Being the designated hitter is one of the loneliest jobs in baseball. Just you, the bat, and a couple of hours in your own head. While the other half of the game is being played, the DH sits through long defensive innings and short offensive stints.
And yet, the Hyannis Harbor Hawks’ DHs have quietly been some of the most productive bats in the Cape Cod Baseball League.
On July 25th, Deiten Lachance went 4-for-4 against Bourne, racking up three doubles, three RBIs, and a run scored. It was the latest peak in a season-long cycle of designated hitters producing, even while grappling with the mental side of a job that keeps them on the bench most of the game.
“Honestly, I always struggle a little bit DH-ing,” Lachance said postgame. “You feel like you have to pinch-hit every AB. You’re on the bench, waiting for your turn. When you’re catching, you’re locked in. When you’re DH-ing, you’ve got to get that first at-bat to feel good, and then you can go on a roll.”
Lachance’s approach worked quite well on Friday. After seeing the ball well early, Lachance never let up. While his day ended perfect at the plate, his routine between at-bats reflects the challenge of staying engaged when not in the squat catching.
“I just walk around. I look at the game, try to be with the guys, drink water. If I sit on the bench too long, I’m done for the day.”
Still, Lachance is far from the only Hawk to shine in the DH role this season. Through July 25th, Hyannis’ DHs have combined to hit .297 with 19 RBIs, 13 extra-base hits, and an impressive .373 on-base percentage. Matt Miura (.388), Jayce Dobie (4-for-4 in his lone game), and Lachance himself (.385) have been especially dangerous.
As far as Hyannis’ DH play compares to the rest of the CCBL, it hasn’t disappointed. The Harbor Hawks' designated hitters lead the league in hits and doubles, and have struck out the second fewest times in the league—all while posting a batting average 50 points higher than the next best team (.304 to .257). This is by far the best team in the league at plugging guys into the DH role and getting results.
Manager Mitch Karraker explained that the DH spot is often a way to rotate rest days while still keeping bats in the lineup.
“Sometimes it’s about giving a guy rest, like we DH’d Lachance tonight because he caught yesterday. But it also depends on what fits in the lineup,” Karraker said. “Being on defense helps keep guys in rhythm, so DH can be tough. But for whatever reason, our DHs have done a really nice job.”
For every breakout game, there’s also the quiet struggle. Ryan McKay (.150), Charlie Bates (0-4), and others have found the adjustment to DH difficult. This is especially true when at-bats are limited to three or four trips to the plate per game.
With the playoffs looming, production is everything. The Hawks will need more 4-for-4 nights like Lachance’s and more deep benches that can deliver without touching the field.
Hyannis plays Orleans at McKeon Park on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Reach Matt Ford-Wellman
X: @MattFW_4
Gmail: mfordwellman.media@gmail.com
