Heaven John Wylde is going to die soon. The cancer says it’s a certainty. He might make it through this summer and has an outside chance to get through the next one. He cares about autumn, winter and spring, but for the last quarter-century, John Wylde has measured his life in summers. He’s hoping he has two left.

he Baseball League, founded college ballplayers receive. in 1885, has been the nation’s premier While Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Tamateur league since Grover Cleveland Nantucket are wildly popular during the summer was president – the first time. Each summer, about months for vacationers looking for a slice of beach, 300 elite college baseball players are invited to wicked sunsets and fresh lobster, it’s on the Cape spend seven weeks playing for one of 10 teams on where future big-league stars hone their skills in the Cape, an opportunity that has few equals in front of scouts night in and night out. In Major the world of amateur athletics. League Baseball’s 2008 first-year player draft, 217 Nearly 30,000 baseball student-athletes former CCBL players were selected, including 14 compete in the NCAA, so the chance to spend a in the first round. summer or two playing America’s pastime on the All-stars , , Cape isn’t lost on the tiny percentage who head and played on the to easternmost . While baseball Cape during their summer breaks from college. student-athletes spend most of their year receiving spent the 2004 summer months an education in the classroom and on the field, with the before heading their summers on Cape Cod provide a cultural 80 miles north to help the win and athletics experience only the most fortunate of See Baseball, page 52

By Josh Centor Photographs By Trevor Brown Jr.

Andy Oliver laces his cleats before the game starts.

50 CHAMPION SUMMER 2008 SUMMER 2008 CHAMPION 51 Playing Like Baseball Sachs. Instead, he elected to sign a 10-day agree- the Pros continued from page 51 ment with the Hyannis Mets and went to the Cape for a prolonged tryout against some highly In 1985, the the 2007 . Future hall-of-famer Craig touted colleagues from other college programs. was one of a couple of premier amateur Biggio played for Yarmouth-Dennis in 1986 before “Most of the players sign on long before the summer leagues available to college play- collecting the first of his 3,060 career hits for the regular season,” Kantrovitz said. “I called all the ers. It competed with the Alaska Baseball just two sum- teams and asked if I could try out. If there was a League for the best players in the country, mers later. spot, I had to market myself. Hyannis said they had but that summer the Cape League made All of the players on the some guys trying out for Team USA and needed 1 2 an important decision that sealed its future Cape come from college insti- some temporary players. It was a really tough deci- as the primary destination for the nation’s tutions. Most are from high- sion because of the opportunity at Goldman Sachs.” best. It elected to return to wood bats. profile Division I programs, Ultimately, Kantrovitz elected to head to “When the Cape went to wood and Alas- but Division II, Division III Hyannis, where he played well during his 10-day ka didn’t, the Cape jumped way ahead,” and junior college players also stint. He was the only player on the temporary said John Wylde, president of the Wareham find their way onto rosters. roster to end up with the team for the entire Gatemen. “A scout wants to see what a On most nights, five games season. After returning to Brown to finish his boy can do swinging wood because that’s John Wylde are played on fields that house degree and play his senior season, Kantrovitz was what he’ll be playing with professionally.” high school contests during picked in the 25th round of the 2001 amateur Dan Kantrovitz, a former Cape League the spring. Families fill the stands, kids shake the draft by his hometown St. Louis Cardinals. He is player and current scout for the St. Louis hands of their future heroes, and admission is confident he wouldn’t have had that opportunity Cardinals, agrees with Wylde. free. Cape Cod may be best known for its beaches without being seen that summer in Hyannis. “You like to see a hitter’s swing not and seafood, but for two months each summer, “Even though I was playing for a Division I team change at all from aluminum to wood,” he the action is on the ballfield, where teenagers at Brown, we didn’t have quite the exposure some of said. “It takes more strength and more of from across the country are establishing memo- the teams in the Pac-10, SEC or ACC had. The only an ability to center the ball consistently ries of a lifetime. way I could play in front of scouts every day was when you swing a wood bat. You can ex- when I was on the Cape,” Kantrovitz said. pect the players not to have quite the same ohn Wylde was an athlete, spending his college Kantrovitz is not the only player from a success as they do swinging aluminum days at Harvard on the tennis court. He inherit- small-school background to receive an invitation J 3 bats in college.” ed his father’s steamship agency, Patterson, Wylde to the Cape. Divisions II and III players also The numbers alone distinguish wood and Co., before developing Howe show they belong. 