The gate closes on another season

For the second year in a row, the Wareham Gatemen have exited the playoffs against the Cotuit Kettleers.

After falling 4-5 Tuesday, Aug. 5 against the Kettleers, the Gatemen made their way across the bridge to Lowell Park in Cotuit Aug. 6 for the chance to tie the best of three series.

With a head start scoring two runs in the second inning, the Kettleers held their lead until the Gatemen scored for the first time in the eighth inning. 

Despite evening out the score with a 2-2 tie in the ninth, the Gatemen exited the season with a 2-4 loss. 

For President of the team, Glen Hannington, the season and the sport has never been about winning or losing. 

"It's about preparing the young players and interns with help for their professional careers," he said.

Hannington spoke of the networking the Cape Cod Baseball League brings for the players and staff. As the season stretches over the summer months, the team gets to show off their skills for major league scouts.

"When it comes to on the field play, of course it's nice when we win," he said. "Everyone's attitudes are very positive and the crowds seem to swell."

Although he said the exit was disappointing, the Gatemen had an, "overall very good year."

"We did win the Commissioners Cup," he said. "It's bittersweetness. The organization was recognized as the best along the Cape and it was outstanding. It uplifted our organization."

The Commissioner’s Cup is awarded by the Cape Cod Baseball League to the team that shows organizational excellence. From players, coaches, interns, host families and volunteers the award honors those who contribute to the integrity of the league.

Hannington highlighted winning the trophy, his intern staff and Coach Ryan Smythe's efforts during the season. 

"Players want to come here, they're not leaving on their own and Ryan has promoted the community aspect," Hannington said.

This year the Gatemen were the talk of the Cape according to Hannington with the $1 million field renovation. The old stone dust infield the Gatemen had played on for years had been replaced with a new, clay infield along with netting around the field to ensure fan safety.

He said other visiting teams always had comments about the updates to Spillane.

"They would say how beautiful the new field was," he said.  

As the dust settles on the plates and the fans exit Spillane for one last time this season, Hannington has already had a lead on the 2026 season.

"About three weeks ago I told everybody to start taking notes and writing down what we should do for next year," he said.

Getting more of the town involved is one of his goals. He said hopes for more host families, volunteers and involvement with younger community members. 

"Don't forget to guard the gate," he said. "We're not the Brewsters, we're not Harwich — we're Wareham. We have to know our community and they've been very supportive of us."