Cotuit Kettleers vs. Bourne Braves, June 14, 2022 in Cotuit, Ma. (Photo/Alysa Rubin)
By Roy Reiss
The season is only 4 games old and there are still 40 games to play so let’s keep things in perspective. That said here are some very, very early observations of the 2022 Kettleers edition.
- Major league baseball has become a game of home runs and strikeouts so it’s awfully refreshing to see some old school emphasis on pitching, defense and base stealing. And who better to appreciate the Kettleers quick start in those areas than coach Mike Roberts who continues to teach fundamentals morning, noon and night. The base stealing has been eye popping as it’s put so much pressure on opposing pitchers and their defense. 21 stolen bases in 4 games as a team with the second most total being 7. The pitching has been sensational with 3 shutouts in 4 games and one earned run in 36 innings for a team ERA of 0.25. It’s a start that will be most difficult to match but it sure makes things interesting to watch in the weeks ahead.
- Coach Roberts has always maintained he’ll know more about his team at the midway mark of the long CCBL season. Ask him what he thinks right now, and he’ll always reply “ask me in July.”
- There’s something to be said for experience and leadership. The 2022 Kettleers seem to have the right mix as 2nd year players Carter Trice, Brooks Baldwin, Ryan Ritter, Will Jacobson, and Max Gieg along with 3 year veteran Harrison Cohen have helped indoctrinate the first year players on what it means to be a Kettleers.
- Official scorer Joe Malkin at the home opener against Bourne had an interesting observation. When he saw 3rd baseman Cam Collier, he immediately said “he looks just like Rafael Devers of the Red Sox. “ Next time you see Collier, you be the judge!
- From field worker to intern to General Manager intern to extraordinaire talent evaluator best describes Peter Flaherty III’s Kettleers journey. The recent college grad takes great pleasure in watching many of the 2022 Kettleers who he helped track over the college baseball season and ultimately recruit to Cotuit.
- It’s nice to see former Kettleers being named to the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame. Justin Smoak who played in 2006 and Patrick Biondi who starred in 2011 and 2012 will be inducted along with the rest of the class this coming November. You’ll be reading more about the two new Hall members in the immediate future.
Things That May Interest Only Me- Couldn’t believe home plate umpire Steve Durrance could bellow strike calls for the entire 9 innings and keep his voice during opening day at Lowell Park…..You’re seeing more and more sideline reporters across the Cape Cod Baseball League….The overall energy of the Kettleers interns is contagious and makes coming to Lowell Park so enjoyable….No one works harder than Andrew Shriner, Trey Holland and Andrew Turner, the 3 coaches on Coach Roberts staff….What a great looking Kettleers Yearbook and kudos to Ryan Gonzalez for the front cover design.
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 ESPN.