By: Greg Levinsky
FALMOUTH – Falmouth Commodores Will Brennan and James Cosentino are much more familiar with each other than most non-college teammates that come to the Cape League.
Growing up teammates, rivals and now teammates again, Brennan and Cosentino are part of a storied collegiate Big-12 rivalry at Kansas State and Kansas. But for this summer, the duo is thrilled to be back together on the field with the Commodores.
“It’s awesome just being out on the field together getting each other better, pushing each other to work harder is pretty great,” Cosentino said.
“It’s nice having a familiar face around,” Brennan said. “Baseball’s all about fun, so having that kid that you grew up with, it’s nice to have that around.”
Brennan grew up in Stillwell, Kansas, and Cosentino hails from Leawood just over 20 miles away. They first met in middle school, playing basketball for a travel team monikered the “Nets.” The duo suited up for rival travel ball teams growing up, but spent many winters together on the hardwood.
“It was fun to play with him, mess around with each other and make each other better,” Cosentino said.
They never attended school together, but kept in touch throughout high school and now in college.
Brennan earned All-Big 12 first team honors in his sophomore campaign for his work both on the mound and at the plate this spring. The Kansas State Wildcat will mainly patrol the outfield and hit in Falmouth, but considers himself a two-way player.
He hit safely in the Commodores first five games from the leadoff spot and has appeared in both center and left field this summer.
Consentino hit Falmouth’s second home run of the season and plays a slick middle infield for the Jayhawks and Commodores, also flashing plus-power from a sub-6-foot frame.
Both rising juniors, Cosentino and Brennan met over seven years ago playing basketball and have played with and against each other in both baseball and basketball growing up.
When they faced this spring in college ball, Brennan found himself on the mound against his friend. Cosentino was quick to admit he struck out, and Brennan said it’d be tough to do again. There’s a lot of mutual respect between the college rivals.
“He’s really good,” Brennan said. “I’d try to throw it harder, I guess.”
During that same series, Brennan asked Cosentino where he’d play this summer. Cosentino told him he’d be heading to Falmouth, and Brennan said he was as well.
This summer they are utilizing their own chemistry to create team camaraderie with the Commodores. With players coming from across the country and different schools, their relationship inspires others to interact with teammates. Brennan said the 2018 Commodore team is uniquely relaxed and already close-knit, but it’s obvious that Brennan and Cosentino are leading by example.
“I feel like this team is really relaxed and laid back,” Brennan said. “Everyone gets along well and it feeds into our relationship.”
Cosentino agreed.
“This team has good chemistry, and having Will beside me helps too,” he said.
Brennan admits Cosentino is a better football player (because Brennan never played) and their baseball careers are far from over. One thing is for sure when they’re away from the diamond Will Brennan and James Cosentino will battle on the basketball court, the place where they met.
“I’d gotta think I’ve got him,” Cosentino said. “… I’ll do a little crossover, maybe a little fadeaway.”
“I’m D’ing that up all day,” Brennan said.
Let the battles continue.
Greg Levinsky can be reached at glevinsk@bu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @GregLevinsky
Coverage in the Kansas City Star
Coverage in Manattan (Kansas) Mercury
The Commodores Corner 