Swingin' In South County

Whether you’re a baseball fanatic in search of the next Dustin Pedroia or a family in search of a fun night out, there’ll be something for everyone when the Ocean State Waves take the diamond at South Kingstown’s Old Mountain Field this summer. The Waves are the newest expansion team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), a prestigious, 20-year-old summer league that showcases some of the country’s brightest college stars and Major League prospects.

The Waves are led by Head Coach Phil Davidson (pictured left), a well-known name in the Rhode Island baseball community. After an All-State pitching career at Toll Gate High School, Davidson went on to play at North Carolina State University and the Kansas City Royals’ minor league organization. He returned to Rhode Island and founded the RI Rebels, the area’s elite high school travel program that has sent over 100 players to college baseball rosters in its short four-year existence.

According to Davidson, it was the success of the Rebels’ program that spurred the Waves: “We found that the players who had gone on to play in college were now looking to play at a high level in the summer. (Waves team owner) Jeff Sweenor and I talked about it one day and really just thought about how nice it would be to provide that. We explored a couple of different league and field options. The NECBL gives our players the chance to play in one of the most competitive leagues in the country,and in a very fan-friendly and comfortable, community-based setting at Old Mountain Field.”

The Waves roster includes prospects from all over the country, but fans will recognize several local names. One of these natives is Mike Sherburne (pictured below), an outfielder from North Kingstown High School who played at CCRI and is headed to URI in the fall. Although it’s a summer league, Sherburne describes the stakes: “You want to be a little loose and have fun, but playing in this league is a big deal and you have to stay focused. It’s the best players of any college level all put into one place – it’s the future of baseball. Major League scouts are watching, so you have to perform. It’s a huge commitment... it’s a job without getting paid.”

Although the players are not yet major leaguers, their skills are exceptional. “You will see a ton of pitchers (throwing) in the upper 80s, low 90s (mph). They may not be as polished, but there definitely are some power arms in the league this year,” says Davidson. The biggest difference between NECBL and the majors actually happens off the field: “These players are living in homes in the community, constantly interacting with the fans, and are much more accessible than their Major League counterparts. It is a very special relationship that summer host families and fans have with the players. The players really do become part of the families, for much longer than just the summer.”

While Sherburne may not need a host family, he echoes the sentiment on community: “Living and playing in Rhode Island is great - getting recognized by younger kids, people coming up to me in grocery stores. Knowing that a lot of people are watching makes it fun.”

The primary purpose of summer leagues like NECBL is to give budding prospects another outlet to play and develop, challenge themselves against high-level competition, and be seen by pro scouts. But as Coach Davidson describes, “there’s a fine line between exposure and competitiveness” that will ensure fans get their money’s worth. “Our first responsibility is to return these players to their colleges and universities healthy. Second, we would like to send them back to their school as better players than when they came to us. We will look to get everyone playing time, especially early in the season, but make no mistake, we are going to play to win ballgames. I think that the respect for the game, and playing it the right way are most important. If the players want to impress anyone, playing the game the way it is supposed to be played is the best way to do that.”

The 44-game season (22 home games) began in June and will continue through August, culminating in playoffs and a championship. Ticket prices are a bargain, ranging from $4 for adults to $1 for children 12 and under. Fans will find just as much going on outside the park as in it – rock climbing walls, mobile art studios and many other children’s activities designed to make it a fulfilling family night out. A host of information can be found on their website. You can follow the team on Facebook and Twitter, and be on the lookout for Splash, the team mascot, all throughout South County. Enjoy America’s pastime and make the boys of summer a part of your summer.