Cape Cod League Opens

[Kiernan]

Cape Cod League Opens Innagural Season
April 2, 1951

Cape Cod, MA - Commisioner of the Cape Cod League, Buck Werner, threw out the first pitch to open the innagural season of the highly anticipated professional baseball league. The pitch was thrown before a capacity crowd of 3000 at Cape Cod Tech High School, home of the Brewster Whitecaps, before the first game of a three game series between the Whitecaps and the visiting Easton Huskies.

"This is a great day for baseball in Cape Cod," said Werner during his speech before the game.

Today's game was followed by five others throughout the twelve team Cape Cod League. This begins a gruelling 101 game season for each team and will stretch from April through the end of July, followed by a seven game championship series in early August.

"We expect families throughout Massachussets to spend some of their summertime at one of our games," Werner added to reporters during the game.

Of note is the lack of a designated hitter in the league as well as the odd 50/51 game split with some teams having an additional home game compare to others, only time will tell if this has an effect on the outcome of the season. Additionally, Mr. Werner, team owner's, and league players have not disclosed financial information about the league.

Cape Cod League:
Division 1
Team
Brewster Whitecaps
Home: Cape Cod Tech High School
Seating: 3,000

Chatham A's
Home: Veteran's Field
Seating: 8,500

Easton Huskies
Home: Frothingham Park
Seating: 4,000

Harwich Mariners
Home: Whitehouse Field
Seating: 4,000

Orleans Cardinals
Home: Eldredge Park
Seating: 6,000

Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
Home: Red Wilson Field
Seating: 5,000

Division 2
Team
Bourne Braves
Home: Cody School Field
Seating: 3,000

Brockton Tigers
Home: Edgar's Playground
Seating: 3,000

Cotuit Kettleers
Home: Lowell Park
Seating: 2,000

Falmouth Commodores
Home: Guv Fuller Field
Seating: 8,000

Hyannis Mets
Home: McKeon Field
Seating: 3,000

Wareham Gatemen
Home: Spillane Field
Seating: 3,000





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Kiernan

[Kiernan]

August 8, 1951

Orleans, MA -- Tim Unger and Norbert Anspach combine to give the Wareham Gatemen a Championship Series Game 6 win over the Orleans Cardinals. The Gatemen (58-43) won two straight over Orleans (61-40) en route to take the series 4-2 and became the first Cape Cod League Champion.

"My boys got the job done today. They really got the job done." said Gatemen Manager, Patrick Owen after the game.

"Its been a long season and they just outlasted us at the end," replied Jimmy Lillard, Orleans Manager later in the day.

The Wareham Gatemen won their last three regular season games to outlast an end of the year surge from the Bourne Braves and take the CCL Division 2 title. This was done primarily on the arm of Clayton Austin, the Division 2 Top Pitcher for 1951, who was 14-3 with a Division 2 best 2.15 ERA.

Other league best performances were turned in by starting pitcher, Robert Bice of the Brewster Whitecaps, who was 12-4 with a CCL best 1.81 ERA. Best Batter award was given to First Baseman, Leonard McKnight, of the Division 1 Harwich Mariners. McKnight batted .329 with 6 homeruns and 54 runs batted in. Joining McKnight in receiving a batting award was Right Fielder Peter Davidson of the Falmouth Commodores. Davidson hit .321 with 6 homeruns and 62 runs batted in over the 101 game season.

A summary of the innagural season results for the Cape Cod League is available on request from league offices in Falmouth, MA.




-----------
Kiernan

[Kiernan]

April 2, 1952

WAREHAM - The Cape Cod League opens its second season today with the Bourne Braves visiting the defending champion Wareham Gatemen. The Gatemen are looking to expand upon their successful first campaign and show that 1951 was no fluke.

"We really want to prove that we're the cream of the crop. The only way to do that is to win," said returning Gatemen manager, Patrick Owen.

