This past week, a total of 612 baseball players from around the country had their dream fulfilled by being selected in the MLB Draft. For many of these ballplayers, their dream started to become a reality when they were originally asked to play in the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). Out of the players selected, 18 of them at one point donned the Falmouth Commodores uniform, two of which are current players.
The 16 former Commodore players, which are Robert Ahlstrom, Franco Aleman, Ben Casparius, Blake Dunn, Christian Edwards, Max Ferguson, Kevin Kendall, Bryce Miller, Sean Mullen, Nick Nastrini, Matheu Nelson, Tyler Ras, Tim Tawa, Steven Williams, Justin Wrobleski and Caleb Wurster, were drafted between the first and 18th rounds.
Manager Jeff Trundy said that it is amazing to have so many former and current players drafted the past few days.
“It feels awesome,” Trundy said. “We ultimately do what we do so these kids have an opportunity to put themselves in a position where they can have a career in baseball. They’ve been thinking about this since they were little kids and for us to be a part of their journey, and hopefully have helped them along their way, is so pleasing to see.”
The two current players selected are pitchers Tommy Sommer and Trey McLoughlin, having been drafted in the 10th and 16th rounds respectively.
Pitching coach Mike Landry had the opportunity to work directly with both McLoughlin and Sommer for the duration of their time with the team, and said the experience is full of emotions.
“We’re going to miss them,” Landry said. “It’s both awesome and bittersweet because both were terrific kids and contributors to the team, and they’ll be missed on both of those levels for sure. But, to see those two guys get that opportunity, and, Tom, get that nod right before the game started and to hear that over the PA, what’s better.”
The CCBL has been known for its ability to develop the major league ballplayers of the next generation for decades, having been shown to have been a part of one in every three current MLB players.
Trundy discussed how crucial of an aspect the growth of his players has been for him and the entire Commodores’ organization.
“There’s no question development’s important but, I think how you develop is important as well,” Trundy said. “You can go out and be a great teammate and I think that helps them have a great summer.”
“If they’re not so obsessed with themselves and worried about their teammates, then they’re going to perform really well,” Trundy continued. “I think the guys that buy into it end up having great summers and obviously that helps when it comes draft time.”
Landry discussed how large of a role collaboration between players and learning can be as well for the future success of these young college athletes.
“I know that the kids learn so much from each other while they’re out here too,” Landry said. “Playing not only against the best players in the country but also learning on the same team as some of the best guys. They’re constantly talking about grips on balls and how they throw this change, and how they throw that slider, so I think that they learn so much from each other.”
Landry added how it’s unbelievable to watch the fulfillment of dreams coming true in front of him.
“It’s just unreal and an unbelievable feeling to be a part of it at the moment, it’s pretty special,” Landry said. “To know that they’re going on and to continue their dream is phenomenal.”
Will Kharfen can be reached at wkharfen@umass.edu. Follow him on instagram @will.kharfen.
