Follow the Stars
By Roy Reiss
The future stars will be coming to Cotuit next month when the Kettleers kick off their 76th season in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Meanwhile today’s Major Leaguers who played at Lowell Park rarely ever forget that magical experience from summers past.
What a week it was for former Kettleers! Two standouts of the championship 2019 team got the call to the big leagues. First it was Matt Mervis, the former Duke star who caught fire in July 2019 during the championship run who was brought up by the Chicago Cubs. Mervis was a dangerous hitter who played a solid first base and also pitched for the Kettleers. And not many will ever forget what Mervis said about his time in Cotuit when it was time to head home.
“I want to begin by acknowledging all of the support the Kettleers got from the people of Cotuit, including the fans, superfans, and host families. Playing in that environment daily made it easy to show up to the field every day and want to win, something that isn't present across all summer teams. Those who work within the Kettleers community, like you, the trainers, and the interns and broadcasters welcomed the players and took the time to get to know each of us individually and created a sense of unity. We were welcomed anywhere in Cotuit, particularly at The Coop and Polar Cave. Lastly, I want to thank Coach Roberts for the investment he put into every single player and the effort he makes to help in any way possible. His attention and desire to make each of us better individual players allowed us to play with confidence while our early work and practices created a team feeling. I can't thank him enough for all the work he did for me this summer. Can't wait to return to Lowell Park.”
And then word came later this week that fiery Casey Schmitt was being called to the big leagues by the parent San Francisco Giants. Schmitt was part of the heart and soul of that 2019 team, playing a steady 3rd base, collecting clutch hits while also pitching in key spots. The most dramatic moment came in Game 2 of the championship series when Schmitt was asked to get the final 3 outs before a jammed packed Lowell Park crowd. Surely a moment he’ll never forget along with a summer he’ll always cherish.
“My experience in the wonderful village of Cotuit was something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I am going to miss the entire village so much as well as the new friends I made. I would not trade this experience for anything, and I will always cherish each and every moment being out there. Every ball player needs to experience the way Cape Cod and Cotuit baseball is played. So, thank you Cotuit we are 2019 Champions!” stated Schmitt.
Who will be next? Check out all the future stars starting June 10th as another action-packed season starts.
