FAQs

What is the Cape Cod Baseball League?

Located on Cape Cod, the CCBL is the nation’s premier collegiate summer baseball league.  It’s comprised of 10 teams and attracts the top college players, most of whom go on to play professional baseball; many will play in the major leagues!

 

Where do the players come from?

The players come from colleges across the United States and represent schools from all NCAA divisions.

 

How do I buy tickets for a game?

No need to buy tickets, all CCBL games are free!  Donations are encouraged and appreciated.

 

Where do the Firebirds play?

Eldredge Park, in beautiful Orleans, MA, is the home of the Firebirds.  Our park is loved for its tiered hillside seating and enthusiastic fans.  Baseball has been played at Eldredge Park since 1913.  See our other pages for more History on the Firebirds and Eldredge Park.

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What times do games start/end?
Check out the complete Firebirds Schedule. Our home games start at 6:30 except when noted.  All regular season games have a 9-inning curfew (or 11:30 PM, whichever comes first), even if the game is tied. Curfew is suspended for playoffs and those games are played until there is a winner.   Come join us for a fun-filled evening of baseball under the lights!  

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Can I reserve seats?

Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis.  At Eldredge Park, fans enjoy spreading out their picnic blankets and lawn chairs on the hill overlooking the field.  On game days, fans are known to stop by the field early in the morning to stake out their space and set up their chairs.  You are welcome to do that too, or show up just before the game and find space then.  There are also 2 sets of bleachers between the backstop and the first base dugout, and another set behind the right field fence.

 

Where should I park?

Parking is available at Nauset Middle School which is adjacent to Eldredge Park.  Orleans Elementary School and parking around Main Street are all within easy walking distance.

 

Do you sell food?

Fans are welcome to bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages.  Click here for a list of local restaurants and markets where you can eat-in prior to the game, or take-out and bring to the game. Also, the Nauset Food Service runs a concession stand during games, and proceeds benefit the school nutrition program.

 

Where can I buy official Firebirds merchandise?

From June through August, the Firebirds Retail Shop is where official Firebirds merchandise is sold. The store is located under the red tents behind home plate and opens a half hour before each home game.  Year round, the Sparrow Store (26 Main Street) and Kid & Kaboodle (115 MA-6A) in Orleans sell some Firebirds merchandise.  Check out what’s new, pick up some swag and show off your Firebirds spirit!

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Where do players stay?

Every summer, local residents open their homes and take in a player (or more!). Our core group of Host Families absolutely love the experience of hosting their ‘summer son’ for season after season and cherish the ability to cheer on their players every game, create lifelong friendships, and follow their players throughout their college career, drafts, and even into the big leagues. 

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How many former Firebirds are on MLB 2022 Opening Day rosters as player or coach?

There is a total of 53 former Firebirds at the MLB level on Opening Day.  To see the Firebirds by MLB team, click here.

 

Have any famous MLB players played on the Firebirds?

Frank Thomas was on the Orleans team in 1988 and Carlton Fisk played in 1966.  Both are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.  In addition, we have had many other famous MLB players such as Nomar Garciaparra (1993), Aaron Boone (1993), Brandon Crawford (2007), Kolten Wong (2010 CCBL MVP), and Marcus Stroman (2010-11), Bobby Dalbec (2014-15), Kyle Lewis (2015; 2020 AL Rookie of the Year), and Corbin Burnes (2015; 2021 NL Cy Young Winner).  For a full list of notable Firebirds alumni, click here. For the list of all Cape League alumni who played in the MLB, click here.

 

Are players chosen for each team by a draft?  

There is no draft in the Cape Cod Baseball League.  CCBL coaches have relationships with the coaches at various colleges who feed them players.  College coaches know their players and try to get them placed with a team/coach that is a good fit for the player. For more information on this process, click here.

 

If a player plays on one CCBL team, can he play for another CCBL team the next season?

Yes, players are not bound to a particular team.  Players sometimes do switch teams from one season to the next.  The Firebirds gained Kyle Lewis (2020 AL Rookie of the Year) in 2015 after he wasn’t picked up by his former team.  Occasionally a player will be released by one team during a season and is immediately picked up by another team who has a need for the player.

 

How can I support the Firebirds?

All of the teams in the CCBL are non-profit organizations that are completely run by volunteers.  To support the Firebirds, we’d love for you to:

• Take in a game at Eldredge Park and root for the ‘Birds! 

• Show your Firebirds spirit by wearing team gear to games and around town.

• Join the Firebirds Fan Club and make a donation to the team. 

• Send your kids to our popular Youth Clinic that runs throughout the summer and is taught by Firebirds players and coaches. 

• Become a Host Family and spend the summer with one or more players living in your house! 

• Donate a team dinner or join our dedicated group of Volunteers and help out in any number of ways.

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 We’d love to have you join our family!

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