America's League

Where the Stars of Tomorrow Shine Tonight!

All Star News

Get to know your 2013 Friendly's Cape League East All-Stars

Name: Ross Kivett      College: Kansas State

Cape Team: Orleans      Position: 2B
 
On ASG selection:
“I am very blessed and honored. It is a huge accomplishment to play with such great players in a great league. I was a little surprised, but very excited.”
 
Host family:
The Radkés
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Wear both socks.”
 
Sports icon:
“Evan Longoria (Tampa Bay Rays). He is a class act, and a great player.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
As a fan, 1997 the Indians winning the AL and as a player, winning a Regional in Manhattan KS.
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Make it to Omaha
2. Play in the big leagues
3. Win a pennant
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Respect the game, and it will pay you back.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Play hard.”
 
Keys to success: 
“Approaching every day like it’s your last.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Chris Marconcini      College: Duke
 
Cape Team: Orleans      Position: 1B/ OF
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s an unbelievable honor to have a chance to play with some of the best baseball players in the country. I reacted with excitement getting such a great honor.”
 
Host family:
Elaine Brickman
 
Baseball superstitions:
None
 
Sports icon:
“Joey Votto (Cincinnati Reds) because of the way he handles himself, his knowledge and preparation for hitting, and his work ethic.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
“As a fan watching Derek Jeter hit his 250th home run live, and as a player being named a Freshman All-American.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Win the College World Series
2. Get drafted
3. Play in the major leagues
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
 “Respect the game and always give 100 percent.”
 
Advice to young players:
 “Work your hardest, and play the game relaxed. Play with confidence.”
 
Keys to success: 
“Hard work, confidence, strong mentality, playing loose and having fun.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Matthew Troupe      College: Arizona
 
Cape Team: Orleans      Position: RHP
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s an honor and blessing to be chosen to represent the ‘Birds amongst all of these talented and deserving players.”
 
Host family:
The Nickersons and Radkés
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Don’t touch or mess with the beard.”
 
Sports icon:
“Éric Gagné (L.A. Dodgers, currently Milwaukee Brewers) because of his attitude, his glasses and his beard.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
“Throwing the final pitch of the 2012 College World Series to fellow Firebird, Riley Moore.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Winning the ’14 College World Series
2. Winning the ’15 College World Series
3. Have the honor of being drafted
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Eyes in the bushes.” 
“Faith, Fire and Focus.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Never lose faith. Baseball is a game of failure, learn from the failures, move on and forget about them.”
 
Keys to success: 
“Short memory, continuous work ethic, and confidence.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Jordan Luplow      College: Fresno State
 
Cape Team: Orleans      Position: OF/INF
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s a privilege to be selected for the All-Star team. I was extremely excited when I found out.”
 
Host family:
The Wilcox family
 
Baseball superstitions:
None
 
Sports icon:
“David Wright (New York Mets) because he plays the game right.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
“As a fan, watching David Wright in person, and as a player, getting to take batting practice at Fenway Park.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Get my degree
2. Get drafted
3. Meet Alex Morgan (U.S. women's national soccer team forward)
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
 “Keep it simple.”
 
Advice to young players:
“It’s a game, have fun playing it.”
 
Keys to success: 
 “Keeping it simple, and having fun playing.”
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Trent Szkutnik      College: Michigan
 
Cape Team: Orleans      Position: RHP
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s a goal players should shoot for during their summer. For myself it was a small goal that was accomplished through my work ethic and attempt to get better for my teammates at Michigan.”
 
Host family:
“I have the privilege to stay with the Baptist family. Tim and Lori as well as their two sons have been very supportive this entire summer.”
 
Baseball superstitions:
“My longest superstition has been to never pick up the baseball with your glove when walking to the mound.”
 
Sports icon:
“I have always admired Nolan Ryan (owner, Texas Rangers) for this good health on the field. To be able to throw as long and hard as he can for over two decades is something I want to do.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
“Back in high school with Bedford our team was not expected to go far, but with a strong team bond and a dedicated team we accomplish our goal to play in the state finals.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Win a Big Ten Championship
2. Take Michigan to Omaha
3. Have a career playing baseball
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Establish a routine on and off the mound.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Take every practice seriously. You will never get that day back to become the best player you can be.”
 
Keys to success: 
Create as many gamelike practices as possible
Control the controllables
Be “Blue Collar”
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: JD Davis      College: Cal State Fullerton
 
Team: Chatham      Position: 1B/3B/OF/RHP
 
On ASG selection:
“I feel honored to be a part of an elite group. I was shocked when I was selected.”
 
Host family:
Mark Desmond
 
Baseball superstitions:
None
 
Sports icon: 
Derek Jeter, because of his professional attitude on and off the field.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
Red Sox winning the World Series, and my dad throwing to me in the High School Home Run Derby Showcase.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years? 
1. Be selected in the MLB Draft
2. Win a College World Series at CSF
3. Make it to the show
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Be who you are.”
 
