where nobody knows your name

When I was writing today’s daily fog, I noticed an unfamiliar name in the Bourne box score. David Erickson had pitched two shutout innings of relief. I remember most names. Since I didn’t remember his, I started to write, “Newcomer David Erickson . . . ” but decided that I should check to make sure.

It was David Erickson’s 11th appearance.

So . . . not really a newcomer. Second-most appearances in the league, as a matter of fact.

I was surprised, but really, I shouldn’t have been. I can remember the starting lineup from my J&J Transportation 10-year-old Little League team (undefeated, whoo!), but damn if I can remember the names of Cape League relievers. Starters, I’m all over. Closers, no worries. But those long-relief men, those middle-relievers, those set-up guys — they slip through the cracks like you wouldn’t believe. It’s sad. I look at boxscores, and it’s like they’re not even there. I am blind to them.

But no more. David Erickson, you will be forgotten no longer. I just got done staring at the team stats page. I paid attention only to you and your bullpen friends. And I found out: some of you guys are pretty good.

So let’s take a look. These are the names that you — and I — should remember.

Bourne’s Kevin Landry is the workhorse of the bunch. The sophomore from William & Mary has worked 26.1 innings over eight appearances, with one start mixed in, and for the most part, he’s been lights out. He has a 2.05 ERA, and he has struck out 25 while walking only three. At 6’7 210, Landry is one to watch.

While Landry has logged the most innings, Falmouth’s Ben Tootle has put up some of the best numbers. He has a .60 ERA in 15 innings and he has allowed only three hits all summer. The sophomore from Jacksonville State has a WHIP of .80. Falmouth teammate Chris Gloor is right there, too. His last appearance was a start but everything else has been out of the bullpen. Gloor, a junior from Quinnipiac has a 1.35 ERA.

Harwich’s Willie Kempf is also in the top group of relievers. The Baylor sophomore has a 1.10 ERA in 11 appearances. He has struck out 21 in 16 innings.

Brewster’s Rory McKean (Ole Miss) has made the most appearances, with 12. He has 18 stirkeouts in 18 innings to go with a 2.00 ERA.

Some of the other standouts:

David Erickson, Bourne – 21 K’s in 16 IP
Danny Meszaros, Cotuit – 1.59 ERA in 17 IP
Daniel Wolford, Cotuit – K/9 sits at 13.3
Preston Claiborne, Falmouth – 1.80 ERA
Shaeffer Hall, Falmouth – 1.08 ERA
Brian Dupra, Harwich – 1.96 ERA
Ashur Tolliver, Hyannis – 2.93 ERA
Will Weidig, Hyannis – 2.25 ERA
Adam Wilk, Orleans – 2.60 ERA, K:BB sits at 18:2
Mike Belfiore, Y-D – K/9 of 16 is best among relievers

So there you have it. There are more standouts, but honestly, how many names can I be expected to remember?

Seriously, though, these guys are good. From now on, I’ll be keeping tabs on them.

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