09/26/2007 3:41 PM Article By:
Harwich Mariners
2007 Season Review
(14-28-2 – 5th in East)
HARWICH, Mass. -- The Harwich Mariners came out of the gate storming as the 2007 Cape Cod Baseball League season got under way, but they faltered down the stretch, plagued by injuries, a couple of no-shows and early departures. This resulted in a 14-28-2 record, which placed the Mariners fifth and last in the East Division.
This, however, did not detract from some outstanding individual performances.
Harwich’s best all-around player was shortstop Cole Figueroa (Florida), who was consistent throughout the season with his bat and with his glove. Figueroa earned a spot as a starter on the East All-Star Team and also won the Marty McDonough Award as team MVP. He played in 39 of Harwich’s 44 games, batting .281 to lead the team, and was third on the team in doubles (5), first in hits (41), second in walks (18) and second in stolen bases (7). Figueroa committed only seven errors at the demanding shortstop position.
Far and away the Mariners’ best pitcher was lefty reliever Evan Crawford (Auburn), who turned heads with his dominance and buckled batters’ knees with his devastating curve ball. Crawford made the East All-Star Team and also won the Al Graeber Pitcher of the Year Award.
Crawford led the Mariners in appearances, pitching in 16 games, all in relief. He recorded a 1-0 record, led the team in saves with five and finished with a miniscule 0.67 ERA. Crawford also had an amazing 41 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched and allowed just two earned runs all summer.
Harwich’s biggest surprise of 2007 was right fielder Steve Strausbaugh (Western Carolina), the only temporary position player to earn a Mariner contract for the entire season. Strausbaugh led the team in RBI (22) and games played (40) and was third in hits (34) and second in doubles (6). His powerful throwing arm gunned down five base runners from right field. He signed a contract with the New York Yankees during the last week of the season.
John Hannemann, CCBL Intern ([email protected])
