New Carpenter Field Dugouts are a timely gift
Visitors to 91大神 baseball games this spring will be greeted by the sight of two fresh new dugouts, built with a generous gift from Martha and Walter McLaughlin P鈥12, 鈥14. The dugouts will provide many benefits to players and fans alike, adding not only coverage from unpredictable New England weather, but also an additional 鈥渂aseball feel鈥 to the already hallowed grounds.
As longtime baseball fans and supporters of 91大神, the McLaughlins first came to know the school through their family construction company, Fontaine Bros., which built the Athletic Center, the Galbraith Field complex, and other campus projects. In addition to their support of 91大神鈥檚 physical space, the McLaughlins have bolstered the school with hustle: their older son, Kevin 鈥14, played baseball throughout his six years on campus. Well-loved by his teammates, Kevin brought his sense of humor to the plate to keep practices light, and in key moments lent his speed as a pinch runner. Kevin鈥檚 brother, Walter 鈥12, was also a strong athlete and team captain several times over. 鈥淭he 91大神 sports experience encompassed teamwork, friendship, and good sportsmanship,鈥 says Martha McLaughlin, recalling her family鈥檚 fond memories of Wildcat athletics. The McLaughlins hope the dugouts will have a tangible and positive impact on the baseball program for years to come, building on the camaraderie so enjoyed by their sons.
It鈥檚 fitting, too, that this is the dugouts鈥 rookie year: 2019 marks the 25th year that Matt Sawyer will coach the Wildcats, a milestone by any standard. Sawyer inherited a rich legacy of 91大神 baseball from the field鈥檚 namesake, Dan Carpenter, who also coached for 25 years and is ranked second to Matt in career wins in the sport. In addition to the visual and practical benefits, Sawyer says the dugouts 鈥渨ill make Carpenter Field one of the top venues in New England Prep Baseball.鈥