Spectator Sports

Cape Cod Baseball League
11 North Rd., Harwich• (508) 432-3878
• www.capecodbaseball.org

Often referred to as a college all-star league, the Cape Cod Baseball League delivers a quality of baseball that will satisfy the most demanding fan. Among the major league players who have graced our fields are Mo Vaughn, who played for the Wareham Gatemen; Jeff Bagwell, who was voted Most Valuable in the National League in 1994 and once played for the Chatham A's; Frank "the Big Hurt" Thomas, who played for the Orleans Cardinals; and Nomar Garciaperra, who also played for the Cardinals and lit up local baseball diamonds to all our delight before heading up to Boston.

Like much else on the Cape, the Cape Cod Baseball League is historic. The first game was played about 100 years ago between Barnstable and Sandwich. What began as local sport is now considered one of the best amateur baseball organizations in the country. True baseball purists will appreciate the fact that the league only allows use of wooden bats. Imagine the late-afternoon summer sunlight filtering across the ball field, casting players' shadows upon the grass of the outfield. Here is where spectators fill wooden benches or throw a blanket on the side of a hill. You can buy a jumbo hot dog with heaps of mustard for the price a hot dog should be. You see future big leaguers play the game with the same enthusiasm, not to mention salary, of little leaguers. The quality of baseball is as good as you will find in many professional ballparks. In fact, on any given night, there probably is a professional scout in the crowd looking to spot the next superstar.

Some 300 ballplayers from colleges and universities across the country are recruited each year to play on the 10 teams of the Cape league. They are hosted by local families, who often enjoy following the career of a young player who ate breakfast at their house for the summer and then made it into the major leagues. It's not all play for the players though. Being able to play in the Cape Cod League does carry some additional responsibilities. Each June, before our public schools let out for the summer, players visit our classrooms to talk to the kids and build team support, in some cases creating bonds that will never be forgotten by our kids. The Cape Cod Baseball League also sponsors baseball clinics each summer for aspiring youngsters.

The Cape League season runs from mid-June to mid-August. Each team plays a 44-game schedule--that's 220 games across the Cape each summer! An all-star game is held in mid- to late July, and playoffs are held around the second week of August.

You'll find games at Spillane Field in Wareham, Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, Guv Fuller Field in Falmouth, Lowell Park in Cotuit, McKeon Field in Hyannis, Red Wilson Field at the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School in South Yarmouth, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich, Whitehouse Field at Harwich High School, Veterans Field in Chatham, and Eldredge Park in Orleans. Games are typically held at 1, 5 and 7 PM. Printed schedules are available in many local stores and newspapers.

The Bourne Braves and Brewster Whitecaps joined the league in 1988. At that time it was decided to split the 10 teams into two divisions, East and West, thus setting the stage for playoffs at the end of the season. The top two teams in each division face off, with the winners going on to the dramatic best of three championship series.

Many of the fields, if not all, offer concession stands, but no one will complain if you pack a meal and make a picnic out of it. Since the league's 10 fields are within a 50-mile radius of each other, it is possible to visit all of them throughout a summer. Admission is far more in keeping with the spirit of the sport than at pro ballparks: Donations are accepted, and a hat is passed during the game. So, find a seat on the hillside and let the cool summer evening settle in around you. As you watch a Cape Cod Baseball League game, you will remember something you had perhaps forgotten: pure sport.

Senior Babe Ruth League
Cape-wide• (508) 748-3812

Other baseball events, such as the Senior Babe Ruth league featuring 16- through 18-year-olds, are also on tap

Willowbend Children's
Charity Pro-AmWillowbend Country Club, 100 Willowbend Rd., Mashpee• (508) 539-5000

This is the premier golf tournament on Cape Cod, attracting some of the biggest names in golf, professional sports, and some 15,000 fans. It takes place at the beginning of July at Willowbend in Mashpee. Since the first tournament in 1992 it has raised about $500,000 to benefit children's programs on Cape Cod.

Popular pro golfers have included Davis Love III, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Bruce Lietzke, and John Daly. On the amateur side were such great sports names as Hall of Fame Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr, Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, and Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway. This is a tournament not to be missed.

All the holes here are beautiful and offer you unrestricted views of the competition, but plan to set aside some time to watch the drives along the par 5 tenth hole.

