A Cape Cod Summer Tradition: The History of the Cape Cod Baseball League

For more than a century, the Cape Cod Baseball League has been woven into the fabric of summer life on Cape Cod. What began as a loosely organized local pastime has grown into the premier collegiate summer baseball league in the country—while still holding onto the small-town charm that makes it uniquely Cape Cod.

From Sandlots to a National Stage

Baseball has been played on Cape Cod since the late 1800s, with town teams competing against one another on makeshift fields and village greens. In 1923, those informal games evolved into what would become the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). By the mid-20th century, the league shifted its focus to elite collegiate players, setting the foundation for what it is today.

Now officially NCAA-sanctioned, the CCBL attracts the top college baseball talent from across the country every summer—players who arrive as students and often leave as future professionals.

Ten Cape Cod Towns, One Shared Summer Ritual

Today, the league is made up of 10 teams, each proudly representing a Cape Cod town. These teams play in iconic, community-centered ballparks where families gather on warm evenings, kids chase foul balls, and generations of fans pass down traditions.

The current Cape Cod Baseball League towns include:

• Bourne

• Brewster

• Chatham

• Cotuit

• Falmouth

• Harwich

• Hyannis

• Orleans

• Wareham

• Yarmouth-Dennis

Each town brings its own personality, rivalries, and loyal fan base—creating a league that feels both intensely local and nationally significant.

A Proven Path to Major League Baseball

What truly sets the Cape Cod Baseball League apart is its extraordinary track record of developing professional talent. More than 300 CCBL alumni have gone on to play in Major League Baseball, making it a critical proving ground for future stars.

Scouts from every MLB organization attend Cape League games each summer, drawn by the chance to see top prospects competing with wooden bats—often considered the truest test of a hitter’s ability. Many players who shine on Cape Cod later hear their names called early in the MLB Draft.

Household names like Cy Young Award winners, All-Stars, and World Series champions once played right here, on fields tucked between beaches, harbors, and village centers.

Why the Cape League Still Matters

Despite its national reputation, the Cape Cod Baseball League has never lost its heart. Games remain free to attend, players are hosted by local families, and the league continues to reflect the Cape’s deep sense of community.

For residents and visitors alike, a Cape League game is more than baseball—it’s a summer evening ritual. It’s proof that some of the most meaningful traditions on Cape Cod don’t come from grand stadiums, but from simple bleachers, salty air, and a shared love of the game.