One of the largest crowds of the summer packed Veterans Field on a perfect evening in Chatham last Tuesday. This was no ordinary day in the Cape League. But at the same time, the pageantry and enthusiasm were the same as any other day this summer.
ESPN’s Molly McGrath hosted SportsCenter ahead of the Anglers’ game against the Wareham Gatemen as part of the network's 50 States in 50 Days tour. The initiative brings SportsCenter and its anchors to fans across the country. The Cape League was chosen for Massachusetts, with the game in Chatham as the backdrop.
In the show, McGrath highlighted everything that makes the tradition of the Cape League special. She walked from Main St. to the field in one of her segments. Before interviewing Anglers’ manager Dennis Cook, she made her way through the stands among droves of fans, even stopping for a picture with a kid.
The hill in right-center field was full of blankets as a massive American flag flew overhead suspended from a ladder truck at the Chatham fire station. A clear blue sky made way for orange and purple hues as the sun went down. The night, which also included some dynamic baseball, was a perfect endorsement of what the Cape League represents and a validation of why it is so beloved.
Also on Tuesday in Falmouth, four Boston sports writing legends made the trip to Guv Fuller Field. Bob Ryan, Peter Gammons, Leigh Montville and Dan Shaughnessy threw out the first pitch before the Commodores took on the Cotuit Kettleers. The quartet, who many consider the Mount Rushmore of Boston sports writing, interacted with fans and signed autographs.
Other community events took place across the Cape this past weekend. On Saturday, the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox hosted Special Olympics Night, and the Bourne Braves raised awareness through an event in partnership with Stand Up to Cancer. Sunday at Eldredge Park in Orleans was Pack the Hill Night to support the Cape Cod Foster Closet.
On the field last week, the Harwich Mariners played seven days in a row because of a rain makeup and won their last six games. Harwich hosted second-place Y-D on Sunday for a marquee matchup between the best in the East Division. With the standings tight, the game was crucial for both teams heading into the last week of the regular season. The Red Sox were looking to tie Harwich in first place, but the Mariners took a two-game lead with a 3-2 win, their third in a row by one run.
Harwich left fielder Aiden Robbins leads the league in OPS at .947 and is second in home runs with six. He hit a two-run homer in the first inning on Friday against the Orleans Firebirds. Those runs were all the Mariners needed in a 2-1 victory. Harwich’s 3.20 team ERA is the best in the league.
In the West Division, the Wareham Gatemen have won seven of their last ten and remain in first place. Wareham is the best offensive team in the league — first in OPS (.726) and second home runs (32). The Bourne Braves are in second place just one game behind.
With six games left, the divisional races are reaching a fever pitch. The regular season will come to a close this Sunday with the playoffs beginning Tuesday, August 5.