Tickets are a very reasonable $20 for the one-day event, and it benefits a great cause.

Cape Cod Summer Lacrosse League
Falmouth, Sandwich, Barnstable, and Hyannis• (508) 420-3061

Developed by the American Indians, lacrosse is considered North America's oldest sport and is Canada's national sport. (Bet you thought it was ice hockey!) This amateur summer lacrosse league comprises four teams: Falmouth, Sandwich, Barnstable, and Hyannis. Playoffs are held in mid-August. Players are recruited from some 400 schools and colleges. The season runs from late June to mid-August.

Annual Cape Cod Classic
Dennis-Yarmouth High School, South Yarmouth• (508) 398-7630

This field hockey event is held at the Dennis-Yarmouth High School in mid-August and features some of the best high school field hockey players from across the New England region. The tournament consists of eight all-star squads. There is also a skills competition.

Falmouth Road Race
Falmouth• (508) 540-7000• www.falmouthroadrace.com

For those who run, or who like to watch other people run, Falmouth is a mecca. The streets here are painted with the race's proud history, and we don't only mean the start and finish lines painted upon the asphalt or the mile markers that follow the flow of footfalls. Even in the chill of winter you cannot escape the drama of the race as you walk or drive the fabled route. With the heat of August come the runners and the crowds to cheer them on.

Considered one of the country's best non-marathons, the Falmouth Road Race began in 1973. Today the world-class annual event, which is held on the third Sunday in August, attracts more than 8,000 runners from around the world to challenge its demanding 7.1-mile course. Some great names in marathon running who have competed here include Alberto Salazar (he won this race in 1981 and 1982); U.S. gold medalist Frank Shorter; four-time winner of the Boston and New York marathons Bill Rodgers; and U.S. gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson. Others of note include Grete Waitz, Lorraine Moller, and Lynn Jennings.

Of course, the thing that sets Falmouth apart from other road races is the incredible Cape Cod scenery, from the course's Woods Hole start to its Falmouth Heights finish. Between those two points runners pass the refreshing waters of Vineyard Sound and the stoic white column of Nobska Light. The race attracts some 70,000 spectators who line the streets.

For that one day a year, Falmouth's population becomes that of a small city. If you wish to attend the event, we strongly advise that you make your accommodations reservations well in advance. If you are interested in participating in the Falmouth Road Race, call the number above or send a business size SASE to Box 72, Falmouth, MA 02541. Applications are mailed by May 1, and entries close May 7. Organizers strongly discourage unregistered runners.

Coast Guard 10K Road Race
Mass. Military Reservation• (508) 968-6448

Though the Falmouth Road Race is the biggest act on the Cape in terms of footracing, the Cape hosts dozens of other competitions, such as this race to benefit the Coast Guard's Morale, Well-being, and Recreation Program. This 10K road race at the Massachusetts Military Reservation is usually held in April, about a week or two prior to the Boston Marathon. In fact, many runners use it as a warm-up for the marathon. An entry fee of $10 to $15 gets each of the 100 to 200 participants a T-shirt.

Paul E. White Memorial Road Race
North Falmouth• (800) 443-4990

Held annually in July since 1977, this 5K road race takes place in lovely North Falmouth. Wheelchairs are welcome, but no walkers please. The entry fee is $10, $20 on race day.

Falmouth Main Street Mile
Falmouth• (508) 457-2567

Sponsored by the Falmouth Track Club, this 1-mile race always takes place on the Sunday after Labor Day. The emphasis here is more on fun than competition.

Heart Beat Hill Race
Falmouth• (508) 548-5300

This 2-mile run (and walk) is more of a health event than a competitive race. Taking place in September, it is sponsored by Falmouth Hospital and benefits the high school scholarship program.

Cape Cod Marathon
Falmouth• (508) 540-6959• www.capecodmarathon.com

In late October the Cape Cod Marathon attracts about 1,000 participants. It is a Boston Marathon qualifying event and also includes a team relay event. It begins and ends at the Falmouth Village Green and is sponsored by the Falmouth Track Club. Part of the race traces the Falmouth Road Race course. The men's and women's winners each receive $1,300. The team relay portion of the race benefits the Leukemia Society of America.

