Messages Sent in Memory and Celebration of John Wylde
A collection of messages received & quotes made in memory of John Wylde
John was an incredible baseball man for New England and Cape League Baseball . There are not many men as passionate about the sport as John. I am sure he will find much baseball and broadcasting in heaven!
Jayson King, Head Baseball Coach Assistant Athletic Director - Auxiliary Services Franklin Pierce University |
| As a child I remember the very tall man in the little blue shack behind home
plate. I remember we were not to bother the man with the very distinctive voice
during the Gatemen games. I remember watching him every now and then leaving
the blue shack and wondering how a man so big could fit in the blue shack. As
Brad and I grew older we were given the opportunity to not only be his bull-pen
catchers but to become his friend. We then would see him at the Body Clinic
working out in his favorite sweater. After those work outs he would drop us off
on his way home. Before we left his white car with the Gatemen "W" sticker on
the back, he would get out and give us a trunk load of wooden bats. We would
try to give him money but that was not an option and he wanted nothing to do
with our money. He wanted us to work hard at the game he loved so much. As
Brad became the better ball player I always new that Mr. Wylde enjoyed watching
him play baseball. He enjoyed Brads fire that burned so brightly for the
sport that Mr. Wylde loved. The fire was fueled by men like Joe Cafarella,
Joe Walsh, Don Reed, and especially Mr.
John Wylde. Mr Wylde was so good to Brad and I. Everyone in his
organization has always treated us like we were part of the family. I was lucky
enough to spend a few hours with him on Sunday. Even in the late stages of his
fight, he was a true gentleman. I told him how thankful we were for the many
things he had done for Brad and I and he thanked me. In typical Mr. Wylde
fashion he expressed how the pleasure was all his. Even in the end, he would
not take any credit. Thank You Mr. Wylde.....You are already
missed!! John Muldoon |
| "Baseball has lost a real champion, especially the college players. John spent 25 years getting them where they wanted to be." Tom Gay - General Manager, Wareham Gatemen |
| "He was so helpful to so many people. He helped me so often over the years. I'd call him up and ask for a catcher's steals-against percentage, or Carlos Pena's home and away averages, and he'd have it. It's just a sad day for all of us in baseball." Glenn Tufts- Scout, San Francisco Giants |
| "John was one of the finest people I ever met. He so loved the game and the kids, and we all loved watching him behind the plate with his charts and stopwatch. Two days ago Adam Lind of the Blue Jays asked about John and said he never forgot how well he was treated. A week earlier, Daniel Bard and Justin Masterson were asking about him at the Red Sox Camp. Matt Murton last summer checked in for regular updates, as did Jeremy Sowers. That speaks volumes about the man." Peter Gammons- ESPN |
| "Anyone who goes there and looks up at that pressbox will always think about John. It's going to be different going to Spillane Field and not hearing John's voice." Jim McCulloch- CCBL Umpire |
| "I'm very sad he won't be with us anymore. He was really a great guy. He was a very interesting man, much more dimensional that just the No. 1 baseball man in the area. He was extremely altruistic and cared very much about the community and young people. He was supportive of the idea of New Bedford being a baseball bastion and the idea that it could bring qualify of life type issues with it." Scott Lang- Mayor, City of New Bedford |
I worked with John for 3 years as a scorer for the CCBL and then for 3 more years when he hired me as his Asst. General Manager in Wareham. I think of the many things John taught me every time I see a baseball game. There will be countless times when I’ll want to call him to ask him how to score an odd play. He was an excellent teacher and a wonderful friend. I miss him already.
|
I always admired John for his accomplishments in
life. Yes, certainly successful in the business sector and a real innovator, but
more for keeping a level head and a warm heart. I could always tell with John
when I worked alongside him in the Bourne Braves press box, that he was a man rooted in
compassion and had a genuine concern and love for his fellow being. Of course,
there was his omni-present passion for baseball...college baseball to be more
specific and that passion really seemed to increase from season-to-season.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wylde family
and the Wareham Gatemen
family as well.
Kevin McGonagle and Family
Bourne
Braves
|
Three or four years ago, I was doing a 24 hour run for the ACS (American Cancer Society) and Wareham was playing at Cotuit. I was going to start my run from Lowell Park at about 4:45 pm before the start of the regular scheduled game, but during the morning, riding my 12 speed bike to put out Gatorade bottles along part of my route, I had a serious bike accident and spent about 8 hours at Falmouth Hospital and the Emergency room. Because of the seriousness of my injuries, I could not go ahead with my run. Approximately two days later, while recuperating at home, the phone rang and it was John. He wanted to know how I was doing and wished me a speedy recovery. That meant an awful lot to me. I didn’t know John as well as a lot of people did, but he always struck me as being a gentleman, a true gentleman. The Cape Cod Baseball League lost a giant, the shoes of a man that can not, nor will ever be filled……..
