How’s this for a dream week for the ultimate seamhead?
Kamal Asar of Haverhill was teammates with Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd and batted against Roger Clemens at the Men’s Senior Baseball League World Series. The 50-and-over division competition was Oct. 17-26 at various major league spring training facilities in Phoenix.
His Boston Wolfpack team included former Triple-A catcher Dean Borrelli of Salem, North Reading’s Mark Moise (he was 2 for 3 against the Rocket) and Windham’s Russ Ward. The Wolfpack lost in the championship game to Team Victory from California.
Facing the ex-Red Sox great Clemens was an unforgettable experience.
“It was intimidating,” said Asar, who played at North Andover High and Roger Williams University and has played in the North Shore League for 31 years.
“He didn’t throw at anybody! He definitely looked the same when he was looking for signals, holding his glove right up to his face. It was the same old Roger.”
Asar struck out looking. Down 0-2 in the count, Asar, a professional photographer, could picture impending disaster.
“I expected he’d throw up and in at me,” said Asar. “Even striking out, it was unbelievable to face him.”
Clemens, who pitched and played first base for the Houston Old Stars, has always been a big guy. That hasn’t changed.
“He had a gut going but still threw well,” said Asar. “He was nice to everyone, took pictures, signed stuff. He was very pleasant and very accommodating.”
The Wolfpack’s most famous player is Oil Can, Clemens’ eccentric ex-Red Sox teammate.
“He’s played with us before. (Heisman Trophy winner) Doug Flutie has played in the past,” said Asar.
“Oil Can is a character. All the things they said about him was true. He’s kind of a crazy guy. But he studies the game and studies each batter. He can totally find their weakness. He throws right where he wants it. We drove to all the games together and spent time off the field together as well.”
Kamal said there were numerous other ex-Major Leaguers playing in the World Series including ex-Red Sox slugger Dante Bichette and some lesser talents like Larry See and German Rivera.
Still a thrill for Borrelli
Borrelli, a Central Catholic Hall of Famer, has played against the greats before. He played Triple-A ball for three seasons and between spring training and the minors faced top MLB hurlers like Dennis Eckersley, Bob Welch, Mark Wohlers and Troy Percival.
“A few years ago, they (the Wolfpack) really needed a catcher. I hadn’t played in 18 years. I’ve gone the last three years,” said Borrelli.
Even with Borrelli’s background, it meant something to face Clemens.
“It was cool to face Roger Clemens,” he said. “He’s still one of the best pitchers ever.”
He said he hit him hard both times but went 0 for 2.
He may be 49 — teams are allowed some waivers for under-50 players — but Borrelli doesn’t bring an “old man’s” attitude.
“I really play like I’m young,” said Borrelli, who owns Play Ball baseball and softball training facilities in Salem, Nashua and Salisbury, and runs the Northeast Hurricanes baseball and softball programs. “I can still throw. It felt like riding a bike. Except for the aches and pains!”
He, too, gets a kick out of the Can.
“He’s a great guy, a lot of fun,” said Borrelli. “He’s super competitive. He’s 54 and throws it pretty decent. He keeps you laughing. We took a liking to each other. We exchanged phone numbers.”
