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Harbor Hawks welcome changes to roster

07/06/2010 5:41 PM

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HYANNIS ---- With the College World Series coming to an end, players are starting to join their Cape League teams. For the Hyannis Harbor Hawks, that means the arrival of Tyler Thompson (Florida), Cam Seitzer (Oklahoma) and Johnny Ruettiger (Arizona State).

     The College World Series is quite the honor and experience. With crazy fans and the best collegiate teams from across the country, these players come to Hyannis with once-in-a-lifetime memories and endless stories.

     “In the Series, there’s a lot of pressure. It’s on national television, the fans and your team are all counting on you. When you lose you’re done. It’s a lot to think about when you are out on the field,” Thompson said.

     Thompson has gotten used to the pressure. Upon his arrival to the Cape, he went straight to the Hyannis game, arriving in the sixth inning. He entered the action in the ninth and wasn’t the least bit phased by the quick turnaround.

     “The Cape League is defiantly more laid-back,” he said. “There’s less pressure.”

     Thompson had so little time to prepare for his first Cape League action that he had to borrow a teammate’s equipment. Talk about teamwork. 

     Thompson’s Gators played were beaten by UCLA and Florida State in the CWS. 

     “The Series is an experience. It was fun and different and will always be a special memory,” he said.

     Thompson is adapting well to the change in focus, playing every day since his arrival.

     Ruettiger and Seitzer joined him later in the week, playing their first games on the Fourth of July weekend. Ruettiger’s Sun Devils were beaten in the CWS by Clemson and by eventual champion South Carolina. Seitzer’s Sooners defeated South Carolina in the first round, then lost to Clemson and South Carolina in the next two rounds.

     As for the roster changes on the Harbor Hawks? 

     “We lost a few players from our original roster, but we’re very excited because we signed outfielder Jason Nappi (Harding) and right-hander Brian Dupra (Notre Dame) to a full contract,” general manager Bill Bussiere said.

     Nappi and Dupra have definitely proven their worth. Nappi is a league-leader in RBI and Dupra is among the best in strikeouts.