By Ben Fischer

University of Maryland

July 23, 2018

Homer has become a fixture in the Kettleers dugout.

CHATHAM – The personnel in the Cotuit Kettleers dugout during games is mostly routine. However, the usual mix of players, coaches and batboys is interrupted by one notable addition. For most of the season, the human Kettleers have been joined by a unique mascot, a small stuffed monkey name Homer who some Kettleers credit for the teams success.

The monkey’s primary caretaker has been and first baseman/outfielder Michael Toglia (UCLA). The power of the both Toglia and Homer were on display Monday in Chatham, when the Kettleers put up 15 runs on the Anglers and Toglia had a grand slam. Postgame, Toglia credited Homer for his big offensive night.

“The rally monkey is the most important thing in the dugout,” Toglia said. “We don’t hit without the rally monkey. We wouldn’t have much of a shot without it.”

The Kettleers other offensive star was right fielder Will Robertson (Creighton), who had three hits, including two doubles, and three RBI. While he is not as attached to the monkey as Toglia, he too recognized Homer’s contribution to the squad.

Michael Toglia (UCLA) has become Homer’s closest friend on the Kettleers

“I honestly didn’t know what it was, but then [assistant GM] Peter [Flaherty] explained it,” Robertson said. “It seems to be working out right now and hopefully we can keep this streak going into the playoffs. That’s the goal.”

While the tangible effects of a stuffed monkey in the dugout are debatable, it is undoubtedly a positive to have a rallying symbol to help bond players and keep them loose over the long and difficult Cape League season, which is why it seems like Homer is here to stay.