Advice to young players:
 “Always work and enjoy every moment.”
 
Keys to success: 
 “Confidence in yourself, being short-term minded, and having fun.”
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Connor Joe      College: San Diego
 
Team: Chatham           Position: C
 
On ASG selection:
“I am honored to be a part of the Cape League All-Star team, to be playing with and against some of the best college players is special. When my name was announced, I was very excited and couldn’t wait to play.”
 
Host family:
Brian, Diane, Dillon and Declan Donahue
 
Baseball superstitions:
None
 
Sports icon:
Brian 'Weapon X' Dawkins, safety for the Philadelphia Eagles. I look up to him because of the way he carries himself off the field and the passion he plays with on the field. He makes others around him better.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
Going to the 2001 MLB All-Star gamewith my dad and watching Cal Ripken Jr. hit a home run in his last year.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years? 
1. Win the College World Series at San Diego
2. Get drafted
3. Make it to the big leagues
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Play each game as if it were your last.”  – Coach Rich Hill
 
Advice to young players:
Have fun playing this game. Don’t take any day for granted.”
 
Keys to success: 
  • Believing in yourself
  • Have fun playing the game like a kid every day
  • Play for your teammates
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Dante Flores    College: Southern California
 
Team: Chatham           Position: IF
 
On ASG selection:
“It is an honor and a great feeling. I was excited to be able to represent my family, school and the town of Chatham.”
 
Host family:
Steve and Susan West
 
Baseball superstitions: 
None
 
Sports icon:
Derek Jeter, because of who he is on and off the field and what he represents.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
 “Watching Jeter hit a home run for 3,000 hits.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Visit Omaha
2. Make it to the bigs
3. Graduate from USC
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Leave no doubt on the table.”
 
Advice to young players:
Stay positive and get better each and every day.”
 
Keys to success: 
Staying positive, a great work ethic, and doing things the right way.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Matt Gage       College: Siena
 
Team: Chatham         Position: LHP
 
On ASG selection:
“It feels amazing. It’s a dream come true. I feel very honored to be an All-Star for the best summer league in the country. I was very excited when I heard my name called and just smiled.”
 
Host family:
The Bomans: Jack, Sally, Lane and MacKenzie. 
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Just to laugh every day before I pitch.”
 
Sports icon:
 “Michael Jordan, because he is one of the best athletes that ever lived and worked very hard to play in two professional sports.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
Came in third place with my U18 travel team in a national tournament, which was coached by my brother and father.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years? 
1. Get drafted by an MLB organization
2. Get my degree
3. Make it to the MLB level
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Don’t ever stop working hard because it’s even harder to make it further up.”
 
Advice to young players:
Dream big, work hard, and follow your dreams until you can’t anymore.”
 
Keys to success: 
Working hard every day to get better and following your dreams.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Branden Cogswell      College: Virginia
 
Team: Harwich                         Position: SS
 
On ASG selection:
"It is an honor to be selected. Going to enjoy the moment playing with some of the best players in the nation, in the best league in the nation." 
 
Host family:
The Richardsons of Harwich Port 
 
Baseball superstitions:
None
 
Sports icon:
 “Derek Jeter, because he plays the game right. He’s a great person on and off the field.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
 “Playing in the Connie Mack World Series twice, Yankees games with family and friends.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
Playing baseball for as long as I can
Get pilot's license
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Don’t overthink.”
 
Advice to young players:
 “Try to get better every day, but always have fun.”
 
Keys to success: 
Play every day and keep things simple.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Ian Happ         College: Cincinnati 
 
Team: Harwich            Position: IF / OF 
 
On ASG selection:
“I was excited when I found out, it’s an awesome opportunity and quite an honor.”
 
Host family:
Mike and Brenda Schofield 
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Always wear an invisible wristband."
"Mustaches give you hits.”
 
Sports icon: 
Tiger Woods because he’s an excellent competitor.
 
Favorite baseball memory:
As a fan, watching my brother win the UPIAL Championship, and as a player, hitting a walk off against Toledo.”
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Don’t try to do too much. Hit taters.”
 
Advice to young players:
Swing hard and enjoy the game.”
 
Keys to success: 
Stay confident and have fun.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Derek Fisher      College: University of Virginia 
 
Team: Harwich              Position: OF 
 
On ASG selection:
“Excited; it’s an honor to play in such a historic game.”
 
Host family:
Lou and Dot Skinner
 
Baseball superstitions:
None
 
Sports icon: 
Derek Jeter, because of his character off the field.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
“Being there in person for Roy Halladay’s postseason no-hitter.”
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“The scoreboard resets at the end of the day.” 
 
Advice to young players:
“Work hard and prove people wrong.”
 