Rick Heath Cotuit Kettleers Team Photographer/Ultra Marathoner |
John Wylde's
numerous contributions to the Cape League will be well chronicled; please don't
overlook his skills as a PA announcer. His voice was distinctive, his great
respect for the game could be heard in his dignified delivery. He was simply the
best baseball public address
announcer I've ever heard, Spillane field will never be the same. I hope
his successor will continue John's trademark of repeating the names as he
announced the lineups - yes I know why - I always keep score. My children grew
up listening to John's voice at Spillane field, we'll all miss him very much. He
was the best.
Hester
family
Easton,
Maryland
|
Mr. Wylde will be missed dearly and he is truly one of the icons when it comes to summer baseball. His passion and energy for the game of baseball was something that set him apart from the rest of his peers and made him the man that he is today. I was fortunate enough to have played for the Gatemen back in 1980 and 1981 under the John Decas, Joe Arnold and Joe Caffarella regime and it was the most fun I ever had playing baseball. I did not know John then but I met him in 1992 for the first time and to my surprise, he knew all about me: when I played, how I hit, who I played with and he even told he I still had my name in the Gateman record book (much to my surprise!). Ever since that day, he has treated me like a family member and was always there when I needed information. Like Glen said, he had ALL the stats you would ever think of! When I became involved in the Newport Gulls, in the first 2 years I must have called John over 75 times looking for leads on players, coaches phone numbers, players he was releasing and he always had what I was looking for. And if he didn’t, he would find out and call me back. He always had time to talk baseball. God Bless John, he reached out and touched a lot of people and truly made a difference in young men’s lives.
Chris Patsos Wareham Gateman 1980, 1981 Newport Gulls |
My condolences to not only the Cape League, Wareham Gatemen organization and the Wylde family...I have enjoyed attending the Cape League and hearing John's voice announce the games...to me, he will be a staple in New England sports lore...Never met him in person, but just seemed like the kinda guy you would love to know...You will be missed... |
The young men in our program were just in “awe” when it came to Mr. John Wyle. They respected his dedication to the game of baseball, but more importantly they respected the type of person he was. The entire American Legion Post #220 Baseball Family will miss you!
Keith Delgado, Head Coach Post #220 Baseball |
After learning of Mr. Wylde's death early monday morning I felt lost. In my entire life in baseball I always will remember Mr Wylde calling out my out my name in the whs starting line up. I will also never forget Mr Wylde sitting behind the back stop my senior year at Central Connecticut State in a game against Boston College. I remember being in Jupiter, Florida and being in tears with dozens of college and pro scouts when they heard the news that Mr Wylde was sick with cancer. But before that I rember Jeff T and myself going to the snack shack to get Mr Wylde a jumbo hot dog and a pepsi, well before the press box named after Mr Wylde was built. Sitting in the old blue press box during a college game between U Maine and UVM in early April, I learned a lot about baseball but more about my hero Mr Wylde. About how he loved the game of baseball. I rember being a little kid waiting for Mr Wylde to call off the 50/50 raffle and hoping I won a game used Gatemen bat. I can never call him by his first name because to me and all of the players that he touched, he will always be MR WYLDE.
|
We send our deepest regrets to the gatemen family! We will never forget his unique voice and caring attitude that he showed towards our son for two very enjoyable summers. We always felt while Seth was playing for the gatemen that we had someone that was caring for him in our absence. The entire gatemen family was a pleasure and we always knew that Mr. Wylde was there for the players. That first phone call that we received from Mr. Wylde inviting Seth to play was one that we will never forget. It was in the airport on our way to Lubbock , Texas after Tulane baseball team being displaced because of Hurricane Katrina.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wylde family and the gatemen family!
Lud, Christine, and Seth Henry Tulane Baseball Parents |
When I think of Cape Cod baseball the first thing to enter my mind is John Wylde. That will never change. When I became involved in summer baseball John was one of the first people I spoke with. I have not met a nicer more helpful person anywhere. John was always a phone call away if I needed advice or information. I am glad I got to know John. I will truly miss him. My condolences go to his family and the Gatemen family. Sincerely,
Kirk Fredriksson New Bedford Bay Sox 2009 - Torrington Twisters 1997 -2008 |
I had the amazing opportunity to play two seasons for the Gatemen and under John Wylde and I got to see firsthand what an special man he was and how much he cared about the game and more importantly, those who played it. We were treated like Major League Ballplayers from the moment we made the roster and were sent Gatemen packages with our names on the batting practice t shirts all the way through our season ending dinner and clambake. There was nothing better than to hear the completely distinctive booming voice call out your name and introduce you up to bat. With the pitching of Barry Zito and the hitting of Carlos Pena, we won the Cape League Championship in 1997 and Mr. Wylde went above and beyond and got us all championship rings. I wear my Gatemen Championship ring proudly to this day. Mr. Wylde was Wareham. He was the Gatemen and he represents all that is so special and magical about Summers on the Cape and the mystique and tradition of the Cape Cod League. He will forever be missed, but each of us that had the opportunity to cross paths with him, will never forget him and his amazing legacy.