Today's game will also be the first chance for fans to see whether their favorites have improved over the off-season. The league's first amatuer draft was held just a few weeks ago. The pick of the litter was a trio of outfielders including CF Mark Ryder who went to Hyannis, CF Frank Meija to Brewster, and CF Brian Dixon to Cotuit. With the fourth pick, the Falmouth Commodores chose lanky left-hander, Chester Woodie, to shore up their pitching depth for the future. Additional first round picks included two firstbasemen, five pitchers and a catcher.

Anticipation is sure to run high for these boys as they join the big leagues. As the ump says, "Let's play ball!"

[Kiernan]

August 6, 1952

ORLEANS - For the second straight year, the Orleans Cardinals reached the finals only to lose to a strong Division 2 rival. The Falmouth Commodores have won the Championship in four straight games over the Cardinals.

The Cardinals (57-44) were confident that their post-season experience would help them against Falmouth (59-42), but it was not to be. With two strong pitching performances from Julio Montes, who won Player of the Game honors in Game 4 pitching 8 innings only giving up 2 runs to seal the win.

"We were just the best. We knew it going in and proved it," beamed Commodore head coach Lloyd Conwell after the big win.

The final game concluded a gruelling but successful sophmore season for the CCL, which is looking ready for great things in year three.

Final Standings:
Division 1
Team W L GB
Orleans Cardinals 57 44 --
Easton Huskies 53 48 4
Brewster Whitecaps 47 54 10
Chatham A's 47 54 10
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 46 55 11
Harwich Mariners 42 59 15

Division 2
Team W L GB
Falmouth Commodores 59 42 --
Cotuit Kettleers 55 46 4
Wareham Gatemen 54 47 5
Bourne Braves 52 49 7
Brockton Tigers 52 49 7
Hyannis Mets 42 59 17

Championship Series
Falmouth over Orleans 4-0

[Kiernan]

CCL Names Year's Best
August 10, 1952

FALMOUTH - Commissioner of the CCL, Buck Werner, today announced the best of the best awards for the 1952 season. This is the second season for the Cape Cod League.

"Today we take time to honor the best the CCL has to offer. There were a number of great players this year, but these boys shined!" Werner stated before handing out the awards today.

Best Batter - Division 1
Joseph Buchanan, LF, Orleans Cardinals
Avg: .296, 15 HR, 62 RBI

Best Batter - Division 2
Israel Piazza, RF, Cotuit Kettleers
Avg: .340, 9 HR, 52 RBI

Top Pitcher - Division 1
Willard Ellinger, Easton Huskies
15-7, 2.25 ERA, 216 IP, 113 K, 25 BB

Top Pitcher - Division 2
Philip Hinz, Cotuit Kettleers
13-7, 2.15 ERA, 179.2 IP, 122 K, 49 BB

Best Rookie - Division 1
Joseph Buchanan, LF, Orleans Cardinals
Avg: .296, 15 HR, 62 RBI

Best Rookie - Division 2
Brian Dixon, CF, Cotuit Kettleers
Avg: .270, 3 HR, 39 RBI

Best Fielders - Division 1
Pitcher: Dwight Clifton, Chatham A's
Catcher: Mark Seabolt, Easton Huskies
First Base: Jeffrey Caple, Chatham A's
Second Base: Matthew Ragin, Harwich Mariners
Third Base: Joel Buller, Harwich Mariners
Shortstop: Thomas Collinson, Orleans Cardinals
Leftfield: Damian Ross, Easton Huskies
Centerfield: John Lawrence, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
Rightfield: Roberto Sandoval, Easton Huskies

Best Fielders - Division 2
Pitcher: Brandon Fairfax, Wareham Gatemen
Catcher: Daniel Youngs, Wareham Gatemen
First Base: Oscar Toman, Wareham Gatemen
Second Base: Patrick Davis, Bourne Braves
Third Base: Efren Willis, Hyannis Mets
Shortstop: Jerry Mosley, Bourne Braves
Leftfield: Donovan McCay, Cotuit Kettleers
Centerfield: Brian Dixon, Cotuit Kettleers
Rightfield: Israel Piazza, Cotuit Kettleers

[Kiernan]

March 30, 1953

FALMOUTH - The off-season has been busy around the Cape Cod League. Teams have been making moves to shore up holes in their lineups or pitching staff. To prepare for the 1953 season, we highlight some this year's draft.

