The connection built between players and host families is one of the most unique aspects of the Cape League, providing lasting relationships such as the one between Chris Sale, who pitched for Yarmouth-Dennis in 2009, and his former host dad, John “Doc” Serijan.
While racking up all of his accomplishments in Major League Baseball, including closing out a World Series title for the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and winning an NL Cy Young Award in 2024, Chris has always remained in touch with Doc.
Doc said that most of their interactions come by means of text; however, Chris returned to Red Wilson Field this past October and was able to reconnect with Doc in person. Coincidentally, the visit came on the same day as Doc’s birthday, making the occasion even more special. Doc is also planning on seeing Chris once again in his home state of Florida in the coming months.
“It meant a lot for him to come visit,” Doc said. “I plan on seeing him down in Florida. I’ll be down in Naples hopefully for a few months, and I’ll visit him and his family.”
Beyond the bond between Chris and Doc themselves, Doc talked about how this has stretched throughout both of their families.
“My daughter has a fairly good relationship with him because she was the athletic trainer [for Y-D],” Doc said. “But also, she has a pretty good relationship with Brianne, [Chris’s] wife, so it makes it nice.”
During his entire 15-year career in MLB, Chris has been known for his fire and fierce competitiveness on the mound. Doc said that he saw clear signs of his drive to win dating back to his time on the Cape, both on and off the field.
“He was very competitive on the field and even off the field,” Doc said. “They always played miniature golf, and Chris really enjoyed being a winner. Even in the concessions when they go around and sell tickets, Chris wanted to be the No. 1 seller.”
This passion led to plenty of success during his time with Y-D, as Chris had a 1.05 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched and earned Cape League Outstanding Pitcher Award honors. He went on to get drafted by the Chicago White Sox with the 13th pick in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft in the next summer.
Chris has consistently found himself as one of the top pitchers in the sport, finishing inside the top six in AL Cy Young Award voting in seven straight seasons from 2012-18, but he could never crack the top spot. Despite this and suffering a multitude of injuries, Doc remained confident that he would eventually collect the first Cy Young of his career until he did exactly that in 2024 with the Atlanta Braves.
“I’m extremely proud of him,” Doc said. “There were a lot of years before where I thought, ‘Chris, this is going to be your Cy Young year,’ and then he would get injured. He falls off a bike or whatever, but that’s Chris. He’s just a fun, loving guy.”
Doc still hosts players and attends just about every Y-D home game during the summer, but his relationship with Chris in particular has showcased not only how host families can stay connected with their players throughout their careers but also the different stages of their lives.
“Like I tell Chris, ‘I’m proud of what you’ve done as far as baseball goes,’” Doc said. “But I’ve told him this more than once: ‘The most proud I am of you is that you’re a great husband and you’re a great father.’ That is what means more to me than baseball accolades.”
