As the Star-Spangled Banner came to a close and the Harbor Hawks’ home opener kicked off, the air smelled just a little sweeter—not just because of the popcorn. Cape Cod Baseball is back, and the atmosphere at McKeon Park felt just like it did almost 10 months ago.
The Hyannis Harbor Hawks came away with a 4–1 victory over the reigning Cape Cod Baseball League champions, the Harwich Mariners. The reigning western division champs earned the win thanks to some stellar pitching and complementary offensive play.
Familiar cheers filled the crowd as Miles Bailey knocked in the first run of the game on a 1–0 fastball, sitting on the pitch after seeing offspeed from Evan Dempsey. The 6’4” first baseman had anticipated it well. Bailey earned All-American honors at Florida State University this past season, and the freshman noticed a difference in the style of play in Eastern Massachusetts.
“It's definitely more mellow,” Bailey said. “Coming from super regionals—fans are yelling—so it's definitely more mellow, more chill, laid-back vibes. Just normal baseball.”
Bailey’s RBI ignited a two-run inning in the bottom of the first. His hit flew over the right fielder and one-hopped the wall. His teammate Andrew Williamson followed up with a bigger swing, shooting an inside pitch into the trees beyond right field. The Central Florida outfielder is clearly in his element early this season.
“It's awesome, you know? Being able to run out to the outfield and look out and see the fans on the hill and in the bleachers,” Williamson said. “It's awesome to see—especially in summer ball. All the support definitely makes it more exciting than it already is.”
Williamson spoke fondly of the Cape, reflecting on the excitement and how lovely it is on the dunes. Between the fans, foghorns, and Harbor Hawks flying above Judy Walden Scarafile Field, the crowd can’t get enough of the action.
Hyannis fans Sue Ellen Harrington and Tess Ramby were in attendance for the home opener. They both enjoyed the fanfare, along with the chilly summer night that settled in just after first pitch. Ramby described the game as “good old hometown fun,” emphasizing its importance to the community. Harrington, whose family loves baseball, spoke about how historic the atmosphere feels, describing exactly what baseball players and fans look for in an experience:
“It's exciting,” Harrington said “Just iconic to be here and watch what I've always heard about.”
Manager Mitch Karraker is pleased with what he's seen just two games into the season. With players giving one hundred percent and pitching shutting down the opposition, Karraker is letting his team do what they do best.
“I think that's kind of how we recruit, right? And you can see that from one through nine—our guys play the game hard. Schaffner being aggressive [early] on the bases, which is good,” Karraker said. “Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't, but we like to push the envelope. I think they understand that, and that's why we brought them here.”
With the Harbor Hawks fired up and ready, Karraker is leaning into the grassroots foundation of baseball—the purest part of the game. In a baseball world constantly shaken by regulation changes, rule disputes, and economic influences, the Cape Cod Baseball League offers something close to timeless.
Brewster visits Hyannis @ 6 p.m. – 6/16/25
Harwich travels to Falmouth @ 6 p.m. – 6/16/25
