Gatemen set to swing into summer as opening day nears

The 98th season of Cape Cod League baseball in Wareham is set to begin Saturday, June 14 as the Wareham Gatemen prepare for their season opener.

The Cape Cod Baseball League is a summer league for the nation’s top college prospects to compete in front of Major League Baseball scouts and opening day will commence at 6 p.m. as the Gatemen take on the Hyannis Harbor Hawks at Spillane Field located off of Viking Drive.

Admission to the game is free but donations will be accepted at the gate. 

Fans can expect several ballpark classics at the game such as hotdogs, merchandise for sale and a 50/50 raffle which Gatemen President Glen Hannington said will feature some good prizes.

Before the first pitch, Wareham Police Chief Walter Correia Jr. will trot out on the field to lead the stadium in the national anthem.

The old stone dust infield the Gatemen had played on for years has been replaced with a new, clay infield and the field has received several other modifications in an effort to modernize the facility.

As part of the changes to Spillane Field, the bleachers along the third baseline have been removed and fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs to watch the game. The bleachers along the first baseline are still there.

Hannington said the players are beginning to make their way to town as their college seasons finish up and are looking to get in front of Major League Baseball scouts.

“It’s never about the wins and losses on the field, it’s always about making sure everyone is prepared for the future,” Hannington said. “Hopefully we can mold them into better players and better human beings.”