Outstanding closer Pat Neshek led the Gatemen to the 2001 Cape Cod Baseball League championship with a 4-2 record in 14 games, which included six saves, 29 strikeouts and only one earned run while compiling near-spotless 0.41 ERA.
Known for his unorthodox pitching style, Neshek’s submarine delivery finished with sidearm motion, developed after a baseball struck his forearm in high school. From Butler, he was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the sixth round of the 2002 MLB Draft. Neshek made his MLB debut for the Twins in 2006 and pitched for them until 2010 (except for 2009, missed due to Tommy John surgery).
He was selected to the MLB All-Star Game in 2014 and 2017. He also went on to pitch for San Diego, Oakland, St. Louis, Houston, Colorado and Philadelphia in a 13-year career which ended in 2019. His career marks include a 36-25 record with a 2.82 ERA and 471 strikeouts. An avid autograph collector, Neshek has created and runs his own website for his fans to interact and talk about collecting autographs. His 1970 complete Topps set is thought to be one of the best-rated in the world.
The Cape League Hall of Fame class includes 2024 National Baseball Hall of Famer Todd Helton (Orleans), former Cape League MVP and current Major Leaguer Nick Senzel (Brewster 2015), Neshek (Wareham 2001), batting champions Andrew Calica (Wareham 2015), Todd Cunningham (Falmouth 2009) and Brick Smith (Hyannis 1980), and legendary Falmouth manager Jeff Trundy.
The Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Wequassett Resort in Harwich, Mass. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the Cape Cod Baseball League store (https://www.capecodbaseballstore.org/hall-of-fame) or by calling Mary Henderson at (508) 922-7388.
Top photo courtesy of MLB Photos.