(Long Island, NY) There is always that one kid you knew growing up that everyone said would be “the one.” The kid that hit the ball further than everyone else and was able to throw it by the rest of the group. One that was able to be and ‘untouchable’ and also ‘touch ‘em all.’
A generation ago in Massapequa, Rob Cafiero was that kid. By the age of 14, he had joined the Long Island Braves, an organization that his father Mike helped found. “It was a competitive team and league,” Cafiero recalled. “With the coaches we had, it was very laid back. At a young age, this game should be fun. Fun first, then win.”
Cafiero receiving a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Villanova was definitely helped by his association with the Massapequa-based Braves, which made his transition smooth. “I played in a lot of different tournaments in different states,” he said.
“I always had great coaching,” he continued. “My dad and also my coach at Massapequa High School, Bob Dell, who made our season tougher than a college season. Even on Saturday we practiced, from 9 am to 2 pm.”
Being recruited for Villanova as both a first baseman and pitcher was the main reason why Cafiero chose the Pennsylvania school. “I didn’t feel overmatched as a freshman,” he said. “I’m quite proud of the way I handled myself.” As well he should have by starting in all 54 games in 1999 and matching the team leader with a .361 batting average.
The following year was one in which Cafiero had to deal with an injury and see his stats go down. He later played in the Cape Cod League, which became his “first taste of continuously failing and getting through it.”
Heading into his junior year, professional scouts were projecting Cafiero to be a 10th round pick, causing the youngster to put a lot of pressure on himself. His coach moved him across the diamond to third base and he was hit by a pitch in the same hand as the previous year. “No excuses,” said Cafiero. “It just didn’t work out for me that year.” He finished at .299 with four home runs and 36 RBI.
Knowing that his senior year was a make or break one for him, Cafiero worked hard during the summer and came back in the best shape he ever was in. A new coach moved him back to his familiar position at first base and, according to Cafiero, “It just clicked for me.” Hitting .370 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI would seem to back that up, especially when you also consider that Cafiero broke school records for games played, doubles and RBI, as well as placing in the top 10 in five other categories.
Following the baseball draft from home, Cafiero expected to hear his name called by the Milwaukee Brewers. “One of their scouts told me they were looking at me, but they took Prince Fielder in the first round,” he said. Because the two played the same position, the scout called back and told Cafiero that it was not to be.
By Day Two, his anticipation was rewarded when the Philadelphia Phillies picked Cafiero in the 32nd round in 2002. “It was one of the greatest experiences. Everyone grows up saying they want to play professional baseball.”
Three days after signing a contract at his kitchen table, Cafiero found himself on a plane headed for Clearwater, Florida for a mini camp. He was assigned to the Short Season Single-A affiliate in Batavia, which gave him the opportunity to play close to home on certain road trips. “I played at Keyspan Park (in Coney Island against the Mets’ farm club, the Brooklyn Cyclones), and against the Staten Island Yankees,” he said. “I had to leave a bunch of tickets.” Those family members and friends had the opportunity to see Cafiero hit six home runs and drive in 35 base runners in only 60 games.
In spring training the following year, Cafiero received a hairline fracture of his shin while breaking up a double play. Falling behind while rehabbing the injury did not help his chances of advancing in the organization, who already had Jim Thome playing first base and Ryan Howard – Cafiero’s roommate that spring – waiting in the wings.
The Phillies also drafted a first baseman in the first round that year, and Cafiero was given his release. “The guy they drafted only spent two years with them. That’s the nature of the business.”
Representing himself, Cafiero touched base with other teams and agents before obtaining a phone number for Joe Klein, the Atlantic League president. After speaking, Cafiero was on his way to Atlantic City for a tryout with the Pennsylvania Road Warriors, who were a road-only team in the Independent circuit.
“They needed a first baseman and I fit the bill,” Cafiero said. “I was signed right after batting practice.”
Cafiero played one and a half seasons for the Warriors before reaching out to Frank Boulton, the owner of the Long Island Ducks. “I told him that I would love to play with you guys.” A few days later, Cafiero was plying his trade right in his own backyard.
Since joining the Ducks as a back-up first baseman and designated hitter in 2005, Cafiero has never been more satisfied in his career. “It’s great coming to the ballpark every night. Having a familiar face everywhere I turn.
“The fans give so much to us,” he continued. “It brings you back to when you were a kid. They come here looking up to us. This might be somebody’s first game. I want them to remember the way you made them feel – giving them a ball or just saying hi to them.”
It’s qualities such as those that made Cafiero a perfect candidate as a player/coach, which he started doing at the beginning of this past summer, one that saw the Ducks qualify for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. “(Full-time) Coaching is something that I ultimately want to get in,” he said. “I enjoy it as much as I do playing. As long as I’m still in the game, I’m going to be happy.”
The book has a few more chapters before being completed on the baseball life of Rob Cafiero, who was destined to earn a living in the game he loves.