Mashpee 5K Woodland Run
Mashpee• (508) 539-1446

Held on the last Saturday in July, this Mashpee 5K race starts at Heritage Park and concludes at K.C. Coombs Elementary School. The course takes runners through a wooded section of Mashpee, and all ages are invited to participate. There are eight divisions, and the winner in each division receives a plaque. The overall male and female winners also receive a trophy.

Hyannis Half Marathon and 5-Miler
Hyannis• (508) 888-4058

This run, begun as a full marathon and changed to its present half-marathon, 5-mile format in 1997, is held on the first Sunday in March. It begins and ends at the Barnstable High School and attracts some 1,500 participants. Those interested in running should send an SASE to P.O. Box 1992, Hyannis, MA 02601. The proceeds of this race go toward a Barnstable High School scholarship for the cross-country team.

Centerville Old Home Week 5K Road Race
Centerville• (508) 771-0650

This 3-mile race starts at the Centerville Elementary School and finishes at Covell Beach along Craigville Beach Road to the east of Craigville Beach. It usually takes place the second or third week of August. More than 150 contestants participate in age groups ranging from 13 and younger to 69. A kids' race starts at 6:45 PM; a mile beach run starts at 7:15 PM. The entry fee is $10, $12 on the race day; it's $2 for kids. There's even a special race for the kids afterwards at the Centerville Elementary School.

Johnny Kelley Half Marathon and Five-Miler
Hyannis• (508) 775-6800

This Memorial Day Weekend race is for competitive and recreational runners. Named for the octogenarian who ran in more Boston Marathons than anyone, Johnny Kelley is Runner's World "Runner of the Century." Choose the 5-mile course or run the double loop for the 10-mile distance. Both are certified by the USATF. Over 100 awards are given, including those presented to the top three runners overall in male and female divisions in both distances and to the top three runners in the seven age divisions. Proceeds benefit the Cape Cod Hospital Foundation, a favorite charity of Kelley. The entry fee is $20.

Osterville Run for the Library
Osterville• (508) 428-5757, (508) 428-9115

Held in mid-July, this 4.1-mile race takes place in Osterville to benefit that village's public library. Some 400 runners participate.

Hyannis Main Street Mile
Hyannis• (508) 775-8877

Benefitting the Hyannis Public Library's new book fund, this race, as its name suggests, takes place on Main Street in Hyannis. It starts on the east end and finishes on the west end of town. The 1-mile race is usually held the third Sunday in October.

Annual Dennis Road Race and Fun Run
Dennis• (508) 760-6162• www.cape.com/dennis

The year 2000 will mark the 23rd running of the Dennis Recreation Road Race and Fun Run. Walkers and wheelchairs are welcome. Three hundred runners compete in this 5-mile road race. Held in late July or early August, it begins at Wixon School on Route 134 and winds through Dennis utilizing the bike path when possible. The entry fee is $10, but $12 on race day.

Annual Brew Run
Brewster• (508) 896-6574

The Brew Run is a great warm-up for the Falmouth Road Race, for both runners and spectators. The 5.2-mile race is sponsored by the Brewster Rescue Squad and the Wood Shed pub to benefit Brewster Rescue and Safety. The race is followed by an awards and raffle party at the Wood Shed. To register, send a SASE to the Wood Shed, Box 967, Brewster, MA 02631. It is held the second Saturday in August.

Annual 5K Run for MS
Brewster• (508) 896-3491

This 5K race is held in early October to benefit multiple sclerosis research. The race takes place at Nickerson State Park in Brewster.

Irish Pub Road Race
West Harwich• (508) 432-8808

Sponsored by the Irish Pub in West Harwich, this annual 5.25-mile road race, begun in 1976, takes place the first Saturday in August to raise money for the Harwich Ambulance Fund. It begins and ends at the Irish Pub on Mass. Rt. 28, West Harwich, where a post-race party is held with an awards ceremony and live entertainment. The entry fee is $10, $12 on race day.

Cranberry Harvest Festival Road Race
Harwich• (508) 432-0100

Harwich Center is the site for this 5.75-mile race, held in September as part of the Harwich Cranberry Harvest Festival, an annual town-wide 10-day celebration to mark the harvest of the native berry. The race benefits the "We Love Our Kids" program.