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CAPE LEAGUE MID-SUMMER CLASSIC loaded with Future Stars and Fan Fun

07/19/2016 3:46 PM

Article By: CCBL Public Relations Office

CHATHAM, Mass. – With the rosters for the 2016 Friendly’s Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game and Chatham Bars Inn Home Run Hitting Contest set, the premier players in the premier summer college baseball league are ready to delight fans and dazzle Major League scouts.

     As in years past, the best players from the East and West Divisions will be looking to leave their mark on the Cape Cod mid-summer classic, showcasing their pro-prospect skills at Veterans Field in Chatham on Saturday, July 23, beginning at 6:05 pm.

     “Every player in the Cape League hopes to make it to the Big Leagues in the next few years. Being an All-Star in a League that turns out so many future pros is an incredible honor and an impressive achievement to have on your resume if you’re one of the 48 guys selected by the League’s coaches,” said Cape Cod Baseball League Commissioner Paul Galop.
    
     But, it’s not just the All-Star Game that will draw thousands to beautiful Veterans Field. For hours before the first pitch, there will be plenty of family-friendly festivities for fans to enjoy when the gates open at 2 pm.

     Fans who show up early can peruse the vendor fair, enjoy a scoop of Friendly’s Ice Cream, participate in a silent auction with tons of sports memorabilia, or try out a few interactive baseball activities courtesy of the Mobile Red Sox Showcase.
 
     For baseball purists, early birds will be able to watch the East and West All-Stars take pre-game batting practice, beginning at 2 pm; followed by a chance for fans to score an autograph from their favorite players.

     However, the big pre-game highlight will be the Home Run Hitting Contest, scheduled to begin at 5 pm. It will feature three East Division power hitters and three West Division sluggers and is sure to provide plenty of wow-factor as they swing for the fences to see who will be crowned the 2016 long ball king.  
      
     The official pre-game ceremony will begin at 5:40 pm with the introduction of this year’s All-Stars. The National Anthem will be sung by Cape Cod’s own American Idol Siobhan Magnus, followed by the ceremonial first pitch being thrown out by WHDH Channel 7 sports reporter Alex Corddry and Friendly’s franchise owner Bobby Arruda.

     Of course, the game itself promises to provide plenty of drama as the East Division will be led by Harwich Mariners ace BJ Myers, who boasts a 3-1 record and a 1.22 ERA in 37 innings pitched so far this summer. The offense will feature Myers teammate, starting second-basemen Ernie Clement, who is in contention for a Cape League batting title and MVP honors this year with a .361 batting average and 14 stolen bases, one shy of the league lead.

     The West Division will be led by Bourne Braves starting first-baseman Justin Yurkchak, whose .362 batting average leads the league so far this season. Getting the nod as the starting pitcher for the West is Falmouth Commodores hurler Jeffry Passantino, who in 32 innings pitched this year has posted a miniscule 0.56 ERA with 29 strikeouts while issuing only 3 walks.

     Tickets are now available at any of the League’s 10 ballfields. Tickets may also be purchased for $5 each at the gate.

     For a schedule of the day’s activities visit www.capecodbaseball.org/archives/allstar/previous/2016-all-star/
   
     To see the East Division and West Division All-Star rosters visit www.capecodbaseball.org/news/season/index.html?article_id=2278


About Cape Cod Baseball League:
     The premier collegiate summer league in the nation, the Cape Cod Baseball League attracts players from across the country, representing all college divisions to play in the 10-team loop. Tracing its roots back to 1885, the Cape League embarks this June on one of its most exciting slates to date, featuring a 44-game regular-season schedule and an action-packed postseason. Among the highlights will be the 2016 Cape League All-Star Game on Saturday, July 23 at Veterans Field, home of the Chatham Anglers, and the induction of the 16th Hall of Fame class during a ceremony at the Chatham Bars Inn in November. As the league celebrates its 131st year, it counts more than 1,100 all-time alumni performing at all levels of professional baseball with a record number (292) former Cape Leaguers on Major League rosters. For more information visit www.capecodbaseball.org

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