Three star Gatemen have left Wareham early this summer. Outfielders Alex Dickerson, from Indiana University, and George Springer, from the University of Connecticut, as well as pitcher Matt Barnes, from the University of Connecticut, all made it through a seven days of tryouts to be added to the roster of Team USA, which was announced Sunday, July 11.

"All three of them made it - that kills us now," said Gatemen Manager Cooper Farris.

Farris said that the team usually loses one or two players to the Collegiate National Team (Team USA's official name) but he has never lost three. Combined with injuries, and the fact that the teams all had to turn in their final rosters the same day that the team was announced, it puts the Gatemen in a tough situation. Thankfully, the team was able to add one player - outfielder John Andreoli, from the University of Connecticut, who appeared early in the season as a non-roster invitee with the Brewster Whitecaps.

Team USA is comprised of the top non-draft-eligible college players in the United States. Players are eligible for the Major League draft after their junior year in college.

The North Carolina-based team travels extensively. It will play a five-game series against Korea then a single game against a Japanese Collegiate All-Star team in Omaha, NE. It then will travel to Taipai, Taiwan, before closing its season at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The players will be missed in Wareham. Both Barnes and Springer are hosted by the Gleason family.

"We lost them both!" Jane Gleason said. "We're sad, but we're glad they have the opportunity."

Farris also said that it was "bittersweet."

"It's a hard thing," he said. "They're all draft-eligible next year and the scouts are here, I don't think anybody goes to Japan to see them. But you're wearing USA across your chest."