The Roger C. Scudder Award has been awarded annually since 1966 by the Cape Cod Baseball Umpires Association.The purpose of the presentation is to recognize the Cape Cod Senior High School Baseball Player who best exemplifies the characteristic of Sportsmanship.
Cape and Island head coaches will nominate a candidate by completing the Roger C Scudder application. Applications will be returned to the Scudder Committee who will present the finalists to the membership for selection of the award.
The recipient is invited to attend the CCBUA Banquet in June to receive his award.
Past Recipients
ROGER CROSBY SCUDDER:
Roger Crosby Scudder 10/18/1923 – 12/25/1965
Roger Scudder was raised in Cotuit, MA graduating from Barnstable High School in 1941. He was a member of the varsity baseball team for three years where he played center field. Roger was also the assistant editor of the Barnacle yearbook and was known for ‘getting things done’. His nickname during those years was ‘Dago’.
Roger had two sons, Jeffrey and Roger.
Roger was employed by the Hyannis Department of Public works and was a part time employee at the Cotuit Grocery.
Roger played for the Cotuit Athletic Association sponsored by the Upper Cape Baseball team in the mid 1940’s. During the 1947 season this club became known as the Cotuit Kettleers. Roger played several positions as needed. Several days prior to the start of the 1950 season for the Kettleers, their manager Vic Robello fractured his ankle in an exhibition game. Roger volunteered to assume his duties and was the team’s player – manager thru the 1952 season. His association with the team continued throughout the decade.
Among other accomplishments, Roger was instrumental in the formation and leadership of the recreational basketball program in Hyannis, for which he served as manager.
Roger began umpiring in 1955 and was affiliated with the Southeastern Umpires Board. A number of highly regarded officials were members of that Board namely, Manny Pina and Danny Silva. Under their guidance, Roger gained valuable experience which enabled him to advance his umpiring career.
Danny Silva went on to become the first commissioner of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1963.
Prior to 1957, Cape Cod umpires were a loosely formed group working local games. In that year the group joined the Southeastern Board, of which Roger was a member.
The Cape Cod Baseball Umpires Association was established in 1958. Roger and others with experience gave credibility to the newly organized Association. Roger was a major contributor to the CCBUA and reached the heights of officiating many Cape Cod Baseball league games as well as a number of their all-star games during the early to mid-1960’s.
Roger had a zest for life, was well liked and a personable young man. These attributes carried over to the baseball field. Roger loved the game of baseball, treating the game with honesty and respect as an umpire. Sportsmanship was his primary goal, regardless of a player’s skill or ability. This quality of character is portrayed by Roger and is now being carried over in an award named after him.
Roger’s untimely death at age 42 on Christmas day, 1965 took a loving husband, father, friend and sportsman at a far to young age.
In 1966 at a CCBUA meeting, John McGinn made a motion suggesting a sportsmanship award be initiated in Roger’s name. It was voted on and passes unanimously.
With respect and admiration, The Cape Cod baseball Umpires Association annually presents an award in his honor. The Roger C Scudder Award is given to a Cape Cod High School senior baseball player who best exemplifies the quality of “Sportsmanship” among his peers.
The History of the Scudder Award and Roger C. Scudder was researched by Ron Musk with help from George Gaspa of the CCBUA
Thanks To: The Cotuit Kettleers. Kelly Enos database manager, Mr. Arnold Mycock, GM emeritus. Library staff at The Sturgis and The Cotuit Public Libraries. Mr. Matthew ‘Pete’ Pells. Jeffrey and Roger E. Scudder. Georgia, at the Scudder Family Genealogical Website. Mr. John Tambolio. Mr. George Gaspa, their insights and assistance have been invaluable and are much appreciated.
Cape Cod Umpires 