Not every player gets a second summer on Cape Cod.

For many, one summer on Cape Cod playing baseball is the highlight of their college career. Cade Kurland has been lucky enough to be one of the few to return to the Cape, especially after taking an entire year off.

Kurland has been a Florida native his entire life, growing up in Tampa and picking up a bat at four years old, never looking back since. Kurland played his high school ball at Berkeley Preparatory School, where he would later commit to his hometown school, the University of Florida.

Kurland was a star his freshman year at Florida, where he would bat .297 and have 17 home runs. The second baseman was named Freshman All-American and First Team All-SEC as a true freshman in 2023. Kurland was on some of the best Gator baseball teams in recent memory. As a true freshman, Kurland reached the NCAA championship series in Omaha against the LSU Tigers, ultimately losing in three games.

Kurland joined the Mariners in 2024 during one of the most memorable Mariners’ seasons. The Mariners were feeling the drag of the dog days of the Cape in late July and Kurland remembers what sparked the life.

"I remember we lost to Orleans in July and had a really rough stretch. We were out of the playoffs at one point. Stevie told us, 'We've only got a handful of games left. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so enjoy it, play hard and play with no regrets.' We went on a tear, snuck into the playoffs as the last team in, and ended up winning the whole thing," said Kurland.

One of Kurland's teammates on the Mariners’ championship squad was Aiden Robbins. The Harwich legend recently played his final season of college baseball with the Texas Longhorns, an in-conference rivalry with the Gators.

“It was sick seeing guys like Aidan Robbins go to Texas. Everyone kind of comes from different places, but you build that same standard here,” said Kurland.

Kurland was not able to come back in 2025 to defend the Cape title after contracting a shoulder injury causing him to get season ending surgery. Kurland believed he was like most Cape players who only get a solo season during their career until Coach Englert made a call.

"I actually wasn't planning on coming this year. About two weeks ago Stevie called me and said, 'What are you up to?' I said, 'Nothing much.' He said, 'Get up here.' I literally left the next day. I love it here," recalled Kurland. “I’ve been banged up over the years, so I’m healthy now. It’s a great time to get more reps and just improve all aspects of my game, offensively, defensively, and on the bases.”

After four years at Florida, Kurland is set to join LSU for his final collegiate season. Before heading to Louisiana, Kurland wants to spend a few weeks being the veteran in the dugout at Whitehouse Field.

"Cape Cod is the most prestigious summer league there is," Kurland said. "I think everyone kind of dreams of playing here when they're growing up."

Kurland's goals for this year are simple.

“Obviously getting a second ring here would be sick, but I want to pick up right where we left off.”

The Mariners are currently in the part of the season where players lose track of the days and feel like off days are extinct. Having a guy like Kurland in the dugout who has done it before is a boost for leadership.

“The best way to handle it is to keep it lighthearted and laugh about it.”

If Kurland is not working on his game, you can find him in some of his favorite spots, Dunkin’, Chatham beaches, or Mac’s Seafood. Cape Cod will always have a soft spot in Kurland's heart; he knows how special the Cape is, and with his last season with the team this year he knows to enjoy as much as possible.

“Just soak it up. If you get to do it more than once, you’re lucky,” Kurland said.