Top ten Red Sox who played in the Cape Cod Baseball League

Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame player Carlton Fisk responds to being introduced during the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Orleans – Carlton Fisk, C
Boston Red Sox, 1969, 1971-80
Orleans Firebirds, 1966

Fisk joined his brother Calvin in Orleans (then known as the Cardinals) in time for the 1966 Cape League playoffs and nailed a home run in his first at-bat. Sources were unable to confirm if he waved it fair. The University of New Hampshire product was among the torch bearers of collegiate talent coming to Cape Cod in the 60’s. He went on the become one of the greatest catchers in Major League history and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.

“Pudge” is one of just three players who played in the Cape League, along with “Pie” Traynor and “The Big Hurt” Frank Thomas, to be enshrined in Cooperstown.

Nomar Garciaparra (’93), one of the most popular Red Sox in history, was elected to the Cape League Hall of Fame in 2002. The shortstop was the MVP of the ’93 Cape League champions, ranking among the top ten in hitting and swiping 17 bases during the brief summer season. His exploits won him the league’s 10th player award and put him squarely on the Red Sox’ radar.

Other Orleans alums with Boston connections include starter Erik Hanson (’84), who went 15-5 for the ’95 AL East champions, J.T. Snow (’88) and crotchety former Red Sox pitching coach Joe Kerrigan (’72).