Michael Ball (Nevada) made his first start with Yarmouth-Dennis and made an immediate impact in his fourth at-bat of the summer in the top of the first inning against Cotuit on Sunday. Ball blasted a belt-high fastball from Tyler O’Neill (Bucknell) and took off in a mad dash towards first. His eyes glanced towards the left-center field wall where he watched it fly over the fence for his first Cape League home run.

Ball slowed down and went into his traditional home run trot halfway to second base and pointed skyward as he touched home plate. The homer was a signature highlight for Ball whose journey consists of setbacks, injuries and an unwavering belief in himself.

Ball said he got his pitch after getting sliders early in the count and shared, “I just connected and didn’t know it was gone so I sprinted.” It didn’t take long for Ball to make an impact as his solo home run ignited the Red Sox offense who won 6-3 in the battle of the two division leaders.

The 5-foot-10 middle infielder began his collegiate career at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington, which has an enrollment of just over 7,500 students. Ball broke a hamate bone in his hand during his time at Everett CC which was the first of two nearly career-ending injuries.

Playing for the Trojans in Northwest Washington, Ball used a wood bat during his freshman season which is unique in college baseball which uses aluminum. Ball transferred from Everett to Nevada in the Division I ranks but played in a combined 24 games during his first two seasons as a result of a stress fracture in his foot which included a “prolonged recovery.”

“I've had quite the journey,” Ball said. “If I didn't get hurt my junior year, I wouldn't be Cape eligible so it's been a journey in learning how to surrender and appreciate each opportunity that makes it my way because I've been told countless times to step away from the game and I believe that God has me on a path where this is truly my calling. This is what I love to do. This is what's ahead for me.”

Ball had a screw inserted across his right foot and was finally medically cleared to play two weeks before the 2024 season began which was a breakout campaign for the Beaverton, Oregon, product.

Ball was an All-Mountain West Second Team selection and was tied for 24th nationally with 22 doubles which also placed him second in the conference. Ball led the Wolf Pack with 67 hits, 55 RBIs, 121 total bases and was second on the team with 10 home runs.

Ball’s breakout season propelled him to draft boards but he didn’t hear his name called during the 20-round MLB Draft a week ago. Ball used it as motivation and an opportunity to live out his childhood dream of playing in the prestigious Cape League and got a phone call from head coach Scott Pickler that made that dream come to life.

“I had actually reached out to another team just 30 minutes before Pick called me,” Ball said. “That was kind of funny how that worked but it was an awesome experience where the draft happened and obviously some disappointment there but then I wanted to get onto the Cape since the beginning of the summer and I get that call and I'm like man, let's let's get out here, let's do it so that was an awesome call.”

Throughout the twists and turns in his journey, Ball has been rooted in his faith. He said his belief is what’s allowed him to battle through adversity as he ignored those who told him it was time to hang up his cleats.

Ball said he utilizes meditation and prayer as a means to be at ease with everyday life and shared the importance of being vulnerable and open in times of hardships. He also praised his parents who’ve continuously supported him through a journey from JUCO to the Cape.

“I just take it as a blessing and surrender to whatever God has planned for me each and every day,” Ball said. “The Lord knows I've prepared and now I just get to play with some freedom and know that this is my last time playing on the Cape so I just get to leave it all out there every day and be thankful for the opportunity.”

Photo by Sophie Solarino