4 and aluminum bats. Last summer, Chris Statistics and eventually selling the “It’s a little University of Tampa first Dominguez .216 with three home runs business to Peter Shipman, who baseman Jose Jimenez spent last and eight RBI in 29 games with the Harwich was a part-owner of the San Diego boy’s thrill summer playing for the Orleans Mariners. This spring, Dominguez hit .375 Padres. Without any financial wor- Cardinals, batting .197 with two with 21 homers for Louisville and was se- ries, Wylde turned his attention having the home runs and 18 RBIs. Jimenez lected in the third round of the 2008 MLB to the , a Cape returned to Tampa for his junior League club that needed his pas- draft by the . opportunity season and led the team with 10 sion for statistics, student-athletes “The first thing wood does is humble homers en route to an appearance and the game of baseball. Over the to be around the hitters, which most of them need,” said in the Division II championship years, his gifts of time and money former North Carolina coach , finals. After the season, Jimenez 6 have become legendary. players who now the field for the Cotuit Ket- was drafted in the 33rd round by “It’s a little boy’s thrill having tleers. “The aluminum bat brings a false the . the opportunity to be around will eventually sense sometimes of being a great hitter or “The guys (on the Cape) throw a players who will eventually achieve little harder,” Jimenez said. “There’s a power hitter.” achieve great great success in the game,” Wylde a little difference in the talent than Ten years after the Cape League said. “What does it mean to the in Division II. I think some guys returned to wood, the Alaska Baseball success in the kid today who has the opportunity would find it hard to believe that a League followed suit, as did other summer to rub elbows with boys who will game,” Division II guy can succeed down leagues. And while outstanding college be future Major League players – John Wylde here because they don’t think we players spend their summers competing in and stars?” can handle this competition.” various leagues, the decision to return to But the Cape League is wood in 1985 sealed the Cape League’s about more than playing baseball. It’s about the hether you come from a major Division I reputation as the cream of the crop. dreams of youth, it’s about community and it’s Wprogram or not, once the summer season about how deeply people feel about the game. starts, all players are created equal. There are It’s baseball heaven. no hotels, fast cars or extra cash flying around. Because the Cape League is for amateurs, players he young men who spend their summers in aren’t paid and many have to pick up day jobs to Tthe Cape will make an impact at the next support themselves through the summer. level. In 2007, 212 former CCBL players were on The league does everything it can to ease fi- Major League rosters. nancial worries for players, which is why most are While Dan Kantrovitz didn’t go on to become set up with host families for the summer, paying a Major League star, the former Brown student- minimal rent to live on the Cape for the summer. 5 athlete was still able to use Cape Cod to jump Cape League Commissioner Paul Galop start his professional life. After a successful junior opened his home to players for many years and Clockwise from top: (1) Falmouth players wait in line to have their headshot taken on opening day; (2) The Commissioners Cup was awarded to the Wareham season in 2000, Kantrovitz was preparing to spend Gatemen last year as the league’s outstanding franchise in professional behavior on and off the field; (3) Fans and players watch the action as the sun sets in the summer working as an intern at Goldman See Baseball, page 54 Wareham; (4) A Wareham sticker on the window of Marc Anthony’s Pizza at Buzzard’s Bay in Onset, a small town near Wareham; (5) Former Vice President of Field Operations Bill Reed emcees the pregame ceremonies on John Wylde Night, during which hundreds of youth players were invited to honor the Cape 52 CHAMPION SUMMER 2008 legend; (6) Members of the Gatemen organization and volunteers wore their ‘Wylde’ shirts on John Wylde night. Rules Changes When the NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved a package from the Baseball Academic Enhancement Group in 2007, college baseball received a signifi- cant facelift. Among the changes was the elimination of a one-time transfer excep- tion, which was partly the result of data showing that baseball’s transfer rates are the highest in any sport. Members of the Baseball Academic Enhancement Group cited summer ball, including the Cape Cod League, as contributing to the transfer culture in the sport.

