story by Steve McCarthy
photos by Marc Lachance
July 4, 2010
Kristen Logan, 2010 Women’s Batting Champ
Chris Rogers, 2010 Men’s Batting Champ
COTUIT – Kettleers players were missing from this year’s July 4 parade in Cotuit, but participants turned out in full force for the annual adult hitting contest at Lowell Park.
Thirty-five hitters endured the afternoon sun for the opportunity to swing a wood bat at pitches from Cotuit manager Mike Roberts. A tie-breaker round determined Kettleers alum Chris Rogers (2002) of Centerville, Mass., as the men’s winner and former team intern Kristen Logan of Cotuit took home the women’s crown.
Winners received commemorative bats donated by the Barnstable Bat Company of Centerville.
Competitors were ranked by the farthest of five hits in fair territory. Cotuit assistant coaches Kevin Kime, Brian Scott, and Scott Gurss, along with Kettleers interns and American Legion players shagged balls in the outfield and measured the distance of hits.
Cotuit Athletic Association Vice President Rod Ames coordinated the event and was assisted by several volunteers. A $15 dollar entry fee paid by each competitor benefited the Cotuit Athletic Association.
The 2010 turnout was short of 48 participants in 2009. It was the second straight year a tie-breaker round was needed.
Additional photos of the contest by Marc Lachance here.