Firebirds start off the new summer campaign with a win!

After a little over ten months, the day has finally come that marks the start of the 2012 Cape Cod Baseball League season. These next two and a half months are what the people of Orleans, college baseball enthusiasts, and thousands of vacationers look forward to all year. The Cape Cod Baseball League is America's premier summer baseball league not only because of the unique venues and memories it creates for all who experience it, but also because it is the reason that certain college ballplayers find themselves on the radar of many MLB teams when the next draft rolls around.

The Firebirds 4-3 win over Brewster marks the start of a summer where a player could follow in the footsteps of former Cape Leaguers Justin Maxwell (made Bourne Braves at try-out, 2003 CCBL All-Star, current Houston Astros OF) or Kolten Wong (chose to play for Orleans Firebirds instead of Team USA, 2010 CCBL MVP, 2011 St. Louis Cardinals 1st round draft pick).

Firebirds outfielder Michael Montville (Maryland) found his swing with the wooden bat tonight. He ripped a solo home run into the net beyond the left field fence that gave the Orleans Firebirds a 4-3 lead over the Brewster Whitecaps. Montville seems to have found his swing early; perhaps he could be our next Kolten Wong.

Trevor Gott (Kentucky)

The Firebirds also saw a familiar face when Trevor Gott (Kentucky) trotted out to the mound from the right field bullpen to record his first save of the season. Gott anchored the Orleans bullpen last season and recorded 12 saves. He also recorded the save for the winning team, the Eastern Division, in the 2011 Cape League All-Star game.

Other Firebirds who contributed by adding two hits each were Conrad Gregor (Vanderbilt) and Max Rossiter (Arizona State).

This win will hopefully be the first of many for the Firebirds this season; a season which could launch the careers of many players while also being the most enjoyable summer of their lives. The atmosphere of Cape League baseball games is something that players and also fans will never experience elsewhere.

Mr. Firebird at a game in July 2011

Tonight's winning pitcher, starter Trevor Williams (Arizona State) said in a post-game interview with the Firebirds broadcasters, "I've heard stories of the great fans."

On a separate note, I plan on blogging sporadically throughout the summer. I plan on not focusing on the game stories as much as the progression of the team, development of the Firebirds players, and other special events that occur.