Cape Cod Baseball League Codcast

Two of college baseball’s most influential coaches join host Dani Wexelman for a conversation about competition, development, and the lasting impact of the Cape Cod Baseball League. UCLA head coach John Savage, the 2026 Big Ten Coach of the Year, reflects on more than two decades leading the Bruins, developing future big leaguers, and why the spirit of competition that defines the Cape is woven into his own program. Then, Arizona head coach Chip Hale looks back on his summers playing for the Orleans Cardinals in 1984 and 1985, sharing stories and lessons from the Cape that continue to influence the way he coaches today. Together, they offer two perspectives on why the Cape remains such a special place in the game of baseball.

Affectionately known simply as "Pick," Scott Pickler has become one of the most respected figures in Cape Cod Baseball League history. The winningest manager in league history and a CCBL Hall of Famer joins host Dani Wexelman alongside his son, Colorado Rockies Bench Coach Jeff Pickler, for a special father-son episode. Together, they reflect on their time on the Cape, the lessons the game has taught them, and how the Cape helped shape their baseball journeys both on and off the field.

Legendary manager and Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Famer Buck Showalter joins host Dani Wexelman to look back on his unforgettable summer on the Cape and the lasting impact it had on his life and baseball journey. From the competition on the field to the lessons learned off it, Buck reflects on how the Cape shaped his perspective on the game, the importance of hard work and consistency, the value of community, and why the experience remains as meaningful today as it was decades ago.

From a Massachusetts kid playing summer ball in the Cape Cod Baseball League to wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform, Lou Merloni lived the dream.

He shares with host Dani Wexelman how his time on the Cape helped shape his journey, from unforgettable memories and lifelong lessons to the superstitions that got him through a slump.

Hall of Famer Billy Wagner joins host Dani Wexelman to reflect on the lasting impact the Cape Cod Baseball League had on his career. From his host family and summer job to the relationships that helped shape him on and off the field, Wagner shares how his Cape experience laid the foundation for the player and person he became.

Rylee Pay and Mike Monaco join Dani Wexelman to discuss their journeys to broadcasting. Rylee talks about her history making moves to becoming the voice of the Tacoma Rainiers! Mike reflects on his experience broadcasting for the Wareham Gateman, leading to now being a mainstay on ESPN and NESN.

The conversation between Dani Wexelman and Peter Gammons explores the rich history and impact of the Cape Cod Baseball League. They discuss memorable players, the significance of the league, and its enduring influence on the sport.

For Episode 11 of Season 3, Matt Pajak is joined by St. John's outfielder, Jon LeGrande, to discuss being named MVP of the 2025 CCBL Playoffs, his outstanding summer on the Cape, and his journey from George Washington High School in the Bronx to Cape League champion with the Bourne Braves.

1:25 Jon LeGrande joins the show

10:30 One offer out of George Washington HS

14:40 Ten plus offers out of Wabash Valley CC

16:48 What he knew about the Cape growing up

18:43 His Cape experience: fishing, lobster rolls, Gray Gables

20:30 Regular season to postseason: approach change

22:07 Playoff environments

23:19 Did he have to go over the fence when he made that catch?

24:17 Advice to a player preparing to sign a Cape contract for next summer

26:05 Maika Niu, Kuhio Aloy, Zane Petty, and Jonathan Stevens

29:40 Favorite and least favorite places to play on the Cape

32:09 "It's okay to go 0-4"

38:15 Future name change?

Where to listen:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1iV20u1bxe19SffNmfXAPq

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cape-league-codcast/id1628413143

Follow us:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialccbl

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialccbl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodbaseballleague

X: https://x.com/officialccbl

CCBL Website: https://www.capecodleague.com/

For Episode 10 of Season 3, Matt Pajak is joined by Baseball America's, Geoff Pontes, to discuss the Cape League playoffs, the Bourne Braves dynasty, and some of his favorite players from the summer.

1:55 Geoff Pontes joins the show

2:42 Cape playoffs wrap

4:40 Geoff breaks down the Cotuit Kettleers

9:52 Camden Johnson (Cotuit)

11:00 Ryne Farber (Cotuit)

16:38 Scott Landers (Bourne)

19:25 Ryker Waite (Bourne)

23:03 Jon LeGrande (Bourne)

27:20 Tip of the cap to Bourne, Folger Boaz, UNC Chapel Hill

30:01 Cape playoff environment

33:44 Chris Hacopian (YD)

34:39 Jarren Advincula (Cotuit)

35:28 Jake McCoy (Harwich)

Where to listen:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1iV20u1bxe19SffNmfXAPq

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cape-league-codcast/id1628413143

Follow us:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialccbl

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialccbl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodbaseballleague

X: https://x.com/officialccbl

CCBL Website: https://www.capecodleague.com/

For Episode 9 of Season 3, Matt Pajak is joined by another of the Cape's talented writers, Harry Crowther, to discuss the pandemonium of the final weekend of the CCBL regular season, as well as some predictions for this week's playoffs.

2:03 Harry Crowther joins the show

4:06 The playoffs started early this weekend

7:15 Brewster beats Orleans, Orleans clinches the East

9:15 Chatham from the top rope at the buzzer?

10:10 Historically tight division races

11:50 Cotuit takes down Falmouth in 10 innings to secure playoff spot

14:22 Cotuit's expected Win-Loss record puts them in first in the West

18:08 Impact players geared up for postseason baseball

22:50 Harry's CCBL championship pick

25:09 Matt's CCBL championship pick

Where to listen:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1iV20u1bxe19SffNmfXAPq

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cape-league-codcast/id1628413143

Follow us:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialccbl

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialccbl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capecodbaseballleague

X: https://x.com/officialccbl

CCBL Website: https://www.capecodleague.com/