With the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) playoffs wrapping up this weekend, we took a look back to see who the current top ranked MLB players are who got their start in the CCBL. Unknown to most of the population is the fact that over 1,000 Major League Baseball players were drafted right from the CCBL! According to MLB.com, of the top 55 Major League Baseball players from 2014, five All-Star players originated from the Cape League.
Jacoby Ellsbury
Center Fielder Jacoby Ellsbury sits at #54. Ellsbury, who played for Falmouth, was drafted in 2005 from Oregon State University to our beloved Boston Red Sox. Before signing with the New York Yankees in 2014, Ellsbury received a gold glove award, Silver Slugger Award, and was the AL MVP runner-up in 2011. He also has two World Series rings to boot.
Evan Longoria
At #51 is third basemen Evan Longoria. Longoria, who currently plays for the Tampa Bay Rays, is a three time all-star and two time gold glove award recipient. Longoria played baseball at Long Beach State University and was drafted after playing with Chatham in 2006.
Buster Posey
At #8 is catcher Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants. Considered one of the best all-around catchers today, Posey is a three time World Series champion and a three time All-Star. He is currently leading all MLB catchers in batting average and RBI’s. He attended Florida State University where he played baseball for three years before joining the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox team in 2006.
Daniel McCutchen
At #6 is pitcher Daniel McCutchen. McCutchen currently plays for the Texas Rangers. In 2009 he was drafted after playing with the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox.
Chris Sale
The highest ranked CCBL player of 2014, sitting at #5, is pitcher Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox. Fresh off a one-hit, 15 strikeout performance against the Cubs, it’s no wonder Sale is a four time All-Star from 2012 to 2015. He played baseball at Florida Gulf Coast University and was drafted in 2010 from the Yarmouth–Dennis Cape Cod team.
If you were fortunate enough to take in a Cape League game this summer, it’s likely you were watching future MLB All-Stars hone their craft right in front of your eyes. If you weren’t able to make it out this year, be sure to plan a trip for next summer!