By: Tim Crowley
With the 2020 MLB playoffs underway in the Wild Card Round, a handful of former Kettleers will take the diamond in search of a World Series championship. Here is a breakdown of familiar faces competing this postseason.
Mike Clevinger, San Diego Padres (Cotuit ‘11)
In 8 starts between Cleveland and San Diego, Clevinger posted a 3-2 record with a 3.02 ERA in 41.2 IP. Clevinger’s postseason status remains uncertain. He is currently not on the Wild Card roster with an arm injury.
Mike Ford, New York Yankees (Cotuit ‘12-13)
Ford beat out Miguel Andujar for a spot on the Yankees’ postseason roster. Ford will provide an extra power threat for manager Aaron Boone off the bench as New York chases the franchise’s first title since 2009.
Tony Kemp, Oakland Athletics (Cotuit ‘12)
Kemp features multiple postseason moments under his belt already, hitting a home run and robbing extra bases from fellow Cotuit alum Steve Pearce in the 2018 ALCS. Kemp hit .247 with 3 stolen bases in 2020 and will provide a valuable veteran presence off the bench for the A’s as they take on the White Sox in the Wild Card Round.
James McCann, Chicago White Sox (Cotuit ‘10)
2020 featured plenty of success for McCann in his second season on the South side of Chicago. McCann caught a no-hitter from Lucas Giolito, batted .289 with 7 HR, and helped the White Sox reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Curt Casali, Cincinnati Reds (Cotuit ‘10)
After hitting 6 HR in the regular season, Casali gets the nod to catch National League Cy Young candidate Trevor Bauer in Game 1 against the Atlanta Braves.
Jason Kipnis, Chicago Cubs (Cotuit ‘08)
After an extensive career including an American League pennant with the Cleveland Indians, Kipnis looks to add to his postseason resume in his first year as a Cub. Kipnis is starting at second and batting ninth in Game 1 against the Miami Marlins.