Draft results:
Round 1
Hyannis Mets - P Mark Stansberry
Harwich Mariners - P Orestes Lucero
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox - P Joe Byler
Brewster Whitecaps - 2B Kevin Fultz
Chatham A's - P John Schueler
Bourne Braves - P Jessie Jefferson
Brockton Tigers - 1B David Magness
Easton Huskies - 1B Juan Adams
Wareham Gatemen - CF Joe O'Connor
Cotuit Kettleers - 1B Michael Phifer
Orleans Cardinals - 2B Edward Austria
Falmouth Commodores - CF Frank Harden

"This year's draft was rich with pitching. Unlike last year's talent that was centered on outfielders, there were too many choices not to go with a top-notch pitching prospect at number one," said Scouting Director Jimmy Buchannan of the Hyannis Mets while answering questions on the draft. "We hope that Mark can grow with the team and make an impact in the next year or so."

With the 1953 season about to start, CCL fans won't have long to wait to see if any of these youngsters can jump right in and make an impact like last year's sensation, Brian Dixon of the Cotuit Kettleers.




Notes from around the CCL:
ORLEANS - The Cardinals are looking to remain dominant going into the new year. Manager Jimmy Lillard said that he is hoping that Joeseph Buchanan can build on his stellar rookie season last year, where he won both the Best Batter and Best Rookie awards.

WAREHAM - Patrick Owens told reporters that he likes the look of the team this year. He is really hoping that Clayton Austin returns to Top Pitcher form after his 12-12 record last season. Austin looks to be a key to Gatemen hopes in '53.

FALMOUTH - The defending champion Commodores must have felt they have all the tools they need for the new season. Things have been very quiet for Lloyd Conwell's squad this year. The team has made no significant changes to their roster. Fans may get a chance to see last year's first round pick, Chester Woodie, in a Commodore uniform sometime this year.

[Kiernan]

April 17, 1953

ORLEANS - In a bold move sure to be questioned by fans, Orleans deals LF Joe Buchanan to the Brewster Whitecaps for SS Clarence McLendon and development squad P Jackie Byers.

Buchanan won Best Batter and Best Rookie honors last year hitting 15 HR for Orleans to help them to the championship series. The move was likely precipitated by the depth Orleans has in the outfield and their need for middle infield help.

"We are sad to lose Joe, he has a lot to give to a team, but we are excited about Clarence, who hit .311 last year," said Cardinals Manager, Jimmy Lillard.

McLendon was placed on the active roster for Orleans while Byers has been placed on the development squad.

[Kiernan]

May 2, 1953

WAREHAM - Robert Parise, starter for the Wareham Gatemen, made history today by pitching the first no-hitter in Cape Cod League history as Wareham beat the Falmouth Commodores 2-0. Parise (4-2) struck out 1 and issued 1 BB while throwing only 76 pitches to get the win.

"I have to give credit to Daniel Youngs, my catcher. He called a great game. Without him, I couldn't have done it." Parise said after the game.

The game ball has been sent to the Commissioner's office in Falmouth where it will be placed on display next to Parise's picture and a plaque commemorating the event.

[Kiernan]

August 9, 1953

BROCKTON - They are dancing in the streets in Brockton as the Brockton Tigers have won the Cape Cod League Championship. Extending the Division 2 Championship win streak to three straight years, Brockton defeated the Brewster Whitecaps four games to two to take the series. Brockton punished Brewster pitching, outscoring the Whitecaps 41-19 in the six game set.

Brockton barely staved off the Cotuit Kettleers to take the Division 2 title, but were more than enough to handle the Whitecaps in the finals. Brewster nearly gave up the Division 1 title, losing their last four games of the season and going 3-7 overall at the end. Their lack of form showed in the weak hitting performance in the series.

