The Boys of Summer - Grayer, Older but still Playing Baseball

On a sweltering hot late July evening, The Reporter stopped by busy Pierce Stadium. The newly refurbished, John Carnevale inspired basketball courts, were jam packed with spectators and players, an area with soccer activity was busy, people walked the football track while still others strolled around the shady, picturesque grounds.

And in the large baseball field the East Providence Marlins of the RI Independent Amateur Baseball league played a baseball game against the Cornerstone Pub. Almost 300 adult players make up some 12 teams. Tom Warzeka started the East Providence team back in 1997. "There was no East Providence team at this level," said Warzeka who has often served as a manager for the team. "This league provides a competitive venue for older guys who love baseball to keep playing. They're not going to the pros but this is pretty good baseball," Warzeka said.

On this night about 30 fans were watching the game. Pitching for the EP Marlins this game was Steve Leonardo of North Providence. Leonardo played and graduated from North Providence High School in 2007 and played for URI for one year. "It keeps me active, I love baseball and want to play this game until I can't play it anymore," said Leonardo. "I play some softball too but it's just not the same. I love to pitch and this league gives me the opportunity to compete," added Leonardo who is 25.

These players are either in college or have regular day jobs. Some work in restaurants, stores, teach school or work in an array of regular jobs. On any given night a team doesn't know who is available to make game time. 

East Providence High School Head Coach Bobby Rodericks also plays for the Marlins. Rodericks at 34 is the team's regular catcher and serves as a team manager and this year, the team General Manager. Rodericks began this hot summer day conducting the Townie Baseball Camp which kept him at Pierce Stadium with 5 year olds through high schoolers from about 8 am until 2 pm. "Well I left the field for a couple of hours and came right back to play in our game for 7 pm," said Rodericks. "I joined this team in 1999 and have played since then." Rodericks played for EPHS graduating in 1998. He next played for Rhode Island College and now teaches physical education/health at Martin Middle School. "It's baseball and its' still a good game. We compete at a high level and it is very competitive. I'm not ready for softball yet," he said defiantly. At age 34 Rodericks is a catcher, a grueling position at any level but especially competitive hardball. He has made 175 consecutive starts at catcher. "Many former Townies are now playing for us and that makes it special to see that. I enjoy now playing alongside some of my former players," said the Townie coach. In 16 games so far, Rodericks is batting .327 and is tied for the team lead with 5 stolen bases. He led the league in hitting in 2010 and 2011.

One of those Ep players is recent EP graduate Colin Costa. Costa just finished his first year playing ball for RIC. "It's great playing with Coach Rodericks now. I've played at Pierce field ever since I can remember. I want to keep playing baseball as far as I can go," said Costa. "My dream is to play four years in college and who knows how far I can go," Costa said.

Skyluar Neal, now 26, played for Western Oklahoma State College Baseball, winning the National 2011 Junior College World Series and were the 2012 runners-up. "This is the closest I can get to competing at a pro level," said Neal. "It's fun and we are serious at the same time. I feel like it's Little League but grown up," Neal laughs. Neal also instructs in the Townie Baseball Camp. "I have children now, so I have to slow down a bit," said Neal.

Ben Duarte enjoys the league. "It's a good mix of older guys and many college players. We are represented by several New England area colleges and more local players are joining the team," said Duarte. "I enjoy this a lot, have fun and still get serious about baseball. I like working with some of the kids," said Duarte.

Other Marlin players from East Providence through the years have included Chris Zollo, Alex Hurley, Nick Karalekas, Colin Costa, Joe Carnevale, Scott Melo, CJ Woods, Keith Grant, Jasiah Hatch, Justin Rocha, Ryan McKinnon, Alan and Dwayne Correia, Jay Oldham, Dan Furtado, Ben Johnston and the late Matt Wall. Alan Correira is the Marlins all-time hits leader with Rodericks closing in on that mark.

On the night we visited, the Marlins lost the game but they are fighting for 2nd place. The top 8 teams will make a playoff post-season. The Marlins have won the title twice and hope to do it again. This past weekend the EP Marlins won a doubleheader and are playoff ready. We'll post their playoff schedule at reportertoday.com.

And so these boys of summer are fighting back older age. The hair is thinning and graying and the pains last a little longer - but they love baseball and they still play a pretty entertaining game of baseball. Best of all may be the price of admission for fans which is free. Grab some peanuts, crackerjacks, a soda pop and come watch a baseball game.