The league announced yesterday that the 2012 Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game will be played at Harwich’s Whitehouse Field on Saturday, July 28. It’ll be the first All-Star Game held on the Cape since 2008. The game was held at Fenway Park each of the last three years, but the league and the Red Sox couldn’t reconcile the schedule to make it work this year. The Red Sox will, however, have a “Cape League Day,” for their July 22 game, which will include the preliminary round of the CCBL’s home run derby.
I never had a strong opinion either way about having the game at Fenway. I think it helped the game gain a little more exposure, but it also took it away from some of the diehards who watch all summer. The flip side will be true with it back on the Cape, but either way, it’ll still be a great day of baseball. It always is.
The Mariners, defending Cape League champs, were chosen as All-Star hosts by a vote of the Cape League Executive Committee. It’ll be the first All-Star game in Harwich since 2002. Former Major Leaguer and current Japanese League star Matt Murton won the home run derby that year, while the West won the game 4-1
I loved the ASG at Fenway, mostly because it allowed folks who love baseball to catch a game there – and get really great seats – on the cheap. I hope it returns there soon. In the meantime, there’s always Futures at Fenway…
That is a nice benefit of having it at Fenway. I could definitely see the league going back there.