by Roy Reiss

March 13, 2014

This month we’re doing something a little different. We often focus on the players or coach of the Kettleers and try to bring some insight or special nuggets involving them. However, one of the most overlooked and key positions in the organization is that of strength and conditioning coach. In today’s world, present day athletes are always looking for that personal training that prepares them for the challenge ahead and they often work closer with their strength and conditioning coach than anyone else. The Kettleers have been extremely fortunate to have some outstanding talent at this position over the years as evidenced by their present positions. We catch up with some of those passionate strength and conditioning coaches of the past several years.

Michael Reese – Cotuit 2013

Present Position: Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach at Lindenwood University in Missouri

Michael Reese, 2013 Championship season

Memories of Cotuit:

• Taking part in photo shoot for Coach Roberts’s new book “Baserunning”
• Spin class and hot yoga with the team
• Coaching staff’s rendition of Copperhead Road dressed as Duck Dynasty crew
• Mike Ford signing with the Yankees
• Warming the team up for their Pro Day at Fenway Park
• On-field strength workouts with players and coaching staff
• Leading a Crossfit class on the field
• Fourth of July parade
• Garrett Stubbs’s walk-off single against Falmouth
• Wes Cox’s post-season saves
• Drew Jackson’s go-ahead RBI against Bourne
• Post-game ice cream at Polar Cave
• Winning the Championship Orleans
• Dogpile
• Coach Roberts’s last speech
• Town Celebration

Sarah Money – Cotuit 2012

Present Position: Fitness Supervisor, Manhattan Country Club, Manhattan Beach, California

Memories of Cotuit:

Sarah Money at work, Lowell Park 2012

“One of my absolute favorite memories is the first game of the summer season at Lowell Park. Growing up in competitive sports, you never lose the excitement/focus you get prepping for the start of a game. Whether its opening day or the last game of the season, its the same incredible feeling. However, there was more to experience for me at Lowell Park. I was able to be in a position in which I could open my eyes to what surrounded me. I loved watching the Cotuit community pour in and the ability to feel their support and excitement as well. It did not feel like this was the first time they were watching (most) the team play. Immediately it felt as if they were supporting and cheering for their son or an athlete who had been there for years. The star spangled banner, “have a hit!”, and the rush of kids and family onto the field after the game are all a part of what made this day so special (and every home game for that matter). Yes, I got to be a part of an amazing team in my favorite game. Yes, I believe there was a unique gathering of young, mature, athltetes. But more than that, I was able to experience the family of Cotuit. I actually could give you several more examples, “The Coop”, the slip ‘n’ slide at Cotuit Baseball camp, spending a day with my “house mom” (Helen Curan, amazing woman!) and teaching her and her granddaughter Katherine how to stand up paddleboard, hanging out with my fellow coaches, but it would all come down to the same reason why this place, and that entire summer was so special: The Cotuit Family. The unwavering support and care you felt and had from day one. The 100% investment, and nothing shy, in the team of the Kettleers. This team is the community, this community is the team. Incredibly special and unforgettable.”

One final note on Sarah. She was just married in June 2013 and is now Sarah Mouser!

Matt Otteman – Cotuit 2011

Present Position: Sports Performance Specialist at Next Level Speed, NYC

Memories of Cotuit:

“I absolutely loved my time in Cotuit as a strength and conditioning coach for the Kettleers. The thing that I remember the most is the way the players and coaches were treated. The families there opened, not only their hearts, but also their homes for the team and the players. Everyone was so nice and friendly to people they barely knew. The next thing I remember about Cotuit is how beautiful it was there. The field is amazing and the area around it is even better. Many nights, after the game was done and I had eaten the hot dogs the snack bar had left over, I would look up and be able to see what looked like thousands of stars in the sky. Absolutely beautiful. On my free time I enjoyed all the fishing I did with a couple kids on the team. We found a few good spots that we went to regularly. Lastly, the food was definitely a perk of being on the Cape. I can’t wait to make it back for another summer visiting the amazing people of Cotuit.”

Alex Gett – Cotuit 2010-2011

Present Position: Strength and Condition Coach for Kansas City Royals Organization. Will be working with their Short Season Class A Team.

Memories of Cotuit:

Alex Gett – grateful for Cotuit memories

“I have so many great memories from my time in Cotuit, it’s impossible to put them all on paper. My favorite memory will always be the hour leading up to the games. My view was always from the bullpen as I was watching our starting pitcher warm up, so I had a full view of the park. I’d watch the crowd start to pile in, banners being hung, fresh smoke coming from the concession stand grill, and the kids playing on the outside the fence. It’s easy to get lost in all the hype during a season, but that was the one moment during each day that I would catch myself cracking a smile and it would remind me of the little things that make baseball the greatest game in the world.

To me, the off-field memories mean just as much as the on-field memories. The early mornings working on the field, going to the gym with coaches and players, interacting with the community and experiencing its great support for the Kettleers, watching Coach Roberts dive into first base during drills, getting lunch at the market, interacting with players that play for the love of the game and not a paycheck, slip n slide day at camp; it was baseball heaven. I met so many great people during my two summers in Cotuit and I’m so thankful Coach Roberts gave me the opportunity to be a part of it.

The passion Coach Roberts has for this game is incredible. He is an outstanding coach and an awesome person and I’m truly grateful for every minute I spent with him. I learned so much from him in two summers and I will never forget what he taught me about the game.

As I start my new journey as a Strength Coach with the Royals organization, I will always be grateful for the people I met and the memories I made in Cotuit.”

Brian Stoneberg – Cotuit 2009

Present Position: Strength and Conditioning Coach for Los Angeles Dodgers
Past Position: Minor League Coordinator, Strength and Conditioning, LA Dodgers Organization

Memories of Cotuit:

I think some of the fondest memories that I had in Cotuit were the fans and how much passion and love that they have for both the players and the game of baseball. It was very refreshing to see and made every body want to come to the park and give it their all. Also it was fun to see how so many different players from different teams from different parts of America can come together and play as a team.

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.