WAREHAM, Mass. – The Falmouth Commodores were represented by six players in the 2022 Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) All-Star Game at Spillane Field, participating in the league’s first midsummer classic since 2019.
The CCBL’s West Division roster included third baseman Colby Halter, outfielder Andrew Pinckney, shortstop Alex Mooney and pitchers Joey Ryan, Levi Wells and Philip Abner. Both Halter and Pinckney were in the starting lineup for the contest. Ryan said he enjoyed sharing the experience of the All-Star game with five of his teammates.
“It’s awesome, I love showing up every day to those guys,” Ryan said. “So, it even makes it better when I can show up to the All-Star Game with them. So, it’s really good seeing them here and it makes me want to do better.”
The East Division ultimately took home the victory in the league’s 53rd All-Star Game, defeating the West Division 4–1. Manager Jeff Trundy said he was happy to see the contest game return to the league, providing players with the chance to participate in an annual tradition.
“It’s about the kids and giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of people that are going to make decisions upon their career,” Trundy said. “So, it’s a great day for them. First and foremost, I think the priority should be to go out and have fun.”
There was a buzz around the ballpark from the time the gates opened, as fans rushed inside to get autographs from their favorite All-Stars. There were also several food trucks available for concessions, serving a variety of ballpark foods. Abner said he was impressed by the atmosphere at the league’s midsummer classic.
“It’s great, I did not realize it was this big of a deal here,” Abner said. “It’s been great to interact with fans [and] everyone that’s been here. It’s awesome.”
The league held a Home Run Derby before the game, concluding with Chatham Angler’s right fielder Lyle Miller-Green winning the contest. Chuck Sturtevant, president of the CCBL and the Falmouth Commodores, said the league’s goal in hosting the All-Star Game each summer is to show appreciation towards its supporters for all 10 teams.
“This is for our fans,” Sturtevant said. “The fans are coming back, they’re enjoying our game and this is our showcase to them, thanking them. And, that’s what it’s all about.”
Halter was the starting second baseman for the West Division, going 0-for-3. He also manned third base and was the designated hitter later in the game. The University of Florida product said he enjoyed taking part in the midsummer classic, having the chance to catch up with players from both teams.
“It was a blast,” Halter said. “There’s definitely a bunch of talent on both teams, so it was a lot of fun just being around the guys. Whenever you get to do something like this, it’s always pretty cool to see a bunch of friends.”
Pinckney started in center field during the game, going 0-for-2 at the plate. The University of Alabama outfielder said he has been working to improve with the Commodores this season, and he was happy to be considered among the top players in the CCBL.
“It’s a great honor,” Pinckney said. “[I’ve] just been making adjustments up here and just trying to put together a good summer, so it’s good to be recognized for it.”
Mooney came off the bench during the contest, going 0-for-1. The Duke University product appeared at second base, center field and shortstop. Mooney said he enjoyed playing in the All-Star Game, competing alongside the league’s best.
“It’s pretty special,” Mooney said. “For me, it’s more just about meeting guys that I haven’t really played with before. So, just to have some [conversations] with those guys [and] maybe pick their brain a little bit about baseball.”
Abner pitched in the third inning, allowing just one unearned run. The University of Florida hurler was ultimately credited with the loss. The southpaw also struck out a batter during the contest. Ryan came out of the bullpen in the seventh inning, fanning a recording a strikeout in a shutout frame.
Wells was the final reliever to enter the game for the West division, fanning a batter in a scoreless inning. He is currently in his second season as a hurler for the Commodores, being named to the All-Star team for the first time in his CCBL career. This season, the right-hander has posted a 2.07 ERA while striking out 22 batters. The reliever said he was humbled to be recognized for his efforts this summer.
“I’m super thankful for an opportunity like this because not everybody gets to do this,” Wells said. “I’d like to take credit to my hard work too for putting me in a position to make this, this wasn’t easy. So, just being super grateful [and] super thankful.”
The Commodores will return to action at 6 p.m. July 25, as the team will travel to take on the Hyannis Harbor Hawks at McKeon Park.
Note: Featured image by the Cape Cod Baseball League.
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Tommy Mumau can be reached at tmumau@ithaca.edu. Follow him on Twitter @tommymumau13.
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