Beach Chairs and Baseball Bats: A Celebration of the Cape Cod Baseball League by Steve Weissman
At the 2006 Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game at Red Wilson Field (South Yarmouth, MA), I finally picked up the book Beach Chairs and Baseball Bats by Steve Weissman. Steve was parked behind home plate, as usual, in a tent selling and autographing copies (see my picture to the right). He is a very down-to-earth friendly guy, and graciously personalized my copy of the book.
The day after the All-Star Game was nice and sunny, so I headed to Covell’s Beach (Centerville, MA) to start reading the book.
Beach Chairs and Baseball Bats begins with Steve’s first encounter with the Cape League and explains the history behind the league. Then, the book looks at each team, their field, and other facts (e.g. Does the field have lights or not?). Steve then goes into details behind the off-season and the beginning of the season. Sprinkled throughout are player profiles with interesting facts about individual members from various teams. The latter half of the book is filled with tidbits about the league (e.g. The 50/50 raffle), and goes into detail about the season and playoffs.
Because I know a lot about the league, I was initially concerned that Beach Chairs and Baseball Bats would not tell me anything new. But, I was pleasantly surprised to learn quite a bit. The author has a great knack for unveiling interesting facts. For example, I had always wondered about the history behind the Orleans Cardinal’s mascot, Mr. Cardinal. I don’t think the other Cape League books I read even mention the team mascots (”Homer” in Falmouth and “Mr. Cardinal” in Orleans).
The story of the 2004 Cape League playoffs is told in great detail in the chapter “The ‘Second Season’.” The playoffs last less than a week, but consist of the most exciting games to watch, and I am glad that Steve decided to narrate them.
The book finishes with personal notes from players in the Cape League, a list of former Cape players in Major League Baseball, a list of Cape players drafted in 2004, and a plethora of fascinating black & white photos.
Overall, I think this book is the best option for anyone who has been, or plans to go to a Cape game and wants to learn more about the league. After reading this book, I would then recommend watching the Cape League documentary Touching the Game. For those looking for more of a story that follows an entire Cape season, look toward The Last Best League by Jim Collins, or the novel Slider by Patrick Robinson. And for those looking for historical information check out Baseball by the Beach by Christopher Price. The only book I have not yet had a chance to read is Cape Crusaders by Mike Thomas, which apparently is filled with interviews and accounts from players, coaches and volunteers.
Go to http://www.theballyard.com/beachchairs/ to buy Beach Chairs and Baseball Bats!
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