17 August 2007

THIS WEEK IN THE CAPE LEAGUE
2007
COMMISSIONER’S CUP
TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

 

     Four years ago, Cape Cod Baseball League Commissioner Paul Galop created what has become the coveted Commissioner’s Cup. This is an award that recognizes the extraordinary efforts of an individual franchise in running its ball club and organization on and off the diamond.

On behalf of the Wareham Gatemen, Bob St. Pierre and Tom Gay accept the Commissioner's Cup from Sol Yas, Paul Galop and Judy Scarafile.  Photo by  Tevis Hannington 2007

     This year, that high honor was bestowed upon the Wareham Gatemen, and the presentation took place during the eighth inning of Wareham's final game on Aug. 8. A large contingent of Wareham volunteers joined the commissioner on the field for the award ceremony. What followed was an exuberant round of applause, a wave of gratitude from team President and General Manager John Wylde in the press box, many hugs and thank-yous and two big cakes spelling out “Congratulations” on one and “Wareham” on the other.

     This Commissioner’s Cup is given annually to the team that “demonstrates the highest level of integrity and professionalism on and off the field, ensuring and enhancing the championship caliber of the Cape Cod Baseball League.” Wareham shared this honor with Falmouth during the award's inaugural season in 2004 and is the only two-time recipient.

Wareham Gatemen volunteers proudly accept the Commissioner's Cup. Photo by Tevis Hannington 2007

     “Wareham's exceptional hosting of the annual All-Star Game, coupled with extremely efficient utilization of the Yawkey Foundation Grant, along with consistently high professional behavior on and off the field in a setting of significant integrity were characteristics that put Wareham over the top,” said Commissioner Galop. 

     Although 2007 was a losing season (15-29) for Wareham, the Gatemen’s many volunteers did not allow the team’s record to deter their baseball enthusiasm or good sportsmanship. Each night, the players played hard and the volunteers worked hard. From the atmosphere at Clem Spillane Field on any game night, one would never guess that the team was struggling. 

     "We were blessed by our volunteers,” Wylde said. “Sheri and Tom Gay, Cary Humphrey, who was co-chairman of the All-Star Committee, and Cindy Perola all come to mind, among others, who helped strengthen the depth of our organization. Without our volunteers,” Wylde continued, “our franchise wouldn’t run.”

     Past recipients of the Commissioner's Cup are Falmouth and Wareham (2004), Bourne (2005) and Cotuit (2006). 

Interns 2007: Erica Bailey, John Hannemann, Liz Hoffman,
Gabriella Remington, Kevin Wolfe