June 6, 2010
Buckner to make Brockton appearance
by NEBJ Staff/
Bill Buckner will make an appearance at the Brockton Rox' Can-Am game against Worcester on Sept. 4.
Former Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner will appear at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton on Saturday, Sept. 4, and throw out the first pitch before the Rox’ Can-Am League game against the Worcester Tornadoes.
Gametime is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Buckner also will participate as an instructor alongside Brockton players and coaches in the Brockton Rox Fantasy Camp earlier that day.
The camp will start at 10 a.m. and will last through the afternoon.
Participants will be able to dress in the team clubhouse, take part in batting practice with individual instruction from Buckner, and play in a live game with umpires and a public address announcer.
Campers also will receive a hat, T-shirt and an autographed baseball from Buckner.
The package includes four tickets to that evening’s game, as well as access to a luxury suite at the stadium with complimentary ballpark food.
“I’m really looking forward to coming out to Brockton and Campanelli Stadium,” Buckner said. “I’ve heard so many good things about the Rox, and I’m excited to be a part of the day.”
Added Rox manager Chris Carminucci, “It will be a thrill for Rox fans to be able to step onto the field at Campanelli Stadium and learn from a major league great like Bill Buckner. We’re excited to be able to put on an event like the Fantasy Camp; it should be a success.”
Other former major-league players may be added as instructors at a later date. The cost of the camp is $300 per person, and is limited to 40 players. People can register at the Rox’ office at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton, or by calling (508) 559-7000.
You’re never too old
An interesting story that made the rounds in recent weeks is that of Larry Hasenfus and his experience as a member of the Springfield College junior varsity baseball team. What makes Hasenfus’ story so unique? He’s 58 years old.
Hasenfus went to St. Anselm College after he graduated from high school some four decades ago, but he flunked out after three semesters.
“Not being able to play [baseball] in college killed me,” Hasenfus told The Boston Globe. “I never played one inning because I just couldn’t do the work. That always stuck with me.”
Hasenfus, who grew up in Newton, said he could never understand why basic classroom assignments were so difficult for him until years later when he was diagnosed with a severe form of dyslexia. After his difficult experience at St. Anselm, Hasenfus went into the work force, employed in the social-services field for 12 years, during which he met his wife, Karen.
Eventually they moved to North Brookfield, where they raised three children.
When he was laid off from his job managing a textile plant last year, he decided to give college another try. He enrolled in an adult bachelor’s degree program at Springfield College.
According to the Globe story, Hasenfus used voice-recognition software to aid in his studies and had a willing tutor for academic and moral support in his wife. He made the dean’s list during the fall semester, which in turn made him eligible to participate in athletics.
Trying out for the team this season, Hasenfus was showcasing his skills with a group of players younger than any of his kids.
“First we thought we were getting a new coach,” teammate Jared Gidan said. “We were a little hesitant at first. We weren’t sure if this guy was going to be able to keep up, but he proved us wrong.”
