Hyannis Sweeps GM and Manager Awards

Published on August 10, 2011 under Cape Cod League (Cape Cod) News Release

HYANNIS, Mass. - It was a banner season for the high-flying Hyannis Harbor Hawks - at least until they faced Falmouth in the Cape Cod Baseball League Playoffs.

Not only did Hyannis post the best record in the league with a 29-15 regular season mark, but the Harbor Hawks finished third in attendance, drawing 32,314 fans for an average of 1,539 per game.

This year the Cape League presented its John Wylde General Manager of the Year Award for the first time to Bill Bussiere, of the Harbor Hawks.

The award is named after John Wylde, former Wareham President/GM who dedicated 25 years of his life to the league. The beloved Wylde was a major promoter of the league and a Hall of Fame inductee. Wylde passed away in 2009 after a brave battle with cancer. The award was created to honor a GM who represents everything Wylde was: hard working, dedicated and a Cape Leaguer' through and through.

Bussiere, who epitomizes these qualities, is in his fourth year as GM of the Harbor Hawks. He also served as Assistant GM for five years. For Bussiere, this is an honor he'll never forget.

"It makes me feel great, because it was voted by my peers," said Bussiere. "Winning an award name after John Wylde, who I knew and for whom I had an unbelievable amount of respect for, is such a great honor."

The Harbor Hawks, who finished last season at the bottom of the league, had a major turn-around this season, leading the league for the entirety of the regular season. With fan attendance on the rise from last season, this year was one Bussiere thoroughly enjoyed and he attributes a majority of this success to the players.

"The biggest thing that has made this organization successful this year has been the team," said Bussiere. "They really gelled and made this year so special."

Bussiere believes this award is shared with all those around him. He acknowledges his wife and family for their unwavering support and Hyannis field manager, Chad Gassman for his friendship and loyalty over the past four years. And, in light of his character, Bussiere believes the award is about the team, not individuals.

CCBL President, Judy Walden Scarifile believes the league is the better for having people like Bussiere in its ranks.

"Having Bill receive the first General Manager of the Year award is very fitting," said Scarafile. "He's been with the Hyannis organization for years and is very deserving of this. Bill is a hard worker and dedicated to his team, the Harbor Hawks organization and the Cape League. The entire league was genuinely very happy for Bill when the announcement was made."

Mike Curran Field Manger of the Year- Chad Gassman

HYANNIS - For the first time in his three-year Cape League career as head coach, Chad Gassman of the Hyannis Harbor Hawks has been named the league's Mike Curran Manager of the Year.

This season Gassman led the Harbor Hawks to a 29-16 record, capturing the 2011 West Division title.

After a 2010 season when Hyannis finished at the bottom of the league, Gassman was at the helm of Hyannis's turnaround this summer. And, it is because of this hard work that Gassman's peers recognized him as the deserving winner this summer.

"He's done a superb job recruiting and his players really admire him," said CCBL Commissioner Paul Galop. "The fact this award is voted by his peers speaks volumes. Hyannis went from worst to first and that is a direct result of the work he and Bill Bussiere put in there, so I feel he is very deserving."

Gassman, who coaches at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, is a mentor who emphasizes hard work and character. And, that was reflected in his stellar team this season, which he believes is the real recipient of this award.

"It's really humbling to receive this award," said Gassman. "It's really a team award though. Without my team and my assistant coaches it wouldn't be possible."

Gassman believes his team gelled from the "get-go", which is why they were able to carry their success through the regular season.

"This year we just have a great group of kids who want to be here and care not only about the cause, but about each other too," said Gassman. "Everyone is here for the right reason, which has allowed us to win games. It's just a special group."

Gassman looks for players who buy into his philosophy, which is rather simple: Play hard and play right. Don't complain. Do the little things right.

With a clear sense of what's important, Gassman acknowledges those who've supported him most this season and in his time with the Cape League.

"My wife has enabled me to do what I love, even if it's a chore for her sometimes. I am so grateful of all that she does for me and our children," said Gassman.

Gassman went on to acknowledge award-winning Hyannis GM Bill Bussiere,

"Bill Bussiere has been a great friend who has endured good times and bad with me and he has just been a great source of support. He is so deserving of the GM of the Year Award," said Gassman.

The Manager of the Year award is named after Mike Curran, former assistant sports editor of the Cape Cod Times. Curran first joined the League as a scorer and publicist in the early 1970's and was CCBL President from 1976-1977. He is partially responsible for creating a nationwide recruiting system to bring college players to the Cape and helped give the league national prominence.

Like Curran, Gassman knows the Cape League is something special and worth all investment.

"Chad Gassman loves and believes in the Cape Cod Baseball League and that really shows," said Paul Galop.

Cape Cod League Stories from August 10, 2011

• Wareham Becomes First Three-Time Commissioner's Cup Winner - Wareham Gatemen
• Hyannis Sweeps GM and Manager Awards - Cape Cod

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