Boston, Mass. — The bus pulled into Van Ness Street before it rolled to a stop. The Wareham Gatemen walked off the bus and were greeted by statues of Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Bobby Doerr, John Pesky, and Dom DiMaggio in front of Gate B. Above them was a sign that read “Fenway Park.”
On Wednesday, the Gatemen traveled to Boston to participate in the Cape Cod Baseball League’s annual ‘Fenway Day’. Players had the chance to take infield/outfield drills and batting practice inside the iconic ballpark.
Fenway Park is the oldest Major League stadium, having been built in 1912, and it has a lot of history that left the Gatemen players in awe.
“I looked and tried to take it all in,” said Gatemen shortstop Shamaar McDuffie (Kennesaw State). “This park is full of a lot of history, and it is one of the best ballparks I've actually been in, even with me being a Yankees fan. I can't do nothing but appreciate this.”
For some players, it was not only their first time at Fenway Park, but it was also their first trip to a Major League ballpark. It was an opportunity that the players were beyond grateful for.
“It means a lot to be here. We've all played the game for a really long time and at a really high level. And this is what all players dream about,” said Gatemen infielder Kyuss Gargett (Kentucky) about playing at a Major League park.
When the Gatemen’s names were called over the Fenway public address speakers, they took to the field and began stretching and throwing. They were joined by their division rivals, the Falmouth Commodores, for their time slot on the field.
Outside of the stadium, they were adversaries, but inside the field, they were friends and fellow baseball fans, getting the greatest opportunity of a lifetime, to hit at Fenway Park.
The Gatemen took batting practice first in groups. Each aimed to not only impress the scouts but also hit a home run out of Fenway Park.
“I want to hit a home run. It doesn’t matter where; over the monster would be ideal, but I’ll take it wherever it goes,” said McDuffie.
Some players did hit home runs into the stands, some even making it to the top of the infamous ‘Green Monster’ in left field. Players like Ty Dalley (Clemson), Kollin Ritchie (Oklahoma State), and Caden McDonald (Florida) were among the few to hit one out into the stands.
The Gatemen also introduced a new player to their team during the Fenway Day workout. Levi Clark (Tennessee) officially joined the Gatemen on Wednesday, taking his first swings donning the W at America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.
It is pretty cool. Anytime you get to hit in a Major League park is fun, so it is a fun time being out here,” said Clark during his interview with Gatemen Sideline Reporter Rayna Maggelet on an episode of Beyond the Gate.
Clark had just gotten off a plane from Knoxville, Tenn., and traveled from Logan Airport straight to Fenway Park to join the team for batting practice. This was his first time meeting the rest of the team, and it was a memorable experience for him.
“I am excited to be with this team. I heard we got our first win the other day, and I’m excited to get another with them. Let’s get it going,” said Clark.
Clark will play his first game with the Gatemen tonight and is excited for the opportunity to play with his new teammates.
Overall, it was an incredible day at Fenway for both players and coaches, being able to set foot on the same field where some of the game’s greatest players stood. It was a perfect place to have fun and make memories that last a lifetime.
