Destined for Fenway: Former Brewster Whitecap James Tibbs returns to New England

The 2023 Cape League Home Run Contest winner is back in the Northeast
Tibbs

BOSTON — As rain fell over Fenway Park, James Tibbs III stood next to the cage, moments away from taking batting practice at the Cape Cod Baseball League’s annual Fenway workout. Just before his turn approached, the dream was quite literally washed away.

This memory was one of the first that came to mind for newly acquired outfielder James Tibbs III when he learned he was being traded to the Boston Red Sox.

“We're sitting there taking BP, and all of a sudden, it starts raining,” Tibbs recalled. “I'm the next person to hit, and they canceled it.”

A disappointed Tibbs approached Brewster Whitecaps manager Jamie Shevchik and asked if he’d get another chance.

“Shev looks at me, and I'll never forget this,” Tibbs said. “He goes, ‘Nope, we're not gonna get another chance. So you have to figure out a way to get back here.’”

Now, Tibbs has his opportunity.

After playing what would be his final game for the Eugene Emeralds, High-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, Tibbs walked off the field and was handed a phone. On the other end of the line came the news — he was being traded to the Boston Red Sox.

“There were so many emotions in that phone call,” Tibbs said. “I had created a really good group of friends within the Giants organization. I was starting to get comfortable with them and enjoying my time.”

Having spent a summer in New England with the Cape Cod Baseball League, Tibbs didn’t expect this to be the way he’d return to the East Coast.

“I couldn't be more excited to play for this organization and be part of the history of the Boston Red Sox, but it was definitely not how I thought it was going to go.”

Tibbs empathized with Red Sox fans when discussing his involvement in the trade that sent All-Star slugger Rafael Devers to San Francisco.

“I know there are a lot of people who feel differently about the trade, and whatever their opinions might be, I’m right there with them — I get it. I understand. Baseball’s a crazy game, and it’s a business, right? Things happen in ways we don’t always expect. I’ve seen it as a fan growing up, so I understand the emotions behind it. Now, I’m experiencing it from the player’s side, and it’s a totally different feeling. It’s a weird process to be part of something like this, but I couldn’t be more excited to be here."

One major source of excitement for Tibbs is the chance to reunite with his childhood best friend and former Brewster Whitecaps teammate, Will Turner, now playing for the Greenville Drive, the Boston Red Sox High-A affiliate.

“My mom texted me and said that James’ mom had reached out to her,” Turner said. “She said, ‘James got traded to the Red Sox.’”

Tibbs and Turner have been playing baseball together since they were 14 years old, making the news a pleasant surprise. Turner immediately picked up the phone to call Tibbs.

“What’s up, teammate?” Tibbs said when he answered.

Turner couldn’t believe it at first and kept asking Tibbs if he was joking. Tibbs assured him he wasn’t and said they’d catch up once the transition was settled.

“I’m super stoked,” Turner said. “I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Turner isn’t the only familiar face in the Red Sox organization.

“I played with Kristian Campbell from the time I was 9 until I was about 13 or 14. He went to my rival high school and was a good friend growing up. I always knew the kid was going to be special. I played against him in college when he was at Georgia Tech and I was at Florida State.”

Tibbs shared that his parents still often run into Campbell’s family in their hometown of Marietta, Georgia.

He also grew up playing against Triple-A Worcester slugger Blaze Jordan.

“He played for the Dulins Dodgers, and I played for the East Cobb Astros. Our teams were always rivals and met in championship games and big tournaments.”

Tibbs was selected 13th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft — just one pick after the Red Sox, who instead selected current White Sox prospect Braden Montgomery.

“Coming into the year, I wasn’t expecting to go high — or even in the first round, necessarily.”

Tibbs, the 2024 ACC Player of the Year, wasn’t ranked in 2023 before his breakout summer with the Brewster Whitecaps.

“I think he’s going to be on the walls of a lot of young Boston Red Sox fans,” Shevchick said.

Shevchick spoke highly of his former player, even calling him one of his all-time favorites.

“He’s a respectful kid who’s going to grind it out and play the game the right way. He’s going to be a fan favorite — no doubt. I always tell my players: your goal when you leave Brewster should be to make sure you become someone’s favorite player.”

Shevchick added that they still keep in touch and that it’s a relationship and bond that will last a lifetime.

“Tibbs, take the talent away, it’s hard to say I’ve become closer to another kid, from a friendship standpoint,” he said.

Tibbs said his primary goal leading up to the Draft was to perform well in the College World Series. He made a statement in the Super Regionals against UConn, where he hit three home runs — including a game-winning two-run blast in the 12th inning — to send Florida State to Omaha for the first time since 2019.

Though the Seminoles fell to Tennessee just shy of the finals, Tibbs’ performance throughout the tournament solidified his place as a top-15 pick in the Draft.

He also credits his time in the Cape League with elevating his profile.

“The Cape really made me realize what I was getting myself into. It was a really cool process to understand the differences in the game and how to go about your business — to prepare yourself for the next level. It was probably some of the purest baseball I've ever had the opportunity to play. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more or asked for a better summer. I’m extremely excited to be back up here in the Northeast.”

Tibbs admitted the transition to wooden bats wasn’t easy, but he adjusted quickly — earning a spot in the 2023 Cape League Home Run Contest, which he ended up winning.

“I didn’t really expect to be in the Home Run Contest. I was surprised when Shev told me, but I couldn’t have been more excited for that.”

That wasn’t the only accolade he achieved that summer though, as Tibbs was named to the Cape League All-Star Game and won the Brewster Whitecaps team MVP after hitting .299 with six home runs, six doubles and 27 RBIs in 29 games.

“It was just a tremendous experience all the way around — I couldn’t have asked for a better summer. Honestly, I didn’t expect any of it. I just wanted to go out, have fun, play baseball and learn what it takes to be a professional. So to come home with some hardware, be an All-Star, make the All-Cape team and win the Home Run Contest… none of that was part of my original goal. It was all just icing on the cake for an amazing summer.”

On the day of his trade, Tibbs found himself reconnecting with the Cape Cod community.

“I was talking to our housing coordinator from Brewster earlier that day, and then I happened to get traded literally the same day. So, I still have those relationships. I still talk to Shev all the time.”

Now ranked as the Red Sox’s No. 6 prospect, the 22-year-old is ready to get to work with Double-A Portland and embrace the next chapter of his career.

“I’m just excited to be here — this place speaks for itself. Spending a summer on the Cape, I’ve come to understand the passion and love Red Sox fans have. It’s not lost on me. I know a lot has happened, and not everyone was necessarily excited, but I hope people know I’m ready and willing to work. This is a place that brings out the best in players, but it can also be extremely tough at times. Still, I’m here to give it my all. I’m going to work hard, and I truly hope I can make an impact here in the future."

Featured image via Andrew Duffy