This summer, two promising collegiate baseball players have found themselves far from their campuses, living under the roof of the Pratt family in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Burke-Lee Mabeus, a junior catcher who transferred from the University of Oregon to Mississippi State, and Christian Lucarelli, a sophomore pitcher from the University of Virginia, have joined a long‑standing tradition of hosting top Cape Cod Baseball League talent in the historic coastal town.
A Family Tradition
The Pratt family’s involvement dates back to 2013, when they opened their home to the first wave of summer players. Since then, they have welcomed ten additional athletes, making Mabeus and Lucarelli the tenth and eleventh guests. Their hospitality reflects a community commitment that has persisted even after the family paused hosting for seven years following the death of patriarch Carl Pratt in 2015.
New England Immersion
Beyond the diamond, the two visitors have embraced New England culture. From sampling clam chowder at local eateries to strolling through Plymouth’s historic waterfront, they have taken in tourist sites and everyday life in the region. A trip to Fenway Park allowed them to watch the Red Sox face Tampa Bay, an experience that added a layer of baseball reverence to their stay.
Legacy on the Diamond
Their time in Plymouth coincides with a broader narrative of alumni success. Former host‑family guest Peyton Bonds, drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2025, is just one example of the pathway that the Pratt household has helped forge. Gavin Kelly, a catcher for West Virginia University, contributed to the Bourne Braves’ West Division title last summer, illustrating the competitive edge that the league cultivates. Mabeus’s own family background adds depth to his story: his father, Chris Mabeus, was once drafted by the Boston Red Sox before opting for college, later signing with the Oakland Athletics and making a single major‑league appearance for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2006.
Through seamless integration with the Pratt household, Mabeus and Lucarelli have not only refined their pitching and catching skills but also built lasting bonds that extend beyond the summer season. Their experience underscores the unique blend of athletic development and cultural immersion that defines the Cape Cod Baseball League’s reputation as the premier collegiate summer circuit.