Brewster led the CCL as a team with 65 HR and 403 runs scored overall. However, their team ERA of 3.35 couldn't match up to a Brockton squad that turned in a staff ERA of 2.92 for the season with a league high 14 shutouts.

"They had a strong team going in, but good pitching can beat good hitting. It helps when you can hit like we did this past week," said Billy Smith, Manager of the Tigers.


Final Standings:
Division 1
Team W L GB
Brewster Whitecaps 57 44 --
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 55 46 2
Orleans Cardinals 53 48 4
Easton Huskies 52 49 5
Harwich Mariners 45 56 12
Chatham A's 44 57 13

Division 2
Team W L GB
Brockton Tigers 54 47 --
Cotuit Kettleers 52 49 2
Wareham Gatemen 51 50 3
Bourne Braves 50 51 4
Falmouth Commodores 48 53 6
Hyannis Mets 45 56 9

Championship Series
Brockton over Brewster 4-2

[Kiernan]

CCL Names Year's Best
August 10, 1953

FALMOUTH - Cotuit Kettleers RF Israel Piazza inked his name in the record books by becoming the first player to hit over .400 in a season. Piazza hit .420 with 9 HR and 60 RBI. He led Division 2 in average (by 83 points!), doubles, RBIs, and hits and was tied for highest in HR. Israel won his record-setting second Best Batter award today.

Also setting a record this season was Willard Ellinger, who became the first player to win back-to-back Top Pitcher honors today as the league awards were handed out.

"This year was momentous for the CCL. With our first no-hitter and Israel Piazza's accomplishments at the plate, I would rank this league up there with any for excitement," Commissioner Buck Werner stated before handing out the awards today.

Best Batter - Division 1
Hong Petrie, SS, Brewster Whitecaps
Avg: .305, 14 HR, 64 RBI

Best Batter - Division 2
Israel Piazza, RF, Cotuit Kettleers
Avg: .428, 9 HR, 60 RBI

Top Pitcher - Division 1
Willard Ellinger, Easton Huskies
15-9, 2.12 ERA, 233.2 IP, 126 K, 19 BB

Top Pitcher - Division 2
James Stirling, Hyannis Mets
16-8, 2.56 ERA, 228.2 IP, 141 K, 25 BB

Best Rookie - Division 1
None

Best Rookie - Division 2
Leonel Sarabia, 1B, Brockton Tigers
Avg: .274, 9 HR, 53 RBI

Best Fielders - Division 1
Pitcher: Dwight Clifton, Chatham A's
Catcher: Kevin Wagner, Chatham A's
First Base: Leonard McKnight, Harwich Mariners
Second Base: David Dorr, Chatham A's
Third Base: Ted Goering, Brewster Whitecaps
Shortstop: Greg McGlynn, Harwich Mariners
Leftfield: Damian Ross, Easton Huskies
Centerfield: John Lawrence, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
Rightfield: Roberto Sandoval, Easton Huskies

Best Fielders - Division 2
Pitcher: Robert Parise, Wareham Gatemen
Catcher: Daniel Youngs, Wareham Gatemen
First Base: Tony Rambert, Bourne Braves
Second Base: Patrick Davis, Bourne Braves
Third Base: Rolland Raber, Bourne Braves
Shortstop: Jerry Mosley, Bourne Braves
Leftfield: Donovan McCay, Cotuit Kettleers
Centerfield: Brian Dixon, Cotuit Kettleers
Rightfield: Charles Coffey, Hyannis Mets

[Kiernan]

March 1, 1954

FALMOUTH - The Cape Cod League office in Falmouth, MA, was the site for the third CCL amatuer draft. Fans were on hand to watch, hoping their favorite high school or college player was chosen. They didn't have long to wait as the twelve teams completed their picks in the first ninety minutes.