Brian Killingsworth |
I had the great fortune to be playing baseball in the presence of John Wylde one
Wednesday afternoon in late May of 1997. After the game Mr. wylde approached me
and asked me to play for the Wareham Gatemen
in Cape Cod League. I was
thrilled and stunned. After thanking him and telling him how much I appreciated
the opportunity, I was on my way to having the best and most magical summer of
my life. Words cannot express what Mr. Wylde means to me. I could not help to
notice how, I immediately felt comfortable around him. Mr. Wylde always had a
way to make everyone that he came in contact with feel like part of the family.
He always seemed to have time for everyone and had an aura and energy that was
very warming. How could I forget when he would meticulously announce and
perfectly pronounce my name every time I came to bat? His very deep and
peculiar voice? He made us feel like Major Leaguers. Everything about that
summer was a true miracle. Especially Mr. Wylde. Mr. Wylde was instrumental in
my life. The fact that today I am fortunate enough to be playing Major League Baseball has a lot to do
with the door that Mr. Wylde opened for me that late May afternoon in 1997. He
believed in me as a young man full of dreams, and gave me a chance. Mr. Wylde
was a true blessing from God. The magnitude of my gratitude cannot be
articulated. I am and will be forever grateful.
YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!!!!!!!
Carlos Pena
Tampa
Bay Rays
|
My list of Mr. Wylde memories is long and vivid. I first met him during my freshman year, when he dropped by an indoor baseball practice at Harvard in February. He tracked my progress in college through good times, bad times, and injury. The offer to play in Wareham was a blessing. During the 1989 Gatemen season, Mr. Wylde was a leader in every sense, making introductions to scouts, helping me make a little extra money by inviting me to write a weekly article on the Gatemen for the local paper, integrating players in the community, and even leading the caravan on game nights as we traveled to road games. His work on the field was tireless, and he was just as happy explaining why the gray gravel infield at Spillane Field was a superior playing surface to dirt as he was talking about stats or players or the Red Sox. In the years since 1989, I have kept in touch by sending Christmas cards, and without fail Mr. Wylde would respond a week or so later with his calling card—a copy of the past season’s Gatemen yearbook.
Last summer, after not having been back in Wareham for many years, I attended two Gatemen games. I was there on John Wylde Day, opening night, which was a wonderful celebration of Mr. Wylde’s impact on the Cape Cod League and the town of Wareham . But the night I will always remember was later in the year, when I attended the second-to-last home game against Cotuit. I asked if I might be able to talk with Mr. Wylde for a few minutes, and was told that if I waited until the game was over, I might be able to say hello. About 30 minutes after the final out, when the field and the parking lots were empty, Patty Wylde brought me up to the pressbox, where Mr. Wylde was completing his boxscore and organizing his papers. We spent 10 minutes together, talking about the Gatemen season, about the Harvard baseball program, about baseball. Near the end of the conversation, I told him that it was great to hear him announcing the game, and the sound of his voice brought back fantastic memories. He responded, “Bob, does it sound OK? I’m worried my voice isn’t as strong as I’d like it to be.” I assured him he sounded just fine.
I played baseball for 20+ years in many different places, and I never felt as cared-for, or as supported, or as happy, as I did during the summer of 1989 when I played for John Wylde’s Wareham Gatemen. For that experience, and for knowing Mr. Wylde, I will forever be grateful.
Bob Baxter, Gatemen ‘89 |
Dear Mr. Wylde,
Thank you for instilling in me my passion for baseball. As a young man working as Gatemen batboy, I could see your love for baseball. Your hard work and dedication have stuck with me over the years as I pursue my sports management degree. I will never think of summers in Wareham without hearing the sound of your voice. Thank you Mr. Wylde you have done more than you will ever know. Owen Worden |
I had the distinct pleasure of playing for John for two seasons. These two
summers filled my heart with an immense satisfaction. I was playing in the best
league in the country. Most importantly, I was playing for the best
organization and community as well as representing a man who I had come to truly
admire and respect. John was a class
act on every front. He made his players feel proud to throw on those
cranberry red away uniforms. I would smile every time I ran out onto Spillane
Field, hearing my name echo through the Cape evening from John's infamous voice,
a voice I will be able to hear with absolute clarity for the rest of my days.
