Fans watch as Brewster pitcher, Max Garner, delivers (Chatham Anglers vs. Brewster
Whitecaps 7/6/2011)
Talk about a throwback...the Cape Cod Baseball League provides a rare opportunity
to step back in time to experience America’s favorite pastime. The quintessential
family experience, the premier college summer league provides fun and entertainment
for every age, and admission is free. Where else can one take an entire family and
be assured that all will have a great time, regardless of their age? The settings
are idyllic and informal, most parks offering grassy hillsides from which to watch
on blankets or beach chairs. The atmosphere is fun, intimate and laidback, with
relaxed crowds just interested in having a fun time and watching great baseball.
Lest you think that this is rinky-dink baseball, the Cape League has graduated an
impressive number of young college players who have gone on to Major League Baseball
fame. In fact, 1 out of 7 players in the Major League started their careers playing
in the Cape League, including 11 who were on the Boston Red Sox roster in 2009 (Jacoby
Ellsbury, Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek, Mark Kotsay, Javier Lopez,
Justin Masterson, Daniel Bard, Aaron Bates, Jason Bay, and pitching coach
John Farrell). Other notable Red Sox players with Cape League origins include
National Baseball Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk, Nomar Garciapara, Mo Vaughn, Lou Merloni
and John Valentin. The very first Cape Leaguer to join the Red Sox was Babe
Ruth’s roommate, friend and teammate, ‘Jumpin Joe’ Dugan back in 1922.
Catcher returning a ball from the first pitch
Formed on the Fourth of July way back in 1885, the Cape League today is where scouts
for the Major Leagues come to see players, and players anticipate being seen by
scouts. Adding to the appeal is that it’s a wood-bat league, another vestige of
baseball in the past. Gone are the pings of metal bats in favor of the healthy-sounding
thwacks from the traditional wooden ones. Also adding to the down-home, grassroots
appeal of the League is the fact that it is supported by year round volunteers who
help run the organization. And the players are even housed by residents on the Cape
who open up their homes for the aspiring college players from June to August.
Wherever you find your Cape
Cod rental, don't miss this opportunity to take in a ball game during your
stay.
See the full 2017 schedule.
View more information about each of the
10 local teams.