Former Mainers Now with Sea Dogs
April 30, 2018 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Sanford Mainers News Release
Nick Lovullo and Jordan Betts of the Portland Sea Dogs
(Sanford Mainers)
From Goodall to Hadlock. Former Mainers return to Maine in pursuit of ultimate dream.
For many young baseball players, the ultimate goal is one thing: become a professional baseball player. Right from swinging the bat in little league, adopting batting stances from a favorite Major League Baseball player to putting everything that you have on the field in front of scouts, just hoping to do that one thing that gets noticed.
For the Sanford Mainers and the New England Collegiate Baseball League, developing these dreams is always the top goal. The slogan for the league couldn't describe this any better - Keep your eye on the dream.
Since the Mainers inaugural season in 2002, the Mainers have seen more than 80 former players drafted, with seven making at least one appearance at the Major League level.
Two players among the drafted alumni are 2014 infielder Nick Lovullo, who is none other than the son of former Boston Red Sox bench coach and now Arizona Diamondbacks skipper Torey Lovullo, and 2011 power bat Jordan Betts.
Both of their dreams began to unfold when they were given a call from the Red Sox organization during their respective amateur drafts, essentially saying, 'We want you.' Now, they're right in the Mainers backyard again playing for the Red Sox Double-A affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs.
"Making the Double-A team out of Spring Training was a tremendous thrill for me," said Lovullo. "After playing for the Sea Dogs for two short stints the past two years, I got a glimpse of what Double-A was like. So knowing that I would be starting there for the 2018 season was a very exciting moment for me."
Betts, like Lovullo, had a taste of Double-A ball, but is now getting the chance to truly embrace it.
"Playing for the Portland Sea Dogs is a tremendous honor," he said. "After spending time playing for the affiliate in 2016, I know what a special opportunity it is to play at Hadlock Field as a member of the Red Sox organization. I'm incredibly prepared and excited to be back here."
The State of Maine has treated both of these gentlemen well, where one moment they were stepping into the batter's box at Goodall Park in Sanford for the Mainers, and now they're both digging in at Hadlock for the Sea Dogs. Lovullo will even be staying with the same family that hosted him during his time with the Moose - a connection that has held strong since the day he arrived.
"Having Nick return and stay with us has been great. We have been following his career ever since he left the Mainers." Jason St. Jean, a member of Lovullo's host family said. "When you have a player spend a summer with you, they become more than a baseball player. They become family. None of this would be possible without us hosting for the Sanford Mainers"
"One of the most exciting aspects for me of playing in Portland was being able to reconnect and stay with my host family from the Mainers - the St. Jeans." Lovullo said. "We stayed in touch after my summer in Sanford, and for it to all come full circle and for me to stay with them while I'm with the Sea Dogs is something I am extremely grateful for. I am very lucky that they've made me a part of their family and have supported me on my baseball journey."
For Betts, his four year career in the Red Sox system has treated him well, collecting an overall .240 batting average, while belting an impressive 32 home runs. His highest home run total coming last season with Single-A Salem where he launched 13. Furthermore, Betts' extra-base hit count amasses to just short of half of his performance when the ball lands in his favor.
"In 2017 I made a myriad of adjustments that paid dividends for me on the field," Betts mentioned about his improvements. "Specifically, I focused on refining my approach at the plate which has allowed me to better tap into my natural swing. I hope to continue to improve and enhance my game by focusing on these factors in 2018."
Lovullo, too, is climbing the ladder, coming off a 2017 that presented a .259 batting average just a year after he hit just .201. His power has developed, as 18 of his 84 base hits last year went for extra bases. This season, Lovullo looks to build on that.
"I hope to continue to get better in all parts of my game," Lovullo said with a matter of fact. "Defensively I want to be able to play any infield position consistently and to improve my versatility. Offensively, I want to continue to develop my swing and have quality at-bats every time I step in the box and be able to execute in situational at-bats. I want to be able to come through for our team in as many games as possible this year."
Both have kept Sanford in the highlights of their baseball journey, and to be back in Maine as they continue to pursue their dreams ties it all together.
"Playing in Sanford came at a critical juncture in my college career," Betts said. "As a member of the Mainers, they really helped me hone my abilities and to propel my career forward. Having the opportunity to excel in Maine as a collegiate athlete, using wood bats, was truly a stepping stone which gave me the confidence to succeed once I began playing professionally in 2014 (with Single-A Lowell) and now in Portland."
Both Lovullo and Betts said they have plans to return to Goodall Park in 2018 to catch a Mainers game. To catch Lovullo and Betts in action with the Sea Dogs, visit seadogs.com for the full season schedule.
Images from this story
 Nick Lovullo and Jordan Betts of the Portland Sea Dogs |
New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from April 30, 2018
- Former Mainers Now with Sea Dogs - Sanford Mainers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