Draft results:
Round 1
Chatham A's - C Douglas Seabrooks
Hyannis Mets - P Douglas Schultz
Harwich Mariners - P Raymond Hersom
Falmouth Commodores - C Kennith Merino
Bourne Braves - SS Micah McDevitt
Wareham Gatemen - P John Brooks
Cotuit Kettleers - C Larry Redmond
Easton Huskies - SS Marvin Gaddis
Orleans Cardinals - 2B Ernest Woodfin
Brockton Tigers - C William Cowles
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox - P Andrew Gregpry
Brewster Whitecaps - 1B Robert Pomerleau

"This was not your typical draft. This is the first time an outfielder wasn't taken in the first round. That was probably due to the depth, and need, of catchers this year," said Shawn Corvin, Scouting Director for the Chatham A's.

One thing that is evident, as the league matures, teams won't need to rely on these newcomers immediately. This will allow the players to groom their skills of the developmental squads before they reach everyday play in the CCL.

[Kiernan]

July, 27 1954

HYANNIS - The Mets completed their second trade this month to add depth to their roster for the post-season. With Division 2 in the bag, Hyannis Manager, William Weatherby, traded for young pitching prospect Chester Woodie. Woodie, a former first round draft pick with Falmouth, cost the Mets starting pitcher Gary Seldon who was 6-3 with a 2.01 ERA for the Mets this year. Woodie is currently 7-7 on the season.

"We felt that Chester had a real spark that we could use. Its a shame it cost us a quality pitcher like Gary Seldon but we think it will work out well for both teams," said Weatherby to reporters after the trade was announced.

Earlier this month, Hyannis dealt P Donald Bainter to the Chatham A's for .300 hitting 2B David Dorr. Dorr received a Best Fielder award in 1953 for his glovework at second base. Both Dorr and Woodie are expected to play for Hyannis in the post-season.

[Kiernan]

August 10, 1954

YARMOUTH-DENNIS - William Weatherby the Hyannis Manager had been questioned for dealing for a rookie pitcher with a 7-7 record only days before the start of the post-season, has to feel good today. On the arm of Chester Woodie, the Hyannis Mets overcome a 3-0 deficit to win four straight from the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox to take the CCL Championship.

Game one saw Woodie square off against Red Sox ace Amador Suarez, shoe-in for the Top Pitcher award with his record 17 wins in the regular season. The game was a pitching duel with Suarez and reliever William Jackson holding the Mets to 1 run while Chester Woodie let up 2 runs in his nine-inning loss.

Games two (12 innings) and three also went to the Sox as their hitting, best in the CCL this year at .275, was too much for the Mets to match. It appeared that the league-best Met pitching staff wouldn't be able to hold off the Sox bats.

Game four saw a rematch of the Suarez/Woodie duel. This time it was Woodie and reliever Ralph Picard combining to hold the Red Sox to only two runs on three hits while grabbing the win. Suarez gave up three runs in a complete game loss.

In game five, Hyannis ace and 1953 Division 2 Top Pitcher, James Stirling returned to the mound after he was denied a win in game two despite going 8 innings and only giving up one run. This time, with the support of 8 runs from the Met lineup, Stirling cruised to a 8-4 win, pitching a complete game and giving up only 2 earned runs.

Game six went to the Mets 5-2 with Ralph Picard picking up his second save of the post-season, after setting a league record with 27 in the regular season. The win setup a decisive game seven.

Game seven again brought a Suarez/Woodie matchup. This time there was no contest. Woodie dominated with a 4-hit shutout to beat the Red Sox 5-0 and clinch the Championship for Hyannis.

"Chester was phenomenal as was Jim Stirling. We had great pitching, theirs was good, but ours was great." Beamed Weatherby after the final game.

