The Cape Cod Baseball League

The Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) showcases college stars and other young prospects throughout the summer at 10 venues located across Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Many of the games are played at local high school fields. The ten teams are a proving ground for talented young men, some of whom will be drafted into Major League Baseball (MLB).

Future All-Stars

In 2007, over 200 of signed major league baseball players had previously played in the summertime on the Cape. In fact nine of the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Stars played for the Cape Cod Baseball League when they were in college. The CCBL bills itself as the premier wooden bat summer league in the country. John Wylde, the league’s statistician, has calculated that 15% of all MLB players played in the CCBL at one time.

In this year’s MLB All-Star Game Lance Berkman, who started at first base for the National League, played for the Wareham Gatemen of the CCBL in 1996 and Kevin Youkilis, who started at first base for the American League played for the Bourne Braves in 2000. Other National League 2008 All-Star starters who played in the CCBL included Ben Sheets, Chase Utley and Ryan Braun. The American League had CCBL alumni on the pitching staff and as reserve players.

Family Atmosphere at the Games

Games are played in late afternoon and early evening; a perfect time after a day at the beach. At some of the locations, you can spread a blanket and watch the game from your picnic spot. Most locations have bleacher seating. The atmosphere is family, friendly and fun. Each team also conducts a series of youth baseball clinics during the season.

The Bourne Braves, Hyannis Mets, Wareham Gatemen, Brewster Whitecaps, Harwich Mariners and Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox all play on high school fields in their respective towns. The Cotuit Kettleers, Falmouth Commodores, Chatham Athletics and Orleans Cardinals play on public fields in those towns.

The league started over 100 years ago as a local baseball league with teams formed in each town. Although the make-up of the teams has changed over the years, the fundamental idea of enjoying sports in the neighborhood remains. All games are free and open to the public.

Managed as Non-Profit Entities

The teams are managed as not for profit entities. Sometimes, collections are taken at the gate, or, a hat is passed for donations to help offset costs of maintaining the fields and equipment, or for travel expenses. Fund-raising for the teams includes sponsorships and corporate donations. Thanks to that, the public benefits by having high quality, low cost sports events that are easily accessible.

For a friendly, inexpensive afternoon of quality baseball, visit one of the venues of the Cape Cod Baseball League on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The motto of the CCBL, "Where the Stars of Tomorrow Shine Tonight" could not be more true.

In The Field

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