Above: The sun sets on Spillane Field. Top Baseball ately became part of the family. models, despite their relatively young ages. And for fans have embraced the league and players down to right: Gatemen/Vanderbilt Steve continued from page 52 Liddle grooms the dirt behind home plate “When Brandon was drafted, his home base the most part, the players hold up their ends of the the last detail, just like they embrace the Red Sox. the morning of opening day at Spillane said the experience was unparalled. was in New York, and my daughter and I went to bargain. When Santoni’s father died in the early You get pure baseball on Cape Cod.” Field. Bottom right: Scouts prepare for “We probably housed kids for about 14 years. see him a few times,” Gay recalled. “When he was 1990s, Pepperdine standout Adam Housley was a And with pure baseball comes free admission. the start of the game. Below (left to right): My kids grew up with them,” Galop said. “The in Florida for , he called my son, source of comfort for the family matriarch. None of the teams on Cape Cod charges fans for Tom Gay Jr., Sheri Gay and Brandon little guys want to be bat boys and bat girls. They who was down there playing baseball. We hadn’t “My mother housed Adam right after my father admission, and sodas, hot dogs and hamburgers really look up to these guys.” Buckley, who is now an assistant coach for heard from him for two or three years, but one passed away and they became very close,” Santoni served on donuts at the Yarmouth-Dennis field are The relationship is just as important to the play- the Gatemen. Opposite: Wood bats are one day he called and it was such a nice surprise. He’s said. “I wasn’t sure if we should do it that summer, reasonably priced. While fans would surely pay a ers, who often make lifelong friends after spending married, has two kids and it’s been fun to see him but he was such a good support system for her and couple of dollars to see baseball that rivals minor- of the main reasons scouts keep an eye on a summer with a host family. grow up.” proved that life went on.” league quality, the league chooses not to raise its the Cape League, since they are a better “I think it makes or breaks the summer,” said Things have come full circle for Buckley, who While Wylde doesn’t house players, he opens his money by charging admission. indicator than aluminum of what prospects The changes included: Louisville third baseman . “The returned to the Wareham dugout this season as an heart to 25 young men each summer. Wylde and “The Cape is old-time baseball and we try to can do once they reach the big leagues. host families are the people you spend assistant coach. One of his first stops back on Cape his wife Patty never had children, but hundreds of have a pass-the-hat philosophy,” Wylde said. “We • Student-athletes who wish to be eligible most of your time with besides your Cod was at Sheri and Tom Gay’s home. former Wareham players have received love and don’t go into the stands to bug the fans.” for competition during the spring sea- teammates. I got hooked up with some During their 11 years as a host family, the Gays care from the CCBL’s first family. Each game night, from home teams son are required to receive academic great people, and I’m definitely going have housed nearly 20 players, including many who “People ask if I have children,” he said. “I say will head into the stands armed with raffle tickets certification in the fall term. to stay in touch.” have gone on to play . But hook- no, but then I pause for a second and tell them I for that day’s 50-50 drawing. After the tickets have • The financial aid model of 11.7 equiva- In 1997, when their son was 11 ing up with a young man who might make it to the have 25 for the summer.” been sold, one lucky fan wins half the take, while lencies was retained, but counters and daughter was 13, Tom and Sheri Major Leagues was never the goal for Sheri and Tom. Families that provide a roof and meals for the organization keeps the other half as a fund- will be limited to 30 for the 2008-09 Gay decided to open their home to “We’ve been to college games, Major League college athletes receive $56 per week, equivalent raiser. While many fans do make donations at the season and 27 beginning in 2009-10. Cape League players. games and weddings of our players. They become to a couple of sacks of groceries. Yet families on gate or participate in the 50-50 raffles, none are Regular-season squad size will now be “Our son wanted to play baseball part of our family,” Gay said. “I remember when Cape Cod do open their homes each summer, required or pressured to do so. capped at 35 players. when he grew up and we thought it Brandon left, my son cried. We all fell in love with welcoming players, coaches, broadcasters and The laid-back philosophy is one that Roberts, who