Cape Cod Baseball League Teams

Cape League All-Stars Treated to Special Day at Fenway Park

BOSTON - Like kids let loose in a candy store, the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Stars were treated to a visit to Fenway Park this week and honored by the Boston Red Sox for the players' high-caliber performance during the 2001 CCBL season.

A former infielder for the Bourne Braves and Cotuit Kettleers, Boston Red Sox fan favorite Lou Merloni congratulates Cape League all-star batboy T.J. LaBonte (Brewster Whitecaps) at Fenway Park (July 25).
Sean Walsh/CCBL 2001

A total of 50 CCBL all-stars from virtually every nook of the nation was represented during the annual pre-game luncheon and ensuing pre-game, on-field awards ceremony. The timing couldn't have been much better as ESPN slated the Red Sox Vs. Blue Jays home game as a live, televised program.

Inaugural Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame enshrinee Dick Bresciani, Red Sox Vice President of Public Affairs, welcomed the CCBL All-Stars to Fenway and treated his honored guests to a generous buffet lunch in the Ted Williams Room. Bresciani helped establish the Cape League Public Relations Department, where he worked summers from 1965 through 1972.

After the CCBL All-Stars were treated to lunch, it was a short walk into the ballpark; for many players in attendance, it was the first time they had set foot in one of Major League Baseball's most hallowed venues. For other CCBL coaches and officials, the visit may have appeared on the surface to be "old hat," but it was no less exciting to once again be treated to a day walking on the same lush carpet as Ruth, Foxx, Doerr, Yastrzemski, Williams and Fisk

Former Cape Leaguers like Toronto Blue Jays' southpaw Chris Michalak (Notre Dame/Chatham A's '91) took time out from their busy pre-game work-outs to chat with old pals like A's Field Manager John Schiffner. Former Cape League batting champion Jason Varitek chatted with fellow former Met and now Manager Mike Juhl, while foemr Bourne Brave and Cotuit Kettleer infielder Lou Merloni kibitzed with CCBL President Judy Scarafile.

In spite of stifling heat and humidity, Cape League all-stars like Harwich Mariners' pitchers Luke Robertson and Joe Saunders sat waiting with new American League baseballs in their hands, perchance to get a signature from their favorite Major Leaguer. Some CCBL all-stars looked like true members of the Fenway Faithful, staking a spot by Pesky's Pole during batting practice in hopes of garnering an errant foul ball.

The Wareham Gatemen West Division All-Star contingent kibbitzes with ESPN baseball guru Peter Gammons at Fenway. Sean Walsh/CCBL 2001

The entire Wareham Gatemen all-star contingent sat mesmerized by ESPN baseball guru Peter Gammons as spun yarn upon yarn by the backstop and took special time to say hello or pose for a picture with any Cape Leaguer who so desired. In the end, the day could be chalked up as yet another in a long list of Cape League success stories from the summer of 2001 as each player had his name announced over the Fenway public address system and was then greeted by Director of Player Development Ken Qualls, Merloni and Scarafile at home plate.

Special thanks to the entire Boston Red Sox organization and Pina Bus Lines of Osterville for providing transportation.

-- Sean Walsh/CCBL 2001

Chatham A's Manager John Schiffner shares a laugh and a handshake with Boston Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni. Schiffner was on hand with the 2001 Sprint PCS Cape League All-Stars during the July 25 Red Sox game versus the Toronto Blue Jays. Sean Walsh/CCBL 2001

Cape League President Judy Scarafile chats with former Cape Leaguer-turned Red Sox star Lou Merloni at Fenway Park. Sean Walsh/CCBL 2001

Bourne Braves all-stars (from left) Nick Italiano, Mike Dennison and Casey Shumaker soak in the aura of Fenway Park. Sean Walsh/CCBL 2001

Chatham A's Manager John Schiffner enjoys a moment at Fenway Park with former A's southpaw Chris Michalak of the Toronto Blue Jays and (from left) 2001 Chatham A's all-stars Bobby Malek, Mike McCoy, David Bush and Daniel Moore.
Sean Walsh/CCBL 2001

Orleans Cardinals' all-stars (from left) Tyler Davidson and Troy Caradonna share a laugh with Orleans GM Sue Horton at Fenway Park. Sean Walsh/CCBL 2001