Final Standings:
Division 1
Team W L GB
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 61 40 --
Brewster Whitecaps 56 45 5
Orleans Cardinals 54 47 7
Easton Huskies 48 53 13
Chatham A's 44 57 17
Harwich Mariners 44 57 17

Division 2
Team W L GB
Hyannis Mets 62 39 --
Brockton Tigers 54 47 8
Cotuit Kettleers 54 47 8
Wareham Gatemen 47 54 15
Falmouth Commodores 45 56 17
Bourne Braves 37 64 25

Championship Series
Hyannis over Yarmouth-Dennis 4-3

Note:
Hyannis went from last place in 1951, 1952, and 1953 to win the CCL Championship this year. The Mets also won a league record 62 regular season games.

[Kiernan]

August 10, 1954

YARMOUTH-DENNIS - Cape Cod League Commissioner, Buck Werner, today announced that he is actively seeking feedback from fans regarding the names of the two league Divisions.

"As we complete our fourth season, its time the CCL gave serious consideration to naming the two six-team Divisions. To help us in this process, we are asking fans to submit their ideas for the names to our league office or on town bulletin boards throughout the Cape." announced Werner.

Fans are encouraged to submit names. The decision should be made by the start of the 1955 season.

[Kiernan]

CCL's Best for 1954
August 11, 1953

FALMOUTH - Commissioner Buck Werner looked pleased while handing out awards and bringing a close to the 4th season of the Cape Cod League.

"The League is really starting to mature, youngsters are coming up from development squads to make an impact and we see better play all around the league," beamed Werner after the presentations.

The Brockton Tigers dominated both hitting and pitching with both the Best Batter and Top Pitcher awards in Division 2 going to Tiger players. The Best Rookie awards were given to pitchers who distinguished themselves in the post-season, each winning at least 1 game in this years finals.

"Post-season performance obviously can have an impact on the final outcome. Its hard to ignore a game-winning shutout to clinch the finals when you assess how well a rookie performed." A Cape Cod voting official (who declined to comment on the record) replied to questions about the voting process.

This year also saw each team have at least one player receive a Best Fielder award. Though some names didn't change from previous years, such as John Lawrence who won his fourth straight fielding award. Several players also won their third awards in this category.

Best Batter - Division 1
Frank Meija, CF, Brewster Whitecaps
Avg: .335, 16 HR, 45 RBI

Best Batter - Division 2
Richard Baumann, RF, Brockton Tigers
Avg: .368, 14 HR, 60 RBI

Top Pitcher - Division 1
Amador Suarez, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
17-8, 2.44 ERA, 225.1 IP, 143 K, 79 BB

Top Pitcher - Division 2
Jay McGinnis, Brockton Tigers
15-6, 2.21 ERA, 220.1 IP, 155 K, 48 BB

Best Rookie - Division 1
William Appleton, P, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
10-7, 3.01 ERA, 179.1 IP, 120 K, 58 BB

Best Rookie - Division 2
Chester Woodie, P, Hyannis Mets
8-7, 2.87 ERA, 141 IP, 119 K, 33 BB

Best Fielders - Division 1
Pitcher: Stephen Avila, Orleans Cardinals
Catcher: Kevin Wagner, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
First Base: Jeffrey Caple, Chatham A's
Second Base: Larry Boggs, Brewster Whitecaps
Third Base: Joel Buller, Harwich Mariners
Shortstop: Thomas Collinson, Orleans Cardinals
Leftfield: Tyler Johnston, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
Centerfield: John Lawrence, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox
Rightfield: Roberto Sandoval, Easton Huskies

Best Fielders - Division 2
Pitcher: Peter Mercer, Brockton Tigers
Catcher: Justin Kass, Cotuit Kettleers
First Base: Oscar Toman, Wareham Gatemen
Second Base: Patrick Davis, Bourne Braves
Third Base: Jeffrey Kushner, Falmouth Commodores
Shortstop: Jerry Mosley, Bourne Braves
Leftfield: James Raker, Cotuit Kettleers
Centerfield: Brian Dixon, Cotuit Kettleers
Rightfield: Charles Coffey, Hyannis Mets

[Big Six]

I just found your thread today, Kiernan. Good job so far!

I'll enjoy following the history of the Cape League as the league develops its traditions and legends.

