Doyle, Terry YRD 16 collectively, they are second in that play out Nick Hill Detwiler, Ross FAL 14 the CCBL with a .249 team bat- like a movie (Army), because TEAM W-L ERA H CG SHO SV HR BB SO ting average. The pitching staff script. The PITCHING can also boast about the second people in at- aside from best ERA in the league at 2.21, tendance want to see mammoth getting the Cotuit 5-2 1.92 45 0 0 1 3 18 40 while the defense has chipped homeruns and dominant pitching win Thurs- Chatham 5-1 2.21 45 0 1 4 0 18 50 in with some spectacular plays performances. The 2006 Orleans day night, Falmouth 2-5 2.55 39 0 1 0 2 25 59 by Daniel Espinosa (Long Beach Cardinals don't those kinds of he is turning out to be one of the State) at third base and short- games. Most of their games can best baseball players - or some Wareham 5-3 2.64 66 0 0 3 1 25 61 stop. be best characterized as "ugly," might say, the best - to wear the Orleans 5-3 3.33 55 0 1 2 6 30 49 Army uniform. During his three Chris Carrara (Winthrop) has but they find a way to win. Kelly Harwich 4-4 3.38 47 0 2 2 3 27 75 been the perfect catalyst for the Nicholson's Cardinals currently years he has made, matched or offense. The leadoff hitter for sit in second place in the Eastern beat Army records, was invited Hyannis 4-4 3.38 60 0 0 2 6 42 56 Chatham, he leads the league in Division behind the Chatham A's. to play for the USA Baseball Yarmouth- 3-5 3.84 60 1 1 2 6 30 80 hitting with a .500 average. He Nicholson recently noted after National Team, was chosen by Dennis also has stolen five bases for the an Orleans win, "It's better than the Boston Red Sox in the draft Brewster 3-4 4.83 80 0 0 2 3 38 61 A's. The hitters behind Carrara, and has achieved many other a well played loss, we will take a Bourne 1-6 6.06 66 0 0 1 3 30 53 have also done their part to fuel [win] anytime." accomplishments. The south- the offense. Matt Rizzotti (Man- Thursday night's 5-1 win paw from Bluff City, Tenn., has ADDITIONAL PITCHING LEADERS hattan) leads the league with against the Wareham Gateman il- another year before he gradu- GAMES 10 RBIs, while young star Allan lustrates the team's ability to win ates, but throughout that year we Dykstra (Wake Forest) hit two a game unconventionally. The are sure to see even more great Baber, Brock OLN 5 home runs during the week. At team scored all five of its runs in pitching and record-setting. Several 4 the end of the order, Adrian Ortiz the bottom of the fifth without a It may take him a little time to Players Tied at (Pepperdine) is special when he single hit. Four walks and two settle into a game, but once he COMPLETE GAMES gets on base. After an infield hit errors lead to five Orleans runs. does, he can be outstanding. on Wednesday's game against The team has yet to hit a home His first start as a Mariner did Hume, Donnie YRD 1 not go as well as he anticipat- the Hyannis Mets, he quickly run, has only three extra base SHUTOUTS advanced to third on an errant hits, and is hitting under .200 as ed, but Thursday's win is hope- pickoff attempt with his blazing a team, but that doesn't stop it fully a sign of things to come. Hume, Donnie YRD 1 speed. from winning. He went deep into the game INNINGS PITCHED with seven strikeouts and gave Ricky Hargrove (Houston) has In Friday night's 2-1 win Delucia, Dan COT 16.0 provided the team with solid against the Falmouth Commo- up one run. The well-mannered starting pitching, allowing only dores, Mark Hallberg (Illinois- and respectful Hill was quick Corgan, YRD 14.1 three hits and without a run in Chicago) and Matt Scogin (Army) to give credit to his teammates Chance two starts. The pitching staff were each able to lay down per- and said, "The guys behind Sirois, Rich CHA 13.1 will receive a boost with the late fect bunts that moved runners played excellent." Defense has Doyle, Terry YRD 13.1 arrival of Robert Woodard (UNC), over. In each instance, the bunts been a major strength for the Staehely, COT 13.0 who is currently playing in the fi- lead to runs by Joe Mahoney Mariners so far this season, Christian nals of the College World Series. (Richmond) and Hallberg. The and Hill even got in on the ac- However, Coach Schiffner noted RBIs on the runs