30 June, 2005

Ballparks to host author book signings

Book-signing events commemorating the publication of the new book "Beach Chairs and Baseball Bats: A Celebration of the Cape Cod Baseball League" will be held at all 10 Cape Cod Baseball League parks from July 3-16. According to author Steve Weissman, first-run signed copies will be available at each location, and signings will begin one-half hour before the games are scheduled to begin.

The dates, locations and game times are:

July 3, Red Wilson Field, Yarmouth, Y-D Red Sox, 5 p.m.

July 4, Coady School Field, Bourne, Bourne Braves, 2 p.m.

July 4, Eldredge Park, Orleans, Orleans Cardinals, 7 p.m.

July 5, Whitehouse Field, Harwich, Harwich Mariners, 7 p.m.

July 7, Veteran's Field, Chatham, Chatham A's, 7 p.m.

July 8, McKeon Park, Hyannis, Hyannis Mets, 5 p.m.

July 9, Guv Fuller Field, Falmouth, Falmouth Commodores, 5:30 p.m.

July 10, Cape Cod Tech, Harwich, Brewster Whitecaps, 5 p.m.

July 15, Lowell Park, Cotuit, Cotuit Kettleers, 5 p.m.

July 16, Clem Spillane Field, Wareham, Wareham Gatemen, 7 p.m.

For further information, call 781-367-9845 or e-mail steve.weissman@theballyard.com.

Third time charm for Hyannis' Sauls

Hard-throwing right-hander Mark Sauls (Florida State) joins a select company that includes the likes of Jeff Reardon and Big Ed Baird as top pitchers who've performed for three straight seasons in the Cape League.

The 6-4, 215-pound junior hurler arrived in Hyannis last week and the Mets' brass are pleased to welcome him back. "We're delighted to have him return in a Mets' uniform and hope he'll lead us to our third straight playoff appearance.

One of Sauls' many CCBL highlights came during Game 1 of the 2003 West Division Playoffs when he hurled an impressive 1-0, 95-pitch, two-hit shutout over the Bourne Braves. Another major highlight was pitching in last year's All-Star Game.

"I've had fun playing for the Mets the past two seasons and competing against some of the top players in the country," says Sauls, who wasn't drafted after suffering elbow tendinitis earlier this spring.

During the '03 campaign for the Mets, Sauls recorded a 2.38 ERA with 49 Ks in 45 1/3 innings. Last season, he had a 3-1 record, 1.90 ERA and 38 Ks in 52 innings.

"Several scouts told me that I should go back to the Cape League and if I did well, they would take a strong look," says Sauls.

Rice catcher Lehmann arrives at Y-D 

Catcher Danny Lehmann (Rice) joined the Red Sox this week after falling just short of a College World Series appearance. So far Lehmann is impressed with the competition in the Cape League, "Competition is better all around, there's better pitching, it's a new challenge," he says.

Lehmann is adjusting well to the wood bats as well as his teammates, "It's a struggle with the wood bats, it's a lot different. The guys that have been here know the ropes better, but everyone gets along," says Lehmann.

Lehmann should have no problem fitting in with this group. He hit .283 in his freshman season with seven home runs, 33 RBI and a .489 slugging percentage. Overall, Lehmann should be a great asset to the Sox.

Stephanie Falco, CCBL Intern, falco@capecodbaseball.org

AROUND THE CAPE HORN: The documentary "Touching the Game" has been accepted as an official entry in the prestigious 2005 Woods Hole Film Festival, July 30-Aug. 6.