Lake Monsters try to “Win it for Wilk” in 30th season

BURLINGTON, VT – Let’s play ball. Friday marks the start of the 30th year of Vermont Lake Monsters baseball.

“Feels great. I’m back home and ready for another Lake Monsters season,” said Colby Brouillette, longtime team outfielder.

For the first time since Vermont joined the Futures League in 2021, Pete Wilk won’t be in the dugout. The beloved manager passed away from brain cancer this spring.

“Being able to play my last year knowing that he’ll still be here with us, just in our hearts and we’re just going to have to work hard,” said Wyatt Cameron, a pitcher who’s made 68 appearances for Vermont. “Everyone’s going to have to come to the field ready to go and just keep that energy and that love up for Pete.”

These players will be reminded of that love everyday everyday by a “Wilk 45” plaque right outside their clubhouse.

“I saw that the other day and it fired me up,” said newly named head coach Matt Fincher, on the plaque. “It’s good to have it. That’s right where it needs to be and it’s going to be a reminder of how we carry ourselves, how we conduct ourselves, how we play the game.”

Fincher was an assistant coach under Wilk, serving as “acting manager” during much of last season while Wilk wasn’t well enough to take his spot in the dugout.

“Pleased and honored to be in that position and you just keep your fingers crossed that we can carry on and maintain what’s been there the previous three summers,” said Fincher. “But on paper, we like this team.”

“Chemistry’s off to a hot start,” said Brouillette. “A lot of the guys are very open welcoming, like to learn.”

“They’ve wanted to work hard. We’re out here in the heat ready to go. Can’t ask for much more.” said Cameron, on a particularly tropical day at Centennial Field. “The guys seem to love it so I just keep telling them, wait ’til the fans start pouring in and you’re gonna love it even more.”

Brouillette, Cameron and utility player Tyler Favretto are have returned to the Lake Monsters for their fourth summer. The three have combined for 248 games played in a Lake Monsters uniform.

“I couldn’t [even] imagine playing one [season],” said Brouillette, who’s from Georgia, VT. “I’m very grateful and blessed to have another opportunity.”

Cameron agreed. “Four years is pretty incredible, to be honest. [The fact] that I was given the opportunity to be able to come back, it’s unreal.”

“I mean it’s highly unusual in a summer setting,” said Fincher, on having three players return for their fourth year of summer baseball. “I think that’s indicative of how special this organization is and this place. Let’s hope they’re leaders. These guys were here when we won, they were here when we lost championship settings. Those are the guys that you hope you’re going to lean on and push us across that finish line.”

The Lake Monsters have made the championship three years in a row, but came up short the last two seasons. This year, another title appearance is the goal. Once they get there-

“We’re going to do everything we can to win it for Wilk,” said Brouillette.

One more thing; remember all the rainouts that dampered last summer? Fincher says, those are a thing of the past.

“I have to believe that there’s no way it could be as bad as it was at times last summer, so I think we’re golden.”

The Lake Monsters will honor Wilk this season by wearing patches on the back of their helmets and hats. They also plan to celebrate his legacy during a game in July with his family.

The team kicks off their season on the road on Friday. They play their home opener on Saturday night against Brockton.

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