Two Mike McCarthys bonded by a love of baseball and charity

BY: Butch Stearns

MEDFIELD

Have you ever met someone who shares your name? Mike McCarthy of Medfield High School met Red Sox pitching prospect Mike McCarthy two years ago and now they're making quite a team together.

"In 2012, I was at Spring Training at the batting cages and I saw some guy with the name 'McCarthy' on the back of his jersey," said young Mike.

"He's a great young man," said the Baseball Mike. "Very ambitious. He came up to talk to me."

"Hey Mike McCarthy? Hey me too!" said Medfield Mike. "And from then on we became friends."

As the baseball player pursues his career and the high-schooler becomes a young man, Mike and Mike have grown a special bond.

"He's more than a friend. He's like a mentor and we talk about not just baseball, but life lessons," said Medfield Mike.

"I've had a lot of coaches and teammates and teachers and mentors that have done that for me and they have helped me get through a lot of difficult times and helped me grow myself as a person," said Baseball Mike.

What's really made them close is "Baseball Miracles." Baseball Mike introduced High School Mike to this amazing program that's dedicated to introducing underprivileged kids around the world to the game of baseball.

Medfield Mike has teamed with his twin brother, Gerard, to gather baseball equipment in Medfield and beyond.

"I want to treat others how I want to be treated in life," said Gerard. "Like if I'm in a time of need, I want someone to help me and pick me up."

Mike and Gerard have been featured in their hometown newspaper. They've gathered a ton of equipment, but want your help to do more.

"I couldn't be more proud. They are honestly awesome kids every day," said Karen McCarthy.

The relationship with Baseball Mike has been a major boost for the McCarthy brothers, especially Mike, who made the initial connection.

"It's a big plus for him to give his time to my son," said Gerard McCarthy, Sr.

"Mike isn't about himself. He's more about other people," said Medfield Mike.

"Each one of us at Baseball Miracles goes out and does the best we can and it comes from a very intrinsic nature of our heart," said Baseball Mike.

Sometimes, there's more to a name than meets the eye.

To learn more about the charity, visit

. Mike's baseball equipment drive ends May 31 at Medfield High School.

You can reach him by e-mail at

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