By Roy Reiss
June. 18, 2017
Another season has rolled around. While the years just click off, the aging process never seems to apply to Lowell Park. In fact this year there’s a brand new infield that looks like a major league infield thanks in part to the Cape Cod Baseball League that allocated over $100,000 for field improvements at all 10 Cape home fields.
And there’s a big change inside the home dugout at 3rd base. Names of all former Kettleers who have made it to the Major Leagues adorn the back wall of the home dugout. Inspirational sayings have also been added.
Coach Mike Roberts suggested the idea so that present and future Kettleers players could feel first hand the rich history and tradition of the franchise. Vice President Andy Bonacker made a few suggestions how it could be accomplished and then found himself in charge of the project. Working with lists of former players and the people at LuJean Printing, Bonaker came up with panels listing the names of Kettleers who have made it to the Majors. They added some of the best quotes heard around Lowell Park and before the 2017 season started to place the panels in the 3rd base dugout.
Dugout panel of MLB Kettleers
New panels in Kettleers dugout
And after a week of the new season, a new problem with the project has emerged. “We already need to add another panel as there are, and will continue to be, more & more additions,” stated Bonacker with much excitement.
Teaching – Remember Rhett Wiseman (2013-14 Vanderbilt) saying that he had learned more in the first few weeks of his Kettleers campaigns than he did during his collegiate season. The emphasis on the fundamentals that Coach Roberts teaches really stand out if you watch one of his early practices. The attention to detail, getting a proper lead off bases, watching every move of the pitcher, being in position to turn quickly, it’s all teaching all day. For the pitchers, it’s developing that second or third pitch, with a special emphasis on the change up, that will make a difference when they return to school. But the overall emphasis is always on teaching every aspect of the game.
Quick Hitters – This 2017 edition of Kettleers seems to have plenty of energy. They are really talking and into the game while on the bench … Speaking of the bench, isn’t it great to have Trey McCall back as bench coach in 2017? The gentleman from Virginia is what a coach is all about … Check out the new July 4th hats at the Kettleers store. They are really special … Ako Thomas (Michigan) reminds me of former Kettleer Tony Kemp (2012 Vanderbilt). Both have that magnetic smile that lights up a room … Great to see the number of former Kettleers get drafted earlier this month. We wish all of them the best of luck in fulfilling their dream … The Welcome Party the night before the CCBL opener is a tradition that should never end. It’s a special night that represents everything that’s unique about the Cotuit Kettleers organization … Volunteer Don LeSieur has really made a difference this year as he’s organized the interns, developed an advertising campaign, and worked hard to make an impact in the community with intern Hunter Mohney….
Words of Wisdom – Our quote of the month comes from Falmouth manager Jeff Trundy as he talked about how he views his job. “I want to be able to look in the mirror every morning and say that we handled kids in the way that I feel is fit and I feel is the right way in regard to their growth and their development.”
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.