An Enduring League
It seems like only yesterday when a trip down Route 6 brought me to a new town, a new challenge in a league so storied for so many years. My two summers on the Cape will forever be fond times, from the chowder to the humidity, the people and sea, the Cape League remains a dream for so many college players intent on one day playing just down the road at Fenway.
This trip brought back so many memories, can it actually be that long ago? I have come this time with a bit of a heavy heart, what you may not realize is that for so many young men in baseball, whether college level or lower minor leagues, living with host families becomes a home away from home…a family away from family. My family lost their mother and grandmother this past winter and the team, the Harwich Mariners, decided to give the family a plaque for such dedication to young men. Bev Chipman and her family have welcomed strangers into their home for more than 28 years and her daughter Julie and son in-law Jon, still do. I have come to pay my respects to such a great family and enjoy a game that I still miss, especially a summer game at Whitehouse Field.
As usual, the night was a bit steamy and the skies threatened rain. The bugs weren’t as plentiful as I remembered, but the kids and stands still had the excitement as if this night was the first ever game. In fact, the night went all too fast. Tamera and I sat in the bleachers down the third base line, not far from the bull pen. Julie, John, their sister Donna, the kids and friends all enjoying the night. As I sat there I could still see Bev sitting in her folding chair, the family coming and going all around. I would be in the bull pen, antsy as always, waiting for the signal to get warm, waiting for another chance on the hill.
If you haven’t been to the Cape in the summer, I highly recommend it. You also need to take in a game, it’s the way our pastime was meant to be enjoyed. I miss those times and cherish them often. The sights, the smells, giving a ball to a kid. There’s not much better in a young life. By the way, there is a thought that many of the teams on the Cape (there’s 10 total) might have to change their names. The Mariners, Cardinals and a few others have the same names as big league teams…and while some of the cape teams are older, licensing may force them to change. Boy Bev and I would have had a great complaint session on that one!
Adam Housley has been with FNC since 2001 as a Los Angeles-based
correspondent. He has covered news ranging from wildfires in California
to political unrest in Venezuela and was one of the few reporters who
witnessed the execution of Stanley “Tookie” Williams. 
Adam,
Do you miss playing baseball? Do you still practice your pitching?
thanks for the story Adam! Isn’t it like that - the big $ makers want to what?…make sure the little teams can’t benefit from their names? is that it?
Adam
Heartwarming story - thank you for sharing
They will be sadly missed - but well remembered
Adam
Once again thank you for not only the honor you gave Bev by being at the game, but now this wonderful article about the league. What Adam neglected to say was that he threw out the first pitch and a quote from Bev was shared on what a wonderful ballplayer and overall person Adam is.
Thanks Adam
Adam–
A nice slice of Americana. Kudos.
There probably aren’t many folks out there — aside from those who live in minor league towns and the baseball wonks — who know about this part of the game…and of this unique part in our country’s story and pastime. Grow up in LA, NY or any of the other big metro/major league areas and you’re likely to miss these uniquely American experiences.
Thanks for sharing these glimpses, Adam. It brought back childhood memories of the Cape and later memories of watching minor league ball in California.
I hope you and Tamara are having a great trip.
Jeff
Adam, Great story.
Glad to see you back. Sounds like your east coast trip was fun and brought back lots of good memories. I am with you, let the minor leagues keep their big league names……it is not like they get all the air time of the majors.
ADam
fix my name
on the comment
July 31st, 2008 at 9:54 pm
previous thread
I am teary eyed to say the least. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Bev; mother, grandmother, and obviously a good lady who loved baseball.
You have a gentle loving heart Adam Housley.
@All
College Summer Ball! Great stuff indeed. If you (All) have never had the chance to see it, here is an incomplete list of the leagues. Check around and see if there is some in your area:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Collegiate_Summer_Baseball_Leagues
@Adam Housley
Heh, this, on a trip to New York? Bravo on fitting in this most pleasant side trip, and thanks for giving us a look at it.
Cool story Adam, thank you!
There ya go, wearing the heart on your sleeve again!
I’m glad you and Tamera had a wonderful time!
Adam,
Thank you! for Sunday and for being there with my family! It meant tons to us to have you both here in tribute to our Mom. Mom would have been so happy to see how you fit together and how happy yoou both make each other!!
PS> Austin asked to watch Fox news this morning - You sure made a good impression!
Thanks again! - Donna, Dennis, Angela and Austin
Great story Adam……………A colleague told me a great baseball story that happened to him and his family this past weekend. They decided to introduce his two and half year old daughter to the world of baseball by taking her to a Frederick Keys minor league game i
We all have our ” fields of dreams “………….and it’s good to back and visit them every now and then. Don’t live in the past, but never forget it either.
Great story Adam
Very cool you made it a point to include this on your trip to the East coast-
I agree with all of the above!
great story!
The Mariners– your first minor league team?
Adam-
Yet another sports article i thought you would be interested in reading about, if you find the time.
————–
Brewers in shoving match during 6-3 loss to Reds
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080805/ap_on_sp_ba_ga_su/bbn_brewers_reds
Adam.
Thank you for a wonderful story about my Aunt Bev. Baseball in the summer was truly her life. I can remember when my Uncle Stan was alive how the two of them would always have a house full of baseball players. There house always had an open door policy. My family attended several baseball games with Bev and her family when we came down from Maine. She truly was a great lady. It is amazing how one life can effect so many other lives. Again thank you for a wonderful story. I too can see her sitting in her lawn chair cheering for her boys.
