This year, the New England Collegiate Baseball League club will commemorate its tenth anniversary, with the season beginning on June 7. The home finale will take place at Old Mountain Field on June 8.
Eric Hirschbein-Bodnar, the team’s president and general manager, remarked on the franchise’s endurance and growth: “It’s truly remarkable to observe the progression of the players and the community’s support.” “Nearly all of our sponsors have been with us for the past decade.
We have increased our involvement in the community. I always say, “Guys go outside and play summer ball.” However, they come to play for the Waves.”
The Waves debuted in 2013 and have called Old Mountain home ever since, becoming a staple of the South County summer scene. The team’s leadership anticipates similar results this season.
The Ocean State Waves start summer on Memorial Day weekend.
Hirschbein-Bodnar remarked, “Each year, we strive to improve, but the one constant is the love and the hard work it takes to be a part of the South County community every summer.” “There is a very strong bond between the front office, the players, and the host families.” That is the central point. We are incredibly pleased of it.”
On the field, the Waves are pleased to welcome back several players, including infielders Alex Ramirez, Brodey Heaton, and Drew Holderbach, outfielders Khyye Miller and Jake Studley, and pitcher Jack Erbeck.
Hirschbein-Bodnar remarked, “We always offer a number of our players the chance to return.” “We want kids who appreciate the significance of being involved in the community and playing hard to return. This is true of every returning player this year.”
Several athletes from the University of Rhode Island are joining the Waves this summer, including North Kingstown native Braeden Perry. Additionally, Rob Butler and Eric Genther are included.
In recent years, the roster has seen an influx of players from power conferences, including Matthew Graveline from Ohio State, Parker Rowland from Arkansas, David Mershon from Mississippi State, and Tyler McKenzie from Vanderbilt.
It should also be a pleasant summer for Waves alumni. Travis Honeyman and Cade Kuehler are both among the top fifty prospects for the Major League Baseball Draft. They will join the likes of Major Leaguers Chuckie Robinson and Richard Lovelady in the Waves organization.
“This draft will be significant for us,” said Hirschbein-Bodnar. “We do this so that we can have guys in the major leagues and other guys who are very close to making their debut.”
The majority of home contests are played on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On June 17, the Waves will participate in the parade commemorating South Kingstown’s 300th anniversary and will offer complimentary admission to the game against the Newport Gulls that evening.
The Waves are also planning a celebration for their 10th anniversary, with the date to be determined.
Hirschbein-Bodnar stated, “We simply encourage the community to attend a baseball game and watch some extremely talented players.”
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