by Roy Reiss
October 15, 2012
You’d think things would be quiet at this time of year with the Kettleers faithful. Not so, my friends, as there’s plenty of activity as the volunteers turn the page on the 2012 season and start planning for the 2013 campaign.
A few quick hitters to catch everyone up to date:
- The hard working budget committee has been meeting to go over the numbers and set guidelines for all facets of the Kettleers operation. It’s a difficult task in today’s economic climate, and especially when you’re dealing with an overall budget of close to $250,000. It’s all part of the planning process to officially begin the 2013 Cotuit season.
- At picturesque Lowell Park, you can usually catch Alan Blanchette or Bruce Murphy mowing the field. It’s that year round maintenance that makes the park sparkle during those brilliant summer late afternoons.
- You should be receiving the Fall Baselines Newsletter in your mail which will recap the magnificent 2012 season. It’s also chock full of other interesting happenings.
- October marks the close of the Kettleers calendar year so any contributions for 2012 should be made before Halloween. Starting next month we’ll kick off the new fund raising campaign.
Catching Up
Mike Yastrzemski / photo by Joe Cavanaugh
In this edition of Kettleers Korner we’re introducing a new feature called Catching Up as we interview a former Kettleer. Our first player featured is Mike Yastrzemski who is in his senior year at Vanderbilt University. Mike was drafted this past June by the Seattle Mariners in the 30th round, the 922nd player selected in the annual draft. The Andover native elected not to sign with the Seattle organization and return to school for his senior year with the goal to be selected in the 2013 Major League Draft.
“Absolutely that’s the ultimate goal.”
What are some of your fondest memories of the 2 summers spent in Cotuit (2010 and 2011)?
“Those were some of the best summers of my life, having such great house parents, such great teammates, and such a first class organization. I couldn’t have asked for much more, being able to keep in touch with all the players on those teams and Coach Roberts. Believe it or not, I still text with Coach Roberts and we even talk on the phone. It’s just something I’d do over and over again if I had the chance to.”
Any single game or moment stand out to you now?
“Definitely, winning the championship. That last game is so memorable, having a guy like Nick Tropeano come out of the pen when he pitched probably 60 innings that whole summer and had a whole spring season before that. That level of competitiveness that exists on the Cape, you’re really playing for the town you live in, all the people there and all your teammates. It’s really a lot of fun. It’s a terrific experience that you never forget.”
Nick Tropeano / photo by Joe Cavanaugh
Do you talk with the Vanderblt players who come to Cotuit and what do you tell them?
“I tell them to definitely go, if you ever get a shot to go to Cotuit or anywhere on the Cape, it’s an unbelievable experience and you’ll never regret going there.”
Finally a few quick thoughts that may or may not interest you:
- Wouldn’t it be something to see the Cardinals and Yankees meet in the World Series. Joe Girardi versus Mike Matheny, a classic matchup of former Cotuit Kettleers players.
- Think there’s a possibility you’ll be seeing a Jackson and Zimmer on the 2013 Kettleers roster. That would be Drew Jackson, Brett’s (2008) brother, and Bradley Zimmer, Kyle’s (2011) little brother.
- Speaking of Kyle, the stylish righty who was the first round draft choice of the KC Royals this past June, underwent successful elbow surgery in August. Zimmer had 9 minor league starts this past summer and wound up with a combined 3-3 record and 2.04 ERA in the Rookie League as well as Class A.
Kettleers Korner will be anything and everything that might interest fans, past and present, about the Kettleers. Roy Reiss, who started his career working for Curt Gowdy Broadcasting, was a former sportscaster on Channel 7 and several radio stations in Boston. His son Mike now covers the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com.