1 July, 2004

Schmidt Brings Style, Smile Back to Bourne

     It is the familiar shout between old friends. “Schmidty” they call from the hill along the third base line, from behind the backstop and along Cotuit Road. When news came that South Florida’s Kyle Schmidt would be back in Bourne this summer, there were cheers all around for one of the Braves’ top prospects and all-around good guy.

     It was doubtful whether Schmidt would be in the Cape League this summer, after posting numbers last year that had scouts making return trips to Coady Field. A league all-star, Schmidt was tabbed one of the league’s Most Outstanding Pitchers and one of Baseball America’s top Major League Baseball prospects. If he couldn’t be playing with a major league organization, though, the Cape was where he wanted to be.

     “The first year was a little different than the last two years. This year I just came in and dropped my bags. I was home and I just sat down on the couch and got comfortable. This is my second home,” says the 6 foot 3 fire-thrower.

     Returning to the Cape had as much to do with the technical as it does the personal. Saying the coaches, fans, teammates and host family – Schmidt lives with GM Mike Carrier and his family – are all part of the draw for him here, the Brave wanted another chance to connecting with Bourne pitching coach Dick Schoonover.

     “You want to get better every year. Velocity is always great and something you need but you can’t just pitch for that. I want to keep learning how to pitch better every year.”

     “Working with him is one of the better aspects of coming out here. Schoonover’s unbelievable. He transformed me into a better pitcher last year and hopefully that will happen this year, too, and I can apply what he teachers me. I want to know everything that he can teach me.” 

     While he hopes that Schoonover’s pitching intelligence will assist him in taking his game “as far as he can,” it is clear that the relationship with the coach, as well as the one he’s developed with fans and Cape League personalities, is what he truly embraces. 

     “My first year things were a lot more hectic. I got my feet wet and saw it as a great opportunity. Coming out here last year was just unbelievable. If I could have the same experience as last year, in so many aspects, that would be great.” 

     Did his success on the mound contribute to the memories? With one of the league’s highest total innings pitched and among the lowest ERA, how couldn’t it have? But it wasn’t all about numbers. “Success always helps. But I look at the relationships that I’ve built here and that’s what’s really important. Good years can come and go, but the relationships are what’s long-lasting.”

     “As much as people like to win championships out here, it’s the people that make the difference. Most of the players realize that. You guys are getting ready for us when we’re not here. That shows and we appreciate it.”

     Schmidt has shown his appreciation by working hard for the Braves. Now tied for second in the Western Division standings, the 6-6 Braves have been bolstered by strong pitching performances, including Schmidt’s, who is now 1-1. More than just a numbers guy, though, Schmidt has embraced the experience that defines Cape League baseball. 

     “I’d like to see my family more. It would be nice to get home every once in a while, but that comes with the territory. Now I have a family here and that’s a big help. The guys that are mature and come out here each year and do what they need to, those are the guys that will achieve here.” 

     For as much as “Schmidty” likes it here, don’t expect him to stay around much after summer, though. His reasons and motives are simple. “I don’t know how anyone can not play baseball all year-round.”