Nate Mondou (Wake Forest) has very quietly put together an excellent start to his Cape Cod Baseball League season. Offensively, he has ripped five hits and drawn two walks in sixteen plate appearances. Defensively, he has already fielded both infield and outfield positions during the first four games. On the base paths, he is one of three Anglers to have earned a stolen base on the young campaign.

The success Mondou has had thus far is largely a result of his preparation. He is almost always on the top step of the dugout gauging outfielders’ arms while the opposition takes fielding practice before games. He puts in countless hours in the cage and the gym, and the results are tangible.

But Nate thinks he may be getting a bit of an extra edge from something beyond preparation so far this summer—his family. The Sunday doubleheader between Chatham (3-1) and Falmouth (2-3) will be the last pair of games they see on their week-long visit from Washington.

“They were here for opening night, which is always a pretty special night,” said Mondou. “It’s always fun having them here, in person, watching. I know they’re always watching on TV whenever they can, but having them here in person is a little extra special.”

Nate is quick to point out that the people he is close to positively affect him. But the people close to Nate are also quick to reciprocate that sentiment.

One can find evidence of this looking no further than one of Nate’s collegiate and summer baseball teammates, Will Craig (Wake Forest). The two hit third and fourth for the Demon Deacons, and they have hit in the same lineup spots for Chatham so far. This season they became the first pair of Wake Forest players in over a decade to be named All-Americans in the same year.  

“He loves the game, and he loves his teammates—no matter who you are,” said Craig. “As a teammate, you couldn’t ask for anyone better. This past year me and him have gotten really close, and we room together up here. I’m really fortunate to have met him.”

Today’s games will begin at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Veterans Field. Tune in here for live coverage starting at 3:40 p.m.