Keys to success: 
Keep a level head and an even keel no matter the outcome, negative or positive.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Aaron Bummer        College: Nebraska 
 
Team: Harwich                     Position: LHP 
 
On ASG selection:
“It was a great honor; I was extremely happy for my fellow teammates who were also selected.”
 
Host family:
John and Debbie Hayes
 
Baseball superstitions:
None
 
Sports icon: 
Kobe Bryant. He’s the biggest competitor there is.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
 “Walking off against Indiana in Big Ten title game.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
Get my degree
Play professional baseball 
Start my career 
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Live in the present.”
 
Advice to young players:
Remember baseball is a game.”
 
Keys to success: 
Have a short memory.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Chandler Shepherd       College: Kentucky 
 
Team: Harwich                             Position: RHP 
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s an honor to play with such great players while representing the Mariners.”
 
Host family:
Lou and Dot Skinner
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Pregame/ game-day routine.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
 “Regional Championship 2012.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Get drafted
2. Win out postseason
3. Omaha
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Baseball is fun. Enjoy it. It could be over soon. “
 
Advice to young players:
Never take a day off. You can always get better.”
 
Keys to success: 
Have fun and play hard.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Justin Kamplain      College: Alabama
 
Cape Team: Brewster        Position: P
 
On ASG selection:
I am very honored to be selected to this year’s All-Star team. When I found out I immediately contacted my family and friends back home. It was a very exciting moment.
 
Host family:
Peter and Annie Blatz
 
Baseball superstitions:
“I always drink a Mountain Dew before I go out and pitch.”
 
Sports icon:
Cole Hamels because he is a stud. He has a lot of confidence in his abilities and dominated hitters.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
 “As a fan, my favorite baseball related memory would have to be attending my first major league game. As a player, starting my first game in the SEC tournament.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Win a national championship
2. Earn my degree
3. Better my career at the next level 
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Slow the game down, take it one pitch at a time, and control what you can control.”
 
Advice to young players:
To have fun and work hard.”
 
Keys to success: 
 “Hard work, mental stability and having fun.”
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Boo Vasquez                 College: Pittsburgh
 
Cape Team: Brewster               Position: OF
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s an honor to be selected. I was excited when I found out.”
 
Host family:
Louise Clemmenson
 
Baseball superstitions:
“I only chew Trident spearmint gum.”
 
Sports icon:
Roberto Clemente because of how he played on the field and how he lived off.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
Going to Dodgertown for Spring Training games.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Get drafted 
2. Play Major League Baseball
3. Learn how to bunt
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Let the game come to you.”
 
Advice to young players:
Have fun and try to get better every day.”
 
Keys to success: 
 “A short memory.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Aaron Brown       College: Pepperdine
 
Cape Team: Brewster    Position: LHP / CF
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s very encouraging; I was thrilled.”
 
Host family:
Bob and Julia Tulloch
 
Baseball superstitions:
None
 
Sports icon:
Josh Hamilton because he has great respect for the game and he has great character.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
As a fan, my first Dodger game, and as a player, hitting a 502-foot home run in high school.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years? 
1. Start a pro career 
2. Meet my wife
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Work hard to get better every single day.”
 
Advice to young players:
Never take a day off. It’s only allowing others the time to pass you up.”
 
Keys to success: 
Having a certain respect for the game. Also having a relaxed mindset at all times. Not letting the little things bother you.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Scott Heineman    College: Oregon
 
Cape Team: Brewster       Position: CF
 
On ASG selection:
“It is an absolute honor to be selected to the All-Star team. It is a dream come true to play alongside the best players in the Cape. When I found out, I called my family to tell them the good news.”
 
Host family:
The Kish family
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Walk to the plate the same way.”
 
Sports icon: 
My older brother, Tyler, who is a professional baseball player in the Houston Astros organization, because he plays the game the right way and he is the greatest role model a younger brother can ask for.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
 “Watching my older brother live out his dream, and as a player, playing in the regionals for Oregon this past year.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Win a national championship
2. Earn a degree from the University of Oregon
3. Begin to live out my dream as a baseball player
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Play hard.”
 
Advice to young players:
Keep your head up and never look back. What’s done is done.”
 
Keys to success: 
Getting to the next pitch, learning to over come failure, be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Trevor Mitsui      College: Washington
 
Cape Team: Brewster   Position: 1B
 
On ASG selection:
I’m honored to be selected to the All-Star team. I feel very fortunate to play alongside some of the best college baseball players in the nation.”
 
Host family:
The Rabold family
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Listening to music before every game.”
 
Who is your sports icon and why? 
Hunter Pence because he plays hard.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
As a fan, going to my first Mariner game. As a player, signing my letter of intent to play at UW.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years? 
1. Play professional baseball
2. Play in the College World Series
3. Earn a degree in law at UW
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Be good to yourself, and see the ball and hit the ball.”
 
