A season of change for Hyannis 
Record makers, big hitters make for great 2008

August 14, 2008


 

Written by Kathleen Szmit
 
 
The Hyannis Mets’ season didn’t end quite the way they wanted it to, but it wasn’t all bad.


HIS CUP RUNNETH OVER – Hyannis General Manager Bill Bussiere holds the Commissioner’s Cup, awarded to the 2008 team for its professionalism on and off the baseball field.

Though the team missed the playoffs, the season ended with several notable accomplishments, including being awarded the Commissioner’s Cup for outstanding Cape Cod Baseball League franchise.

“We were really hoping to get this cup this year,” said Mets General Manager Bill Bussiere.

The cup is given to the CCBL team displaying the most professionalism on and off the playing field, according to league Commissioner Paul Galop.

Other accolades for the team included Russ Brewer receiving the Russ Ford Reliever of the Year award for his 12 saves, a Hyannis record; Chris Dominguez leading the league in home runs, with a season total of 10; and Ben Paulsen being named the Western Division All-Star MVP. Paulsen was also lauded for playing 44 games with 408 error-free chances at first base, a League record.

Even as the lights dimmed over McKeon Park for the last time Aug. 7, members of the Hyannis Athletic Association, fans and friends agreed that the 2008 season was one of the best in recent years.

The year began with significant changes in and around McKeon Park. The long-awaited lights were installed and ready for use, allowing the team to play their 2008 games in real baseball style.

In the dugout, new field manager Rick Robinson called plays and offered encouragement to his team, inspiring them to persevere even in tough times.

Persevere they did. The Mets began the season with a bang, winning 16 of their first 25 games and taking a solid hold on the Western Division lead. A good deal of the team’s success was due in large part to stellar pitchers like Andrew Carraway, Austin Hudson and Brewer.

Carraway ended the season 4-2 with a 1.90 ERA in 10 games while Hudson, playing a second year with Hyannis, went 1-2 with an impressive league-best 1.50 ERA before an injury at the All-Star game ended his season prematurely. Brewer, as mentioned, recorded 12 saves and had a 2.74 ERA.

Of course, what is great pitching without solid hitting to back it up? Hyannis also had some terrific batters this season.

Chris Dominguez quickly wowed crowds with his prowess and strength at-bat. The 6’5” third baseman from Miami smacked a league-leading 10 homers this season, boasting a batting average of .262. Dominguez also had 44 hits in 42 games including 31 RBIs.

Teammate Trent Ashcraft was also a powerful hitter for Hyannis with a .327 average, 55 hits in 43 games, eight of which were RBIs.

Then there was Paulsen. The good-natured first baseman posted a .290 average, with 49 hits in 44 games, eight home runs and a whopping 33 RBIs.

Marcus Jones was also a standout for Hyannis, with 26 hits in 30 games, one homer and 12 RBIs.

Unfortunately, injuries took their toll on the team midway through the season, at one point leaving the team with only 19 players and just nine pitchers.

As Hyannis fell into a seven game losing streak prior to the All-Star break, the battle for first place in the Western Division heated up, with the Mets losing their stronghold.

A three-game winning streak following the All-Star game bolstered spirits, but ultimately Hyannis fell to Cotuit and Falmouth, missing the playoffs by three points. Their final season record stands at 22-22.

Nonetheless, the change had begun, motivating fans to look forward to a successful 2009 season.
 


 


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