Life in the Cape League

Part 2/2 of Episode 6. Nick Gonzales of the Cotuit Kettleers is scorching after arriving late last year. He's been Cotuit's most consistent run producer and one of the best pure hitters in the league. That nearly ended July 10 on a scary play at home plate. Whispers spoke of a stress fracture. He walked away with a bad bruise, to hit two home runs in the next five games. His movie obsession, movie nights and what made him the player he's become.

Part 1/2 of Episode 6 of the Cape Life Pod. Three managers express concerns about rain and fielding rosters in a wacky season. One team will play 15 games in 13 days to end the year after 12 rainouts. What can be done to make the Cape Cod League schedule better? We also conclude our conversation with temporary players, who recently became permanent. The Kettleers lose two key pitchers. Listen to Part 2 for our conversation with Nick Gonzales after a scary injury nearly ended his stellar season.

Mike Roberts' son, former MLB star Brian Roberts, visits the Kettleers annually to work with players and inspire. Before Cotuit's game against Bourne last week, he gave a pre-game speech in the dugout, before speaking with us in between BP with his sons. Cotuit's Adam Oviedo joined as well to share his thoughts on the visit, and update his second season with the Kettleers.

Oraj Anu went up and hacked away. Mike Roberts told him not to take pitches at this point. Cotuit blew a five-run lead in the eighth inning and turned it back around in 4 pitches. It's rare we do game breakdowns on the Cape Life Podcast, but THIS GAME deserved it.

A scout said Mike Roberts will go through over 70 players in a season. He said it's more like 40. Either way, the unique challenge of roster building in the Cape Cod League has some players arriving in July, and every day temporary players leaving midseason. We talked to a few Cape locals looking to earn their place, and those arriving late from the College World Series.

Casey Schmitt can't stop throwing his bat. Oraj Anu got drafted by the Red Sox, but is spending the summer hitting bombs for Cotuit. His story of growing up in the Bahamas and his massive build. A collision at first base, a wild game against Harwich and untied shoelaces that were unable to stop a game-winning run in the opener. Cotuit is 4-2-1.

The Cotuit Kettleers host the Lexington Blue Sox every season before their first game. Cam Hill took a pitch off the head to start the game and walked it off, and later got called out on a pitch to the foot. Both coaches talked about the rivalry, their connection to Pete Frates and the history that connects the two teams.