Advice to young players:
Play your heart out, compete and work hard.”
 
Keys to success: 
Treating every inning, out and at-bat as if it is your last, having a short-term memory and most of all having fun.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Daniel Savas       College: Illinois State
 
Cape Team: Y-D               Position: P
 
On ASG selection:
“It is an honor to be selected. I was honestly shocked, especially since I was a late arrival.”
 
Host family:
The Cronins.
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Never step on the foul line and step over with your left foot.”
 
Sports icon:
“Greg Maddux. Watching him pitch and trying to learn the game (from him) as best as I can. “
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
“Going to Opening Day with my dad every year when I was little.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Graduate
2. Play professional baseball
3. Make it to the majors
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Never take a day for granted. It’s not one more day, it’s actually one less.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Always work hard and never give up.”
 
Keys to success:
“Dealing with adversity and having fun.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
 
Name: Alex Blandino     College: Stanford
 
Cape Team: Y-D             Position: 3B
 
On ASG selection:
 “I was honored.  It’s an incredible opportunity to represent Y-D in front of our home fans in the game.”
 
Host family:
Jack and Sue Martin
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Too many to describe here…”
 
Sports icon:
“Rich Aurilia. A great role model and competitor.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
Watching the Giants win the 2010 World Series
Last year’s CCBL playoff run
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Win a College World Series
2. Begin my professional career
3. Play in the major leagues
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Play every day like the only time someone will ever see you.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Love the game.”
 
Keys to success:
“Staying within my approach, being consistent, and coming out to play every day.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
 
Name: Cole Peragine   College: Stony Brook
 
Cape Team: Y-D            Position: IF
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s an honor to be selected to the All-Star team. I was very excited when I found out I had been selected.”
 
Host family:
The Tolley damily. Erik, Deanne, Caleb and Declan.
 
Baseball superstitions:
None.
 
Sports icon:
“Derek Jeter because of his skill and the way he goes out every day and plays the game the right way.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
- My first Red Sox game at Fenway
- Participating in the 2012 College World Series
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Play pro baseball
2. Get my college degree
3. Travel the world
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
You never know when you will play your last game, so play every game like it’s your last.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Play the game the right way and have fun.”
 
Keys to success:
“Giving 100 percent every time you step foot on the field and playing every game like it’s your last.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: DJ Stewart      College: Florida State
 
Cape Team: Y-D        Position: OF
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s a great honor to be recognized as an elite player in such a prestigious league.”
 
Host family?
Doc Serigan
 
Baseball superstitions:
“Same stretch routine before every at-bat.”
 
Sports icon:
“My dad (Reginald Stewart). He played professional baseball.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
“Having my dad throw to me in the College Home Run Derby.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Sign a professional contract
2. Make it to the big leagues
3. Make Team USA
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
Let your ability take care of the game and don’t try to do too much.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Have fun every time you’re on the field. Baseball is a game of failure, so be the same person when things are going good and bad.”
 
Keys to success:
“Work hard, and play every inning and out like it’s your last because you are never promised the next game.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Andrew Daniel      College: San Diego
 
Cape Team: Y-D                Position: IF
 
On ASG selection:
“It’s a great honor to be selected for the All-Star team because there are so many good players in this league. I was excited when I found out.”
 
Host family:
Paul and Joanne Simoneau.
 
Baseball superstitions:
“No superstitions but more of a routine-based person.”
 
Sports icon:
“LaDanian Tomlinson because of his extreme work ethic, talent and humility.”
 
Favorite baseball memory: 
Going to the 1998 World Series
Winning the WCC this year.
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1. Get my degree
2. Play professional baseball
3. Win the College World Series
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“From my high school coach Sam Blalock: “This game will haunt you if you let it.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Play hard and have fun.”
 
Keys to success:
“I believe consistency is the most important key to success in baseball because it’s a tough game and you play many games.”
 
________________________________________________________________
 
Name: Wayne Taylor      College: Stanford 
 
Cape Team: Y-D             Position: Catcher
 
On ASG selection:
“It is a huge blessing and a great honor. I was so excited when I heard my name called for the All-Star team.”
 
Host family:
Paul and Linda Bradstreet 
 
Do you have any baseball superstitions?
None
 
Sports icon:
“Lance Berkman – He is a man of God and a man of great character. He is also a great baseball player too.”
 
Favorite baseball memory:
“Beating Brazoswood in the fourth round of the playoffs my junior year in high school.”
 
What are three things you want to accomplish in the next five years?
1.  College World Series 
2.  Play professional baseball
3.  Play in the major leagues 
 
Best baseball advice you’ve ever received:
“Have fun – whether it’s a good day or a bad day.”
 
Advice to young players:
“Play hard every day. Always hustle – someone is always watching.”
 
Keys to success:
“You have to be able to handle success and failure with an even-keel attitude.”