He gave me an opportunity coming from an Ivy League school that I would have
otherwise been unable to attain. John Wylde was a
friend. He was a man I learned a great deal from and I will treasure the days
we spent together enjoying our national pastime. I pray for both his and the
Wareham family, as I know he will surely be missed. The Cape Cod League has lost a true treasure, but the
loss is not in vain for his presence will eternally be felt both in the Cape and
with those fortunate ballplayers who had the privilege to suit up for his
Gatemen, wherever their lives may take them. God Bless you John. I know you
are in a wonderful place, probably breaking someone's hand with your handshake.
Lance Salsgiver
Wareham Gatemen
04' & 05'
|
What a truly wonderful man he
was! Whenever I was in Wareham visting my parents, I would stop by Spillane
Field to visit John in the press box. He always took the time to say hello and
share a story about my Dad. His life will live on with the Cape Cod Baseball League and with the
Wareham Gatemen.
Make him proud every day!
Gail (Clement) Wiley Daughter of Curly Clement |
There are many things that people will remember
about John Wylde. One
of the most mentioned things I am sure people will remember about John was his
legendary voice. Some men will remember John as a man who gave them a chance to
be noticed and have the chance to play the wonderful game of baseball
professionally and get paid to live a dream. Some people will remember John as
a great baseball man, one who live in on forever in Cape Cod and baseball lore
forever.
Let me tell you how I will remember John Wylde.
I will remember John as the man who would do anything to help a person succeed
in life. You didn't have to be just a person with a shot at a professional
career in baseball. John wanted to help people succeed in all aspects of life.
I had no idea my last baseball season would be spent on Spillane Field. It will
be the summer I will remember as the best summer of my life. It was a pleasure
and an honor to work for John. I will remember John as one of the kindest men I
have ever met in my life.
Matthew "Screech" Welford
Lucedale, MS
|
When I heard the devestating news of John's passing, I was saddened! I just paused and listened for John to introducer a new batter, "Now Batting.." When I think of the voice of the Cape Cod Baseball League, I think of John Wylde. I feel honored and lucky to have shared time with him behind the microphone at Whitehouse Field in Harwich during the 2008 ECAC Tournament. He really was in good spirits given the circumstances. John you will always be missed, and everytime I step behind a microphone I will think of the guidance you gave!
-Steven Dodrill,
Harwich Mariners PA
Announcer (Former-2007)
|
We are
so deeply saddened by the news of John's death. We are certain that John never
fully realized the impact he had on his players and their families. Every
Gatemen player remembers the phone call from this wonderful gentlemen inviting
them to play on his team in the Cape
Cod League. Every player and family will forever remember his deep,
resounding voice over the loud
speaker which was the heart and
soul of summer baseball in Wareham . Never have we met a man so
respected, not only for his passion but for his warmth and caring. As with
everyone who knew him, he has touched our lives and will remain forever in our
hearts.
Joel, Ernie and Chris Collins |
Alice and I have been going to Gatemen games since 1983. When
we moved to Wareham in 1992 I got to know John when we both were members of the
Body Clinic. I talked to him on just a handfull occasions. He knew a lot about
everything, not just baseball. I asked him one day about a patch he had on his
face and it was the first time I learned about Basil Cancer. I got it a couple a
years ago.
Jim Freitas |
…I love positive people who give you permission to dream your dreams….not only did Mr. Wylde encourage my son’s dreams but also gave his own action behind his words, so they could have all the resources possible to fulfill them….It is hard to weigh their successes at their young ages but there is no doubt that because they have been given the option and belief in themselves by a man so great and kind, anything is possible. Mr. Wylde was a man who led by example…As the years have gone by I have learned more and more great things about the tall and steady man who loved baseball. He gave so much to our community. It is with great sadness of heart that our family extends our sympathies to Mr. Wylde’s family and his community….. John W you will live on forever in the hearts of all the Cape Cod Baseball fans!!!!!
Jim and Judy Muldoon |
To the Gatemen Family:
My heart goes out to all of you on the loss of a dear friend John. Over 25 years ago when I started with Falmouth I thought John and the Gatemen were our enemy. I soon learned that no matter where John or I stood on an issue that Johns first and foremost position was based on his love of the game of baseball, the Gatemen and the CCBL. Of course his first love being Patty. Years later I was chairman of the Expansion Committee and John and I truly felt we should be truly looking into the future with expansion. Again, the passion of his, for the game, came out in all the discussions.
When I join you this summer at the baseball field a certain voice will be missing but never will the spirit disappear. Go Gatemen.
Chuck Sturtevant Ret’d GM Falmouth |
