Across the Cape Cod Baseball League, it’s known that when the name Jeff Trundy is mentioned, odds are it is followed with high praise and ample respect.
Seen as a one-of-a-kind type of skipper and person, Trundy has found his name being honored as a part of the Cape Cod Baseball League 2024 Hall of Fame Induction Class.
Many have been fortunate enough to have been guided by Trundy as he has served as a pillar in the CCBL for almost 30 years, 2024 marking his 30th anniversary in the league, and his 25th year as the head coach of the Commodores. He has been honored as the CCBL Coach of the Year three times (2004, 2016, 2019) and was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Away from his role with the Commodores, Trundy serves as the head baseball coach at the Frederick Gunn School, a prep school in Washington, Connecticut.
Though he has worn the hat of manager and head coach for decades, it was his humble beginnings that have shaped his successful career.
Before Trundy made his Falmouth debut, he started his Cape League career in Cotuit, as their assistant coach 29 years ago. At the same time, Chuck Sturtevant served as the general manager for the Commodores, keeping a close eye on a promising young Trundy. As fate would have it, the assistant coaching position for the Commodores soon opened up, falling into Trundy’s lap.
“He was an assistant over at Cotuit. So, when my coach was leaving, I called Jeff and I said, ‘Hey, we need an assistant, do you want to come to Falmouth?’ and he did. And so for two years, he was my assistant… I then appointed Jeff as the head coach. He's been here 25 years so he certainly has earned it,” Sturtevant explained.
Since then, the reputation that Trundy had established only grew from that moment, earning his reputation as being a “gentleman coach.”
“Jeff is a true gentleman of the game, his No. 1 priority throughout all these years has always been what is best for the players, and I give him credit for that. He never did anything that was for himself or recognition for himself, or anything… I'm afraid that he may have the shortest (Hall of Fame) induction speech of anyone,” Sturtevant laughed.
John Schiffner has known Trundy for 30 years, having been involved with the Chatham Anglers for 25 years on the coaching staff. The pair have created a tight bond that has only grown over the past few seasons; especially since Schiffner joined the Commodores coaching staff.
“He's in it for the kids to get better. Winning is important, but he'd rather see a player improve than win a game. He’s that important for these kids, he wants them to have a great experience, play well, and represent themselves and their colleges well. That's what this league is all about: relationships and helping kids play better baseball and have a great experience. He is the embodiment of that,” Schiffner emphasized.
However, Trundy’s impact extended beyond what the professionals who worked alongside him felt. From a child’s eyes, Trundy was just as impactful. Sturtevant’s grandson, Cullen Dunn, has known Trundy since he was 5 months old. He played a grandfather role to a young Dunn. Having grown up surrounded by baseball at Guv Fuller Field, Dunn has seen players grow both on and off the field at the hands of Trundy’s leadership, demonstrating just how deserving he is of this recognition.
“It was only a matter of time, and everyone knew that they were working with a Hall of Famer before he even got in. There's nobody that I've seen in the baseball world that has more respect for all coaches… I don't know what the Falmouth Commodores are without Jeff Trundy,” Dunn reflected with a smile.
The same goes for Dunn’s counterpart, Mike Murray. Both of these young men served their time on the sidelines for the Commodores, observing Trundy coach the greats.
Murray has been a part of the Commodores since 2013, serving as the team’s ball boy. As he began to age out of the role, Trundy and his coaching staff still searched for a way for Murray to stay involved. Now, he serves alongside Dunn as assistant general manager.
“As someone who has been like a grandfather to me in the field, I couldn't be more thrilled for him. I always knew this moment would come, and it was just a matter of time. I'm overjoyed for him and deeply honored to have known and been in his presence,” Murray said, beaming. “I can't wait to be there for his ceremony and cherish every moment spent with him. It's a pleasure to be with him day in and day out, and I couldn't be happier for him.”
What separates Trundy from many is his humble approach to the game, having been interviewed time and time again about his experiences as skipper. He always searches for ways to ensure his players and coaches get their credit, even insisting he takes the back seat on reports. But once you sit him down and pry at him, you will get a quote or two.
When the gentleman himself was asked what this honor means to himself as a coach and to the franchise as a whole, Trundy smiled and said:
“I'm honestly the lucky one. It's a real privilege to have been part of this league for so long and to have been surrounded by so many amazing people — players, coaches and friends. It's truly an honor, but I recognize that many others have contributed so much more. I've been incredibly blessed and grateful for the experiences and relationships I've had over the years. It's been pretty special.”
There's a common word thrown around when players and coaches are asked what it’s like to know Trundy: honored. The honor to learn from a coach whose wisdom is far beyond anyone’s knowledge. But, even the word honor isn’t strong enough to describe what it means to be a part of Jeff Trundy’s legacy, a legacy that will live on continuously throughout seasons to come this November.
To show your support for coach Trundy at the 2024 Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame induction breakfast and ceremony go to https://www.capecodleague.com/news/seven-standouts-elected-to-2024-class-of-cape-cod-baseball-league-hall-of-fame to purchase tickets.
(Photo by Aidan Conrad)