would be great for him to see what it him and it hurt our hearts to see him go.” others into their lives – not for a few months, but served as head coach at North Carolina from 1976-98 • Individual financial aid packages must was like to play college ball and how For some families on Cape Cod, hosting players quite often forever. The Cape League may be and later as director of athletics at Florida Southern, include at least 25 percent athlet- much work it takes to play on the spans more than one generation. Julie Santoni grew known for the elite players who fill the rosters, still treasures in his third managerial stint on the Cape. ics aid. Previously, there wasn’t a Cape,” said Sheri up with three sisters and a whole lot of baseball but it couldn’t happen without the support from “My goal every summer is to help these young minimum percentage of aid baseball Gay, the Ware- players as her parents began welcoming young men the entire community. men grow up as people first,” Roberts said. “I student-athletes had to receive. “We’ve been to college games, ham Gatemen’s from across the country into their home. couldn’t be any happier if I was coaching the Red • Four-year transfers will now be vice president for “We developed really close relationships with he coaching staffs for the 10 Cape League Sox. I hope I’m here until I take my last breath.” required to serve one academic year major leagues games and housing, jobs and them,” Santoni said. “It was just like having Tteams generally serve as coaches at colleges There are some who argue that the Cape of residence before they are eligible weddings of our players. They outings. “I think we older brothers.” and universities and are paid for their services dur- League serves as an open market to recruit players to compete. Baseball joins , all benefited from Now married and a mother of two, Santoni has ing the summer, although the salaries are not going from one school to the next during the summer. football and men’s as the having the young opened her own home to the Cape Leaguers, just to make any of them rich. Most of the coaches The theory says that coaches see players who can only Division I sports without a one-time become part of our family.” men in the house.” as her parents did years ago. The impact has been spend their time on the Cape because they love help their teams and offer them more scholarship transfer exception. – Sheri Gay, Wareham vice president for housing Of course, the significant for her son Connor, 8, and daughter the game and the purity represented by the oldest money than they currently receive to switch pro- first experience for Emma, 5. summer league in the nation. grams. While legislative changes made as a result • Programs with a rolling, four-year aver- the Gay family was “They offer clinics every summer, and Connor “I think it’s the best amateur coaching and play- of recommendations from the Division I Baseball age Academic Progress Rate lower crucial in determining whether housing players has been doing them since we started housing,” ing situation in the world,” said Cotuit manager Academic Enhancement Group have changed the than 900 will be subject to additional each summer was a worthwhile experience. When Santoni said. “He just thinks the players are gods.” Mike Roberts, father or current landscape at the college level, Roberts dismisses playing- and practice-season restric- Texas Tech catcher Brandon Buckley came to live With kids like Conner anointing such status, the all-star Brian. “Cape Cod is one tions. with Sheri, Tom and their kids in 1997, he immedi- players have a serious responsibility to become role of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and the See Baseball, page 56

54 CHAMPION SUMMER 2008 SUMMER 2008 CHAMPION 55 The Cape Cod Baseball attempting to fund-raise.” Baseball League continued from page 55 Wylde asked that the amount not be revealed, West East but the bequest is extremely generous and should the notion that summer recruiting exists. fulfill his dreams. “The coaches do not recruit in the Cape League and to me, the coach never recruited. n June 13, thousands of fans piled into the What does happen, and this has gone on for 30 or Ostands at Spillane Field as the Cape League transgressed from tradition and opened the 2008 Bourne Brewster 40 years, is that the players recruit,” Roberts said. Braves Whitecaps “It’s usually just the student-athletes talking and season with just one game, hosted by the Ware- conversing. I think transferring is incredibly hard. ham Gatemen. My belief has always been that you need to look Before the first pitch, John Wylde was honored at what is the right program for you academically in a pregame ceremony. Wareham staffers wore and then the baseball is just gravy.” shirts with “Wylde” on the back; men and women let