Melvin Cullen began his relationship with Bolton Baseball Club at a very early age. While his older brother (Yogi) was playing for the team Melvin came along to offer his support at Bolton’s first ever home game.

From a young age Melvin seemed fascinated with chasing down foul balls and organizing the team’s equipment. Melvin soon became the clubs batboy wearing the jersey with pride for the over 5 years. While chasing down fly balls on a weekly basis Melvin had also discovered how much money he could make as the teams batboy, which ensured he would be back each week and the club would have a tidy bench.

Year in and year out Melvin became a constant feature at Bolton games and was clear to see that Melvin wanted to play the game as well just like his older brother. Many years away from adult competition the club in 2008 looked to develop a youth team where Melvin would get his opportunity to play.

Melvin was first to sign up to Bolton’s new youth team and soon became a leader on and off the field. Melvin looked to take up the position of short-stop, held by his older brother Yogi on the adult team. Melvin and the Bears entered league competition in 2008 competing at Pony level. The Bears were out matched in most of their games, lacking the skill and knowledge of much more experiences teams. However this was a valuable experience for Melvin has he had the opportunity to play a variety of positions and work on developing his skills.

In 2009 with not enough players to field another pony team Melvin made the move up to adult baseball. After seven years with the club Melvin has made the full evolution, from batboy, youth player now adult player. During a game recently Melvin got to play second base, making up the middle infield with his brother yogi still firmly entrenched at shortstop. Melvin is still learning his craft and looks forward to many more great moments involved with the club.