The End of an Era: Why Northborough Baseball is Making Worst Mistake In Its History
As someone who has played in the NBSA since I was five years old, I've always been proud to say that I was part of Northborough Baseball. From immaculate field conditions, competitive teams, a strong community support system, and a great developmental program that has laid a foundation for Algonquin's baseball success in recent years, there was a lot to be proud of being a baseball player in Northboro, and we all were proud to put on that 'N' cap year in and year out.
My pride died this week.
Growing up and going through the A, AA, AAA, and majors leagues, I did not get a chance to personally know Coach Durkin and Murph. But I knew how much they meant to the program and how it wouldn't be the same without them. Once I got to Babe Ruth and now Senior Babe on Memorial Field, their unmatched impact on the program has become a part of my everyday life.
I've played on a lot of fields around central Massachusetts, and none comes close matching to the perfect condition that Memorial Field is in. This can be attributed to one man: Craig Murphy. Murph has dedicated his entire life to that field, and anyone who has ever played there can see the spectacular results. From mowing to umpiring to his garden to giving pointers to players while taking a break from his field prep, Murph has positively impacted NBSA in every way, and he should be treated with only respect and appreciation for all he has done.
I've had many coaches in my time playing for NBSA, Melican, and Algonquin, and Sean Durkin is by far my favorite. As a coach, "Durk" combines competitiveness and fun like no other, and no player who has ever played for him has ever had a complaint. Durk does care about wins and losses, but what is truly important to him is playing the game the right way. It's not often to find a coach who sticks up for his players, supports them in every way, and keeps an extremely fun environment at all times, but Durk manages to do all of that while always teaching about the game we all love. In addition to this, Durk has helped NBSA out in countless other ways, from his famous barbeque at every Opening Day and other fundraiser, to helping restore the field batting cages after the hurricane, to helping with the construction of the new Memorial Field scoreboard. Sean Durkin is Northborough Baseball, and it is hard to find someone who can match his tremendous contributions.
The decisions made recently to remove these men from the Association is disgraceful and extremely disappointing. Even more appalling is the unprofessional way in which it has been done. Instead of removing Durk and Murph from the program, NBSA should be honoring and appreciating everything these men have done for the program.
When I think of dedication and all that is right with a baseball program, the work of Sean Durkin and Craig Murphy is the first thing to come to mind. It's an utter shame that a few seemingly power-hungry individuals fail to recognize the unparalleled contributions that the pair has made to the Assocation, and I can only hope at this point that these terrible decisions will be reversed.
For the first time in my life, I am ashamed to put on the "N."
I urge anyone who is reading this to help out by voicing your opinion to the Northboro Baseball Association on Facebook, on Twitter @NBSA, or by e-mail. If we all work together, we can get Northboro Baseball back to the way it should be.
Lynne Winter
9:32 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
Well said Chris and I know there are a whole townfull of players spanning may eras who feel exactly the same way!.
Craig D. Murphy
6:12 pm on Saturday, October 6, 2012
What makes me proud, as an attorney and writer, is the excellent piece of prose by Chris Cotillo. I would I could say I was his mentor in that regard, but it appears he has developed that talent and skill all on his own. I thank him for overstating my case, but he was truly dead on the mark when it comes to Sean Durkin. All I can say is we ain't dead yet.
Craig Murphy
Rod Pfannenstiel
5:56 pm on Tuesday, October 9, 2012
I had the joy as many father's had to be involved with NBoro baseball and softball. I passed the coaching baton on to Coach Durkin as my son reached the age to be coached by him. I knew then and it was confirmed when I watched coach Durkin work with each and every player, not only teaching the game but teaching them to respect it as well. As far as "Murph" not only were the field's amazing, but he provided long selfless hours as an umpire. I am confidant that because of their dedication, many of yesterday's ball players will one day volunteer themselves, this will be Durkin and Murph's legacy. It is amazing to think that the appetite for volunteering in Northborough Baseball could diminish. But with the new collective attitude of those removing three amazing volunteers, how can it not leave a sour taste.
Rod Pfannenstiel
Parent of child
7:17 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Do you understand that the president and his band of merry men have gotten thier way again? I thought it was bad when "Coach" R had his son taken off of one team and put on another one. Then he denied the whole thing. Then his buddy covered the whole thing up. Now they are at it again? It is not fair that they get to make all the calls for our boys. If they want to munipulate the system they should keep it in the court room where it belongs. I wish my son did not have to play with these men but he has no choice. I hope our boys grow up and show these men what northborough baseball is all about...... Fun not soapboxes. I hope the good old boys club is traded out of thier chairs before our boys take the field.....Please don't tell me it cant be done....... They did it last year!!!!!!
Just another parent that is not in the "Boys Club of Baseball."
mark ahearn
10:47 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
As a former coach, league officer ( treasurer ) and umpire of Hudson Youth Baseball, I feel compeled to voice my displeasure of the actions of Northboro Youth Baseball.
Although I do not know Craig Murphy, I do know Sean Durkin, way back when, when our boys played baseball, with and against each other. There's not a better ambassador a town could ask for, to represent them, when it comes to a traveling baseball team, than Sean Durkin. The respect we have in Hudson for Sean is unmatch throughout Central Mass. I really can't believe what I'm hearring, I really can't. Northboro Youth Baseball doesn't want Sean Durkin to be part of their program? Have you lost your mind over there
in Northboro?
My son is now 26, and he still smiles when we reminiss about the old days, and Coach Durkin, Sean has made a lasting, positive impact on my son, an impact I'm thankful Danny got to experiance. All I can say about Sean Durkin is .... he gets it!
Your B.O.D. don't! Mark Ahearn Hudson MA
Nelly Ahearn
12:02 pm on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Add me to the list that is shocked to hear that Sean Durkin has been 'phased out' of the Northboro Baseball program. I don't know the particulars, but I do know that contributors like Durk don't come around very often. You'll get the nomadic types that come and go along with their kids, well meaning but only around long enough to help their kids through the program. Every once and a while though you'll be fortunate enough to have someone like Sean come around, and STAY!!
I've coached with and against Sean. We worked together years ago coaching District All Star teams for several seasons. My traveling teams have played against Sean's teams at Riverside and Memorial countless times through the years. He's aggressive, demanding and intense, yet does it all while making it fun for his players (and mine) in the process. He is a true baseball man!! I know a little bit about devoting ones' self to youth athletics, about being their for ALL the kids, not just your own. I would be honored if anyone felt that I contributed half of what Sean has to Northboro Baseball to the Hudson programs.
Durk, I know you live and breathe all things Northborough, but I also know that you would be welcome with open arms over here in Hudson.
Northboro Baseball, don't be short-sighted. You look long and hard for people like Sean Durkin to come around, don't make the mistake of letting him go!!
Respectfully,
Nelly Ahearn (former HYBS Director, Legion Post 100 Baseball)