Mariners Coach Brings A Lot To The Table
July 26, 2011 - Cape Cod League (Cape Cod)
Harwich Mariners News Release
After watching just one Cape Cod Baseball League game, most would agree that the league's slogan, "Where the Stars of Tomorrow Shine Today," is completely appropriate.
Each and every day on all 10 Cape League diamonds, the young men of this league are pursuing their dreams and working to perfect their crafts. But, what some forget to realize is that the coaches of this league are doing the same. Every coach in this league is distinguished and special. They have all played the game at some point, made sacrifices, and are now doing what they love. And, there is no better coach in this league that personifies this idea than Harwich Mariners Assistant Coach Pete Pasquarosa.
Pasquarosa - known as "Fingas" to the Mariners - has been with Harwich since 2004 and boasts more than 50 years in the game. Currently an assistant coach at Wheaton College, the reigning New England Men and Women's Athletic Conference Champions (NEWMAC), Pasquarosa has had other local college coaching stints at Babson College and Boston College. From 1988 to 2004, Pasquarosa also worked with the baseball program at Franklin High School (where he also teaches), including heading the varsity team for the final 13 years of his stay there. From 1992 to 2001, Pasquarosa was the school's athletic director. In 2000, he was honored as an American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) regional coach of the year and earned a top coaching accolade from The Boston Globe. And, in a nod to his character on and off the diamond, Pasquarosa was lauded at Fenway Park for earning a statewide sportsmanship award.
Those who know Pasqaurosa also know that it's not just his accolades that make him such a special coach, but his approach to life and those in it.
Mariners pitcher Lex Rutledge is in his second season with Harwich - and his second season with Pasquarosa.
"I love Fingas," Rutledge said. "He's a great guy and an awesome person to be around in general. He is always polite, and I love how he always has a smile on his face. He always brings a positive attitude and encouragement to this team."
Rutledge believes that Pasquarosa has been a great role model to him and his teammates.
"He teaches how to play the game right and go hard each and every time we step on the field," Rutledge said. "He's a huge champion of the mental aspect of the game and always talks to us about approach."
It's not just the players, though, that have recognized Pasquarosa's value to the Mariners.
"Pete's been with the team for what seems like forever," said Mariners Vice President Jim McGonigle. "He always works well with the kids and the players all love him. We're fortunate to have coaches like that."
Pasquarosa would say the same about the Mariners. Meeting so many young players, helping them to improve and impacting their lives in whatever way he can is something that Pasqaurosa has considered to be the most rewarding part of coaching.
"You're involved with so many kids," Pasquarosa said. "I've been invited to four weddings of players that have gotten married. And now they're having kids and seeing them be good parents and good husbands - I like that. Seeing them grow up and be good citizens."
And, not only has Pasquarosa had the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with his players, but with his fellow coaches as well. Pasquarosa, who assists Harwich Field Manager Steve Englert, considers their relationship to be more than just a coach and assistant coach relationship.
"He's my friend. I love the guy."
With 50 plus years of baseball experience under his belt, Pasquarosa acknowledges the ways in which the game has changed over the years.
"The coaching is better. They have all these guys that are so good at coaching," he said. "We didn't do all the little things that we do here. I mean looking at the pitching specialists now and the relief - long relief, short guys that come in. It's just so much specialized."
And, Pasquarosa, who plans to continue coaching for as long as he can, is sure to see the game change even more.
"I'm happy with what I'm doing and I'm just taking it one year at a time," he said. "I'll just keep doing it until I don't like it, ya know."
Pasquarosa's connection with his players and his ability to work with kids is connected closely to his home life.
"I have a big family. I have four kids and four grandchildren so that's No. 1," he said. "I'm not home that much. I'm always coaching or teaching. Every moment I have to go home and see them, that's what I do."
Pete Pasquarosa is just another reason why the Cape Cod Baseball League is so special. Behind every great player lies a great coach.
Cape Cod League Stories from July 26, 2011
- Mariners Coach Brings A Lot To The Table - Harwich Mariners
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.
