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Division Rivals Join Forces To Help One Of Their Own With July 13th Benefit

July 1, 2011 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Vermont Mountaineers News Release


Montpelier, VT - On July 13th , the Vermont Mountaineers and Keene Swamp Bats will face off at Montpelier Recreation Field in a New England Collegiate Baseball League showdown between division rivals. However, they and their fans will also meet to help out one who has been on the roster of both teams.

Buddy Lamothe, a former Lyndonville, Vermont resident, was on the 2011 Mountaineers roster before a horrible tragedy changed it all. In May, Buddy was white river rafting in Texas when he lost his sunglasses in the water. Diving underwater to retrieve them, he severely injured his neck and spine and was paralyzed. He has since regained partial use of his hands.

On Wednesday July 15th , a raffle of both Mountaineers and Swamp Bats merchandise will be held at the field in Montpelier with the proceeds going to benefit Buddy Lamothe.

Lamothe spent last summer as a pitcher for the Swamp Bats. His teammates in Keene remember the type of talent and passion he had for the game.

"He was always smiling and happy," says pitcher TJ Ferguson. "He just always loved the game."

The catcher he used to throw to in Keene, Tom Conley, noted Buddy had "a lot of talent, a real talented kid. I could tell right from the beginning."

An outstanding relief pitcher at San Jacinto Junior College North in Texas, Buddy was just finishing up his freshman season. During his high school days at Lyndon Institute, he was a three sport athlete and originally attended Franklin Pierce University where he was teammates with current Mountaineer Dan Kemp in 2010.

The Vermont shortstop welcomed the chance to raise money for his onetime teammate. "I hope we can raise whatever we need for him to help out his family, help him, and everyone else involved," said Kemp. "He was a great kid, quiet and kept to himself but when he was on the field he went out and did his thing." Swamp Bats outfielder Brett Barrett said "it is awesome that we are going to raise some money for his cause."

"We were looking forward to having a local player with such talent join our team," said Mountaineers General Manager Brian Gallagher, who grew up in Lyndonville. "We are proud to coordinate this benefit for Buddy and wish him a speedy recovery."

In this year's Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft, Lamothe was able to realize a life-long dream as the Houston Astros selected him in the 40th round. The Astros have said they have made a commitment to find a spot within their organization for Buddy once he has fully recovered, whether on or off the field.

Buddy is expected to be released from the hospital in Texas on July 14th . His friends and supporters here in New England hope to celebrate that day with a generous donation to his cause. Those unable to attend the game on the 13th can donate by contacting donations@thevermontmountaineers.com



New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 1, 2011


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