Alan, Renee, Ryan and Katlyn Henry
Augusta, Maine
Susan: did you see photos of adam on facebook of him throwing some pitches?
thanks for the report, Adam. Arent you excited about the Little Legue world series coming up later on this month?
Fox News Helps Out the Parents
http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/fox_news_helps_out_the_parents_90963.asp#disqus_thread
———
Did anyone happen to see Nick Jonas On Fox and Friends this morning?
He was on about 6:40, and he was talking about his diabetes.
Here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qW838pi0w4
It seems like the Jonas Bros. are becoming very famous, especially among the younger generation.
They were even called the update version of the Beatles.
What do you think about this? Nothing can match up the them.
———–
What do you think about that Paris Hilton “mock” political ad, that pokes fun back at McCain’s one? I wonder if its a good or negative thing for him? I mean, Paris’ familyu donated a ton of money to his campaign.
Brad…I think the young kids today could choose alot worse than the Jonas Bro’s. They need someone they can look up to! It appeared to me that which ever bro that was, he is setting a good example to be followed. Compare to Beatles? Who knows, maybe it is a new “revolution”.
Why not?
Adam
What a great article and tribute to Beverly. There are many times that I also picture she and Stan sitting there watching the game and cheering on the players. I can tell you that she would be very proud of you for not only writing the article but also for the reporting that you have done and continue to do. She would always get excited when she would see you reporting for FOX.
Jon
Brad, I think Paris’ ad was great. She had the best idea - do it all….. do it now!
I don’t think it will hurt McCain - plus, it gets people talking about McCain.
Max–
yes I did see those pictures!- cool pictures– I wish he had posted one of them here! Or at least the one where he is throwing the first pitch- LOL– Looks like he still has it in him!
xxx
The Cincinnati Reds won a game?
WOW!
thanks for the news Brad.
I thought Paris calling McCain a white haired man was sort of rude! Like her blonde hair is natural?
Another bimbo! And I believe she said she was “hot.” Youth and vanity!
thanks Adam for noticing my post, 9:13, I had corrected and you posted the correct one! LOL
SUSAN & EVERYONE-
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
I could not have asked for a nicer thought from any of you. It was soooo neat to see everyone and the effort made to put the album together. I am flattered and honored and will display it proudly at my desk. Tamera thought it was great also. I have to say, when the box arrived people at the front desk told me to open it at home because they didn’t know what might be inside….especially since it came from Susan.
Seriously….I am very humbled and surprised. Please accept my sincere thanks. Also….I have a new post that I know all of you will cherish.
Adam
Adam–
Now you know the faces who you are talking with!
Make sure your mom gets to see it as she was a great help!
The birthday card got around too! LOL
And who are these who questioned me so I can send them something? Like an alligator Sunshine is sending me!
You got the photo, I get the real McCoy!
We love you!
xxxx
Adam–
Now you know what John is wearing when he blogs!
Avi’s picture with him next to the bike, I had to include as you like bikes!
xxxxx
Jenn S-
No problem, i am glad you appriciate the news i post. Let me know if you want to hear something in particular, maybe some celeb news.
Patty-
I actually heard some of the Jonas Bros. songs on the radio during Ryan Seacrests show, and i must admit they have great pontential, but its not really my style of music.
I guess the young kids today usually look up to those Disney Channel stars, like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and others.
From what i read, Hilary Duff is the only star who managed to grow up with falling into the pitfalls of Hollywood fame.
Miley is definately in a league of her own, i dont know what is up with her. I am sure you have seen those racy pics of her all over the internet, plus from her cell phone, which was supposedly hacked. It all goes back to the parents, that means her father Billy Ray. I used to look up to him back in the day. I think he is just cashing in on his daughters fame.
K2-
I heard the Paris video was filmed bu a guy named Adam McKay, who is a liberal producer, because i heard he supports BHO. I just hope there isnt an ulterior motive behind this. I do know one thing, Paris and McCain both share the same views on oil drilling. And that is a good thing.
I dont really like Paris either, but if i feel she is going to gain more votes for McCain, then i am all for it.
Plus, anyone here remember her past single “Screwed”, it was so digitally remastered her voice sounded fake. Plus she cant sing for beans, so she always has to lip sync during all of her performances.
And here is some interesting info for you, her song was originally recorded and sang by Haylie Duff, and reports are she took it from her without permission.
If it weren’t for susan’s hard work, we could never have made that happen Adam!
I’m glad you like it. kinda nice to know we are actually a group of “real” people, hu?
Thats funny about the office….they must read our comments hu? *L*
Bravo Susan… :)….. GLAD you enjoyed
you still havnt fixed my name
….. and im getting spammed :’(
Adam: glad you liked the present, it was pretty much all Susan’s idea and hard work.
Max–
I wonder if Adam liked your baby picture? I included that one too! LOL
Yeah!!! Glad you liked it Adam.
Susan did a fantabulous job!!
I guess next week we’ll sing…..and I have the perfect song in mind.
Thanks also everyone for the comments about Bev. I am also very happy to see John, Julie, Donna and others who made a point to stop over to the blog.
Adam
Adam, is this from your family vineyard?
California vintners in the Napa Valley area, which primarily produce Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio wines, have developed a new hybrid grape that acts as an anti-diuretic.
It is expected to reduce the number of trips older people have to make to the bathroom during the night.
The new wine will be marketed as
PINO MORE
I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
Here is an article about the Bret Favre trade:
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/index.html
I thought he would have took the option for playing for Tampa instead, simply because its closer to his home.
Even the Vikings would have been a swell idea )