Cotuit faced Bourne on Sunday in a game that was about as big as a game could be. The Kettleers needed a win and a Wareham loss to make the playoffs. Both things happened, as Cotuit claimed a 4-3 victory while the Gatemen fell 2-0 to Hyannis.

The Kettleers celebrated the win, but two players had a different reason to celebrate before the game even began. Cotuit announced which of its athletes won player of the year awards, which the team votes on. Landon Beaver (UAB) received position player of the year honors, while Chase Van Ameyde (Michigan State) was voted pitcher of the year.

Both Beaver and Van Ameyde have been reliable players for the Kettleers. They have performed well, making the Cape League All-Star team, and they have demonstrated leadership, whether it be Beaver leading by example or Van Ameyde inspiring the team vocally.

Beaver ‘on a heater’

In 2025, Beaver was voted the Valley Baseball League North Division Player of the Year. He called his campaign with the Strasburg Express “one of the best seasons of (his) baseball career,” but 2026 has been pretty great too.

Beaver leads the Kettleers in home runs with five, RBI with 20 and hits with 32. He has logged a whopping 111 at-bats and is batting .288.

“I've been hitting really well,” Beaver said. “I've been on a heater recently. I just hope I keep continuing.”

Beaver exploded late in the season, with four of his five homers coming in the last 10 games. It seemed only fair that his hard work be rewarded.

“Getting recognized is really special for me, especially being at a mid-major school,” Beaver said. “Being able to come out here with some of the best players in the country and produce (at the level) I know I'm capable of… I'm just really grateful and honored to be a Kettleer.”

Cotuit coach Rob Cooper said he’s impressed that Beaver is playing “his best baseball” at the end of the summer. It’s a testament to the Alabama product’s work ethic.

“Landon Beaver is a guy that came up here with a purpose to try to help us win but also to try to get better and show that he's a really good player,” Cooper said. “He’s been huge for us.”

Something Van Ameyde will cherish

When Van Ameyde heard his name called for pitcher of the year, he couldn’t help but smile. He’s never won an award like that before, and he’s certainly never received a trophy like that.

“That trophy was awesome,” Van Ameyde said. “That's something I'll cherish the rest of my life, no matter how long I play this game. It was really cool.”

The award came as a bit of a surprise to Van Ameyde, who voted for Tyler Brashear (Eckerd). While he didn’t expect to win, Van Ameyde felt immense gratitude toward his teammates. He made sure to credit them, shouting out the catchers who put him in the position to win.

Van Ameyde’s refusal to bask in the glory alone comes as no surprise. He’s a talented player, but he’s an even better person, and his passion shines through.

“That kid came out here wanting to prove himself,” Cooper said. “(He’s) been really, really big for us and loves being here and loves to compete.”

Van Ameyde has appeared in nine games, holding a 2-0 record with one save. He hasn’t logged a single start, instead serving as a dependable relief pitcher.

“When I'm coming in to help the starter or whoever out, being able to come through for them and help them not give up the run or whatever it is and seeing them be the first ones out of the dugout to thank me… I take a lot of pride in that,” Van Ameyde said. "Being able to do that a decent amount this summer has made me really happy.”

The right-handed pitcher has pitched 15.1 innings, allowing 12 hits, four runs (three earned) and two home runs. He has walked five and struck out 27, and he holds a 1.76 ERA. That’s a lot of numbers, but what he feels most proud of this season has nothing to do with statistics.

“The guys make fun of me for it, but I don't sit down in the bullpen,” Van Ameyde said. “Whether it's arm care, mobility, super small things, I've just been really proud of myself and (am) really happy to say that I do all that. To see some of the work come to fruition has been the coolest part.”

Beaver and Van Ameyde look to continue their strong seasons as the Kettleers prepare for the playoffs. Cotuit is set to face top-seeded Hyannis in the CCBL Division Semifinals. Game 1 is at 6 p.m. EDT Tuesday in Hyannis.