HARWICH, Mass. - The storied history of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) added a shining new chapter this past Sunday, Nov. 16, as the league welcomed its newest class of legends into the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame. The annual induction ceremony, held at the picturesque Wequassett Resort & Golf Club, was a heartwarming celebration of careers, community and the enduring magic of summer collegiate baseball on Cape Cod.
The day began with brunch overlooking the beautiful water of Pleasant Bay, setting an intimate and celebratory tone for the ceremony that followed. Friends, family, former teammates and league executives gathered to honor the inductees, whose collective contributions span decades of excellence on the field and dedication to the league off it.
2025 Hall of Fame Class and Award Honorees
This year's ceremony enshrined a distinguished group of players and contributors, recognizing their lasting impact on the CCBL:
Hall of Fame Inductees
Gary Alexander (Orleans 1986): Playoff MVP who led Orleans to the 1986 championship.
Nick Gonzales (Cotuit 2019): League MVP who led the Cotuit Kettleers to the 2019 title.
Travis Jankowski (Bourne 2010-11): 2011 League MVP and talented outfielder.
Pat Pinkman (Wareham 1999-2000): 1999 Outstanding Pitcher awardee for the Gatemen.
Bob Stead (Yarmouth-Dennis & Bourne): Longtime coach, manager and administrator for the League.
William (Bill) Walker (Chatham 1957-58): 1957 batting champion for the Chatham Townies.
Award Recipients
Gary Ellis (Posthumous): Received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime service to the Y-D Red Sox organization and his role as an advisor to the Hall of Fame Committee.
Larry Egan: Received the Peter Gammons Award for his work as play-by-play broadcaster, producer and engineer for the Cape League Game of the Week on 96.3 WEEI from 2001-22.
Ted Lekas: Named Executive of the Year for the 2024 season by Cape League President Andrew Lang in recognition of his service as Senior Deputy Commissioner.
A day of heartwarming reflection
Each inductee and award recipient captivated the audience with stories of their Cape League summers. Whether recounting championship runs, the kindness of their host families or the moment the league prepared them for the professional ranks, the speeches were filled with gratitude and emotion. The appreciation for the opportunity to play and serve in the League was incredibly heartwarming and served as a potent reminder of the CCBL's unique role in the game of baseball.
Andrew Lang, President of the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame Committee, expressed his appreciation for the honorees and the attendees. "To hear these accomplished individuals speak so fondly of their time here, not just the baseball, but the life lessons and the community spirit is incredibly rewarding," Lang noted. "Their stories are the heartbeat of our league."
The Nov. 16 event at Wequassett Resort once again highlighted that while the players may move on to professional glory in and outside the game of baseball, the foundation of their success, and the heart of the game, will forever reside on Cape Cod.
