09/10/2009 11:33 AM Article By:
Bourne Braves 2009 Season Review
Bourne Takes the Crown as All of the Pieces Fall into Place
By Jim Chandley, CCBL Intern
BOURNE, Mass—The Bourne Braves ended a 44 year drought in 2009 when they won he first cape league title in Bourne since the 1965 Sagamore Canalmen. The drought was longer than the combined age of any two Braves from this year’s roster, but now it is over.
The Braves had exceptional pitching. Bryan Morgado (Tennessee) was not expected to stay on Cape for an entire season. He was drafted in the third round of the MLB ametuer players draft by the Chicago White Sox, but an agreement was not reached between the two parties and Morgado remained with Bourne. The Braves were glad he stayed. Morgado struck out 47 batters in only 32 innings in the regular season and kept the team in the game when they opened against the Orleans Firebirds in the Playoffs.
From front to back, the pitching was as good as anyone could hope for. Eric Cantrell (George Washington) and Seth Maness (East Carolina) were excellent as starting pitchers. The bullpen was anchored by Stephen Harrold (UNC Wilmington), Trevor Knight (James Madison), and Michael Dimock (Wake Forest).
On the offensive side, Bourne had a merciless attack. Valuable contributions came from a number of players (part of the reason Bourne came second in the league in homeruns). But the two-headed monster that kept the attack running was composed of Kyle Roller (East Carolina) and Pierre LePage (Connecticut).
Together, the pair amassed 10 homeruns, 18 stolen bases, 47 RBI, drew 41 walks, and hit for a .324 batting average. It was more than a simple compilation of statistics. Those numbers don’t tell the whole story because both players made it easier for teammates to hit. LePage agitated pitchers from his perch seven feet from the first base bag. Roller allowed others to see more strikes because pitchers knew they might need to walk him.
Bourne racked up a number of awards for their various achievements in 2009. Roller was named both League MVP and Playoff MVP. LePage was named the Sportsman of the Year and the 10th Player of the Year. The team won the West Division Title and eventually hoisted the Arnold W. Mycock Championship trophy as the outright winners of the Cape League.
Ultimately, the Braves ended the drought, and Bourne was thrilled. “This is a great feeling,” said Braves assistant General Manager Darin Weeks. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
Jim Chandley can be reached at [email protected]
