Opening Day is finally here after many months of planning, organizing and preparing for another wonderful summer on Cape Cod. Our ten franchise General Managers and Field Managers have been diligently researching the best talent in America to complete our ten rosters. This year, unique challenges have escalated the process. When the college regionals started play on June 3rd with 64 college teams, the total number of Cape Cod League committed players that were appearing in the regionals numbered 163! Considering these regional tournaments are a week later this year, our teams had to work extra hard to find additional top shelf players to bridge the gap. The Super Regionals, made up of the remaining 16 college teams, had 76 players still in post season play. But fear not, the endless number of contacts nationwide has proven to be a tremendous asset as out ten teams have planned and acted accordingly to address this temporary challenge with talent-rich rosters.
As we start play on June 10th, we welcome back Mike Carrier as the new GM at Bourne replacing Chuck Sturtevant who is the new President of the CCBL. His 30 years of experience with a significant business background has already produced excellent results as the League's CEO. Mike Carrier has previous experience as the Bourne GM as well as a League Deputy Commissioner so his expertise is greatly appreciated.
The Wareham Gatemen have welcomed Jerry Weinstein as their new Field Manager this year. Jerry has many successful decades of experience in college and professional baseball and is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. We welcome his expertise to the Cape Cod League.
Over the winter many teams have completed field enhancements, not the least of which has been additional safety netting to increase protection for our fans and players from bats and balls that may head in that direction. The fields look great!
This year's All Star Game is hosted by the Chatham Anglers on Saturday, July 23rd at 6PM. This is always an exceptional event with thousands of fans in attendance. Gates open at 2PM and please be sure to get to Veteran's Field early for your choice of seats and enjoyable pre-game activities.
Our season could not happen without the incredible support of our fans and volunteers, and we could not be more grateful for everything you all do. Thank you so much, enjoy your summer and embrace the Norman Rockwell-like atmosphere at our ten ballparks. We are glad you are here!!
Paul A. Galop, Commissioner
