75 Years of Cotuit Kettleers Memories

Contributed by, Roy Reiss

2022 will be a very special year for the Cotuit Kettleers as we celebrate the 75^th year of baseball on Cape Cod. Many people have contributed over the past 75 years-players, donors, house parents, coaches, volunteers and of course the many fans who have flocked to Lowell Park to watch and cheer for the Kettleers. This is another in the series as we recall the many memories people have of the Cotuit Kettleers! 

Chris Rogers-Former Player 2000-Current House Parent

As a child, one of my favorite things to do was to attend the Cotuit Kettleers baseball games. Being able to walk down the street to see players playing summer ball who many go on to play in the MLB was incredible. Playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League, the most prestigious baseball League in the country, was always a childhood dream. 

After attending private school at The Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA I continued on playing D1 Baseball at Stetson University in DeLand, FL.  At Stetson, I was a right-handed pitcher where I started, relieved and closed throughout my career.  My dream came true the summer of 2000 where I had the opportunity to play for my hometown team, the Cotuit Kettleers under coach Mike Coutts.

Playing for Cotuit was an amazing experience that I will never forget. The memories and friendships I made from that summer will forever be remembered. It has been over 20 years since I played at Cotuit however it feels like yesterday I was standing on the mound in the Kettleers pinstriped uniform.  

What made playing for the Cotuit Kettleers so special is that I was from Cotuit, a hometown kid.  Being local and playing in the Cape League is not very common however it does occur, most recently Cody Pasic and Chris Holcomb.  Cotuit is a very small village and I was honored to represent the community.  Being able to play in front of my friends, family and previous coaches locally was amazing.  My daily routine back then was very similar as it is to the players today.  Each morning kicked off with the youth Kettleers baseball clinic, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  Following camp, it was back to Lowell Park for a practice or throwing a bullpen.  After practice it was game time, playing 6 games a week.    

The Cape Cod Baseball League is very competitive in all aspects. Every team lineup consists of the top college players throughout the country. Many players are All-Americans or players who have previously won a College World Series.  It was truly an amazing opportunity to play among the best.  

Now, years later I am still at the Cape Cod Baseball League fields daily over the summer but for different reasons. It was once to play the game, now it is to support my summer college player(s). My family has housed 11 players in total the past 3 seasons.  Having played in the Cape Cod Baseball league as well as, being housed myself playing in the Pacific International Summer Baseball League in Oregon I can relate to the players in many ways. Understanding the housing experience with a Host Family, what the players are feeling once they arrive to the Cape to play summer ball, and recognize at times it can be stressful I as a Cotuit Kettleers alumni and now a host parent can provide support and understanding. This opportunity involves so much time, dedication and drive to achieve goals and dreams, I’m honored to be a part of these players pathway to success.

It was a great experience to play for the Cotuit Kettleers and I am happy to still be a part of the organization.  Going to Lowell Park is always, “WHERE THE STARS OF TOMORROW SHINE TONIGHT”.