tears flow from their eyes. Everyone said thank Cotuit Chatham Kettleers Athletics ne of the reasons the CCBL has been able to you to a man who has dedicated his life to making Osurvive financially is because of the generos- the Cape League what it is. ity of individuals like Wylde. While few people are The eight idle teams came to watch the open- able to establish endowments for league franchis- er, certainly unaware of the contributions the man es, it is the cumulative impact of the contributions in the press box has made to the league during the Falmouth Harwich that ensures student-athletes will have a top-notch past 25 years. Never one for the limelight, Wylde Commodores Mariners experience each summer. simply enjoyed his normal summer routine – in- However, Wylde’s devotion to the Wareham troducing players over the PA system and making franchise stands apart from the cumulative effect. sure he scored every play. “I believe fervently that we need to make Wylde doesn’t know if he’ll make it through things in Wareham just as attractive as we can this season or get all the way to next summer, Hyannis Orleans for our players,” he said. “For Wareham not to but one thing is for sure: He’s going to continue Mets Cardinals have the financial resources makes it exceedingly to live and die with Cape Cod League Baseball, difficult to compete. Wareham isn’t an Orleans, watching student-athletes in their prime having Chatham or a Cotuit. the best summer of their lives. “I’m terribly fortunate that I’ve been able to “I’ll probably be thinking about scoring some create a trust fund for the Gatemen, and I’m hop- odd play as the lights go out,” Wylde said. “God Wareham Yarmouth-Dennis ing that will produce enough revenue for them so has been extraordinarily kind to me. What a won- Gatemen Red Sox they don’t have to spend their whole winters out derful life.” The Cape Experience Touches The Bigs At the end of June, the sat While baseball consumes much of the sum- atop the Central standings, mer on Cape Cod, there is time for players to staring down at St. Louis, Milwaukee and 100 step away from the diamond on occasion. After years without a World Series championship. speaking with , who now plays If the Cubs are going to break the curse of the for the , Johnson elected to Billy Goat this fall, and clear the name of Steve drive his red Saturn all the way from San Diego Bartman along the way, they’re going to need to Cape Cod so that he would be able to explore the help of every man on the roster. And for the the scenery during his free time. Cubs, that roster includes a number of players “I drove all the way from Temecula in that with Cape Cod Baseball League experience. little car, all by myself,” Johnson said. “Aaron As with many other Major League rosters, the didn’t have a car his first year and did his second Cubs have several former Cape Leaguers suiting Arnel Reynon / Sport Graphics year and he said it made things easier. Some- up each night. Mark DeRosa, , Left to right: , Mike Fontenot and Ryan times we would head down to the beach and Reed Johnson and have all had inte- Theriot are among a handful of Chicago Cubs players take our mind off the game for a little bit.” gral roles putting the team in pennant contention, that have played summer ball in the CCBL. Although suiting up for the Cubs is a lot while former CCBL alumni and Matt different than playing on the Cape, Johnson, Murton have also played for the Cubs this season. over the guys you’re playing with and against.” Fontenot and company treasure every bit of Johnson says his experience at Cape Cod After leading LSU to the College World their summer experience. helped pave the way for his big-league career. Series title in 2000, Fontenot and Theriot “They had so many good players there. It was “All college players want to play in the Cape remained teammates that summer in Wareham. fun getting a chance to play against guys from Cod League because it really solidifies you as While they now share the stage at Wrigley, Fon- all over the country,” Fontenot said. “You follow one of the better players in the country,” said tenot and Theriot learned things during their everyone all the way up, and it’s amazing all the Johnson, who went to Cal State Fullerton and two months on the Cape that they didn’t experi- guys who come from the Cape Cod League.” played for Brewster in 1998. “I think the type of ence in Baton Rouge. – Josh Centor pitching you see out there is a -A caliber “It was good to go and swing the wood bat and when you come back for the next college every day. It exposes you a lot more than alumi- To watch a video interview of Mike Fontenot and Reed Johnson season, you really feel like you have an advantage num,” Fontenot said. from the ‘Friendly Confines,’ visit NCAAChampionMagazine.org.

56 CHAMPION SUMMER 2008