were credited tion by sliding into first base to LOSSES get an out. that "We've dodged [Team] USA to Josh Satin (California) and Storey, Mickey BOU 2 the last couple of years, but this Kody Kaiser (Oklahoma). How- Although defense is strong, year we got two." Tim Federow- ever, the offense did explode the Mariners' greatest strength Hynes, Colt BRW 2 itz (UNC), currently playing in the in a win against the Yarmouth- is pitching. Head coach Steve Morgan, Miles BRW 2 College World Series, and Todd Dennis Red Sox. The offense Englert said, "We have solid Robertson, YRD 2 Frazier (Rutgers) will be absent put together 15 hits to win 11-7. pitching and the bullpen is excel- David from the Chatham A's while they Scogin and Hallberg each had lent but we need to be more consistent." Several 1 compete for Team USA, but the three hits to lead the team. Players Tied at team has plenty of players to The pitching staff is holding Tony Watson (Nebraska) had pick up the slack. up its end of the bargain too, a very good outing on Monday WALKS The lone blemish for Chatham as an ability to keep the game night and led the Mariners to an Daly, Matt HYA 8 11-0 shutout against the Bourne came in a breezy afternoon close and battle with runners in Doyle, Terry YRD 8 game at McKeon Park against scoring position has helped the Braves. Both Watson and Hill the Harwich Mets. Chatham team tremendously. Nicholson were supported by relief pitch- Seibert, Shaun BRW 7 jumped out to an early lead in recently commented, "It's easy ers Josh Ellis (Wake Forest) and HOME RUNS ALLOWED Dan McDonald (Seton Hall), both the third with runs from Espinosa to pitch with nobody on and out Several 2 and Rizotti. However, with the of the wind-up, with nobody on, Continued on Next Page Players Tied at 14 SUMMER STARS Thursday, June 29, 2006 Batting Around A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League East Division Roundup Continued...

Continued from Page 13 Tournament. The Lyons eventu- Despite the win at Hyannis, continuing to perform tremen- ally fell short in the last game to Boggan's Y-D Red Sox are in last dously. Marietta College, but finished place in the Eastern Division with All-around this week, things up an impressive season with a a record of three wins and five have gone relatively well for the 42-10 record. losses thus far. Friday's game Mariners. Monday night's win Deciding to leave Massachu- against Harwich marked a two- came from offensive support setts for Tennessee, Crowell game losing streak for the Sox. throughout the entire lineup. has been an integral part of The Sox took a 5-2 loss Falling short to Wareham on Vanderbilt's rotation this season. against the Mariners on Friday. Wednesday, the Mariners once After being redshirted in his first Strong pitching for Harwich again turned things around year, he has made tremendous and several fielding errors for against Y-D on Thursday. Adam improvements to his pitching. Y-D contributed to the loss. The Amar (Memphis) hit the first Throwing for the Harwich Mari- first inning started off with a home run of the season for the ners last summer also helped to Devon Thomas (Brown) single to Mariners and now leads the polish up his skills for this year. right center off Evan Crawford team in batting. Johnny Gia- Crowell has taken on a new role (Auburn). That hit would start the votella (New Orleans) and Devin as a starter for the Whitecaps scoring for Harwich as Thomas Thomas (Brown) have been and has been great so far this would advance to home on a reliable run providers throughout season. His goals are simple: he throwing error by Y-D catcher the week as well. wants to "take it game by game Zach Etheredge (Texas-San An- This Sunday at Whitehouse and try to win every game." tonio). However, Y-D answered Field, Johnny Dorn (Nebraska) To that end, he is currently the back in the second with a Steve hopes to redeem himself as he league leader with 17 strikeouts. Strausbaugh (Western Carolina) takes the mound against Aaron Along with the fans, GM Ned homer to tie the game. Brown (Houston) of the Hyannis Monthie is very happy to have Strong pitching for both ball Mets. the hometown favorites as part clubs kept the game tied until By Johnna