Good luck and have fun!
Chris

[Kiernan]

Thank you, Chris,

I was getting worried that people might be bored with it, though I am enjoying writing up what happens.

For anyone else, the league is financials off, golden years setting, most everything is enabled (even home field advantage), but no minor league free agents. I created fictional AA players and released them all and ran the draft. I also filled each team's A group and let them keep them. Otherwise, players have been acquired by trade, release/sign, or draft only.

I simmed 30 years of the league already and have just been going back through the almanacs and stats to post the results. With 30 years to go by, I only know a little about each season right now, so I am learning a lot about how things went as I check it.

One thing I plan to do is either open up the Hall of Fame decisions to the board here after I summarize up to 1980 (as long as has been simmed so far). It is also a good time to open the Hall as the league will be 30, most original players wouldn't have died in real-life (roughly 60 max), and it gives about 3 complete sets of players who have retired (1951 class, rest of the 1950s, and most of the 1960s new players). An unfortunate side effect of only having some background in OOTP is that the almanacs have all been saved without player reports or all boxscores, so individual game results (other than the finals) are hard to come by. I am trying my best to fill in the gaps.

Later,
Kiernan

[Kiernan]

February 27, 1955

FALMOUTH - Commissioner Buck Werner announced today that the votes for new Cape Cod League Division names had been tabulated. Division 1 will now be called the Western Division and Division 2 will be the Eastern Division.

"I have to say that there were a number of names suggested that you probably can't print. In the end, however, the people of Cape Cod are practical and with the majority of Division 2 teams on the west end of the Cape and most of those in Division 1 in the east end, the result isn't that surprising," Werner commented during the question and answer session after the announcement.

Eastern Division Teams
Brewster Whitecaps
Chatham A's
Easton Huskies
Harwich Mariners
Orleans Cardinals
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox

Western Division Teams
Bourne Braves
Brockton Tigers
Cotuit Kettleers
Falmouth Commodores
Hyannis Mets
Wareham Gatemen

[Kiernan]

March 1, 1955

FALMOUTH - Cape Cod League teams converged on the league offices today for the fourth CCL amateur draft. In typical fashion, picking proceeded starting with the team with the worst record in the previous season and ending with last year's champion, the Hyannis Mets. A total of ten rounds were held, but most players taken in the later rounds will likely have only a slim chance of making one of the CCL 40-man rosters in the future.

Draft results:
Round 1
Bourne Braves - 1B James Meachum
Chatham A's - RF Ralph Krout
Harwich Mariners - P Billy Eder
Falmouth Commodores - C Blake Drapeau
Wareham Gatemen - 1B Richard Valle
Easton Huskies - CF Darrio Mazzola
Orleans Cardinals - P Gregory Young
Cotuit Kettleers - SS Christopher Hilderbrand
Brockton Tigers - P Jacques Tyler
Brewster Whitecaps - P Arthur Wiest
Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox - 2B Ross Jeter
Hyannis Mets - P Michael Shearin

"This year it was pretty easy to see who was going to be number one. Jim Meachum is a hard hitting first basemen, everything you need to strengthen the middle of your lineup. I would expect him to contribute sometime this year for Bourne," said Jimmy Buchannan, Scouting Director for the Champion Hyannis Mets. "Though it feels strange to see someone else making the first pick in the draft" Buchannan had the first pick with the Mets each of the last three years.

Players are expected to join their clubs in the next week to participate in the end of spring training before being added to the 25-man roster or various developmental squads.

[Kiernan]

June 13, 1955

BROCKTON - Brockton Tigers pitcher, Jay McGinnis, tied the Cape Cod League record for strikeouts in a game by fanning 15 Orleans Cardinals batters today. The effort came in a loss to Orleans, 3-2. McGinnis, last year's Top Pitcher award winner in the Western Division (then Division 2) is the third pitcher to strike out 15 in a 9-inning game. The other two pitchers to match the feat were Walter Breslin (Falmouth) and Anthony Scott (Harwich), who did it on July 3 and July 6, 1953 respectively.