On Tuesday, the focus at Merrill "Red" Wilson Field shifted from chasing wins to celebrating stars. Nine Y-D Red Sox joined elite talent from across the Cape Cod Baseball League for Media Day, marking the official countdown to the 35th Annual Cape League All-Star Game.
This midsummer showcase brings the league's best to Harwich’s Whitehouse Field on Saturday, July 18. Selected by the league's 10 managers, the 28-man East and West rosters represent the absolute pinnacle of collegiate baseball.
Pro Prospects and College Reunions
For Harwich manager Steve Englert, who will watch five of his own Mariners play on their home turf, the game is a well-deserved reward for a summer of hard work. The showcase also offers a massive platform for a new wave of prospects, arriving just one week after a historic MLB Draft that saw 20 former Mariners selected.
"I think they're just excited to play in an All-Star Game in front of all these major league scouts,” Englert said. “It's a tremendous environment every year, and the fans are really going to enjoy it. It's going to be a fun day."
On his busy week texting draft congratulations, Englert added: "To me, that's the most gratifying thing about coaching down here, seeing those kids get drafted the following year... I have to get back to that because there's a whole bunch of kids, and I'm extremely happy for them."
Beyond draft buzz, the All-Star weekend serves as a unique reunion for college teammates currently battling in opposite Cape dugouts. Wareham manager Ryan Smyth is particularly excited to see Gatemen pitchers Levi Clark and Ethan Baiotto reunite with fellow Tennessee Volunteer Tyler Myatt (Orleans).
"That's always cool," Smyth said. "There are plenty of guys on opposing teams that we play against. That's what makes this special, so many guys from different schools are out here competing against each other."
The Warm Up Event: 2026 Home Run Contest
Before the All-Star Game first pitch, the league’s most explosive power hitters will take the field for the highly anticipated Home Run Contest.
Wareham's Coen Niclai, who has already flashed his power with four home runs this summer, is looking to bring the trophy home. Smyth offered some simple strategic advice for his young slugger:
"It's a big ballpark, so he'll probably have to hook one down the line a little bit. He's got opposite-field power too, so maybe he can sneak one out that way. Most importantly, just have fun and enjoy the moment."
Standing in Niclai's way is Chatham's 6’5” powerhouse, Junior Laukai, who hit 14 home runs at Oregon this spring. Despite only being on the Cape for a week, Laukai has already launched two homers and is ready to put on a show.
"It's an honor. I'm going up against a bunch of great players on Saturday," Laukai said. "I've only been here for a week, and I already get to represent the team here on the Cape. I'm super excited to go out there and hit some bombs."
As for his distance goals? "With a wood bat, I think I can hit one 440... maybe 450. It depends on how the field plays. Last time I played there, it was playing pretty big, but I think I can get one out to 450."
Laukai, who grew up rooting for Bryce Harper in the MLB Home Run Derby, hopes to channel that same star power on Saturday.
“Bryce Harper was the guy I was rooting for,” Laukai said. “He didn't get the win like I wanted, but he was the participant I was most looking forward to watching."
On Saturday, Laukai will try to achieve what Harper didn’t on Tuesday night.
Event Details & Tickets
When: Saturday, July 18
Where: Whitehouse Field, Harwich
Gates Open: 1:45 p.m.
Tickets: $10 (Available online at https://www.capecodbaseballstore.org/ or at the gate)
Admission: Free for children 12 and under