DeChristoforo, CCBL of the Whitecaps organization, the eighth inning, when Harwich Intern dechristoforo@capecodb saying, "It is great that they scored two runs. A home run aseball.org were able to play for us. It's by Adam Amar (Memphis) off nice to have Cape kids play- Crawford drove in the run by Home Sweet Home ing out there." As for the team Josh Donaldson (Auburn) making BREWS- as a whole, Monthie said, "The the score 3-1 in favor of Harwich. TER, Mass. season is too young; we are still But Y-D would not go quietly. - After an up- working ourselves out." Howev- Harwich closer Josh Ellis (Wake and-down er, he did close with his trustwor- Forest) walked Alden Carrithers week, the thy trademark statement, with (UC Santa Barbara), who scored Whitecaps which we would all agree: "Just on a Buster Posey (Florida State) ended with looking forward to an enjoyable single. But Harwich wouldn't let an exciting season." up, scoring two more runs to win at home over the Cotuit Ket- By Johnna DeChristoforo, CCBL end the game with the win. Y-D tleers. Everything seemed to be Intern dechristoforo@capecodb will tough it out and look forward going right Friday night. Defense aseball.org to ending the losing streak on was great, as the infield made Sunday against the Chatham A's two important double plays. Y-D's Humble Hurler at Veterans Field at 7 p.m. DANIEL W. WEBB There were continuous hits SOUTH By Courtney Reilly, CCBL Intern YD’s pitching staff hopes to get in “the zone” to help their team throughout the game and a solo YAR- [email protected] along. home run by Jason Corder (Cal- MOUTH, Berkley), his first of the season. Mass. - Pitcher Shaun Seibert (Arkansas) Lexington threw for 101 pitches and left the native and game without giving up a run. Boston All that quickly changed when College relief pitcher Jeff Stallings (NC junior State) gave up two runs in the right- ninth inning. The Whitecaps handed hurler Kevin Boggan brought in Barry Enright (Pepper- says of his time playing for the dine), who debuted by striking Y-D Red Sox: "I'm just happy to out the last of the Kettleers to be here enjoying the moment." get his first save as a Whitecap. These humble words are coming General manager Ned Monthie from the No. 43 pick overall in praised his Whitecaps and said the 2006 MLB Draft. they are "all working as hard as Boggan followed the Cape they can to play good baseball." League growing up but never Working particularly hard had allegiance to any specific are three of Cape Cod's finest team, until now. "My fam- who are home for the summer ily comes down to almost every to play for the Brewster White- game and everyone is really caps. They are Harwich boys excited." Adam Laplante (Wheaton) and There is a sense of familiarity Cody Crowell (Vanderbilt) and for the pitcher who finished the Brewster's own Jake Yagjian season earning All-New England (Wheaton). Second Team recognition for the As they grew up in neighboring BC Eagles after only the team's towns and watched the CCBL first year in the ACC. with the hopes of playing one Boggan is lucky enough to day, there were many shared have two other members from years of baseball and friendship his college team recruited to and, during their high school Y-D - Terry Doyle and Matt years, a little bit of rivalry - but a Meyer, who signed his profes- lot has changed since their years sional contract this week. The at Harwich High and Nauset BC players add to the dynamic Regional. of a winning team. They took on Laplante and Yagjian are now another Eagle, Jared McGuire, teammates at Wheaton Col- in Tuesday's makeup against lege in Norton, Massachusetts. the Hyannis Mets. Says Boggan, These old friends are room- "McGuire's a good kid. It's fun mates, but not only do they to have a little competition going share a room, they also shared with him." The Sox beat the Mets the experience of playing in the 5-0 in a shutout on Tuesday at DON PARKINSON NCAA Division III Championship McKeon Park in Hyannis. A pair of Brewster Whitecaps enjoy a leisurely drive on game day. Thursday, June 29, 2006 SUMMER STARS 15 Batting Around A weekly roundup of reports from around the Cape Cod Baseball League

� �� 16 SUMMER STARS Thursday, June 29, 2006