By Alexis Dill
The Cape Cod Baseball League announced Saturday that four Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox players have been selected to play in the All-Star Game at Eldredge Park Sunday, July 21. Austin Wells (Arizona) will start behind the plate, Wyatt Young (Pepperdine) will start at shortstop, Riley King (Georgia) will start at third base, and Noah Campbell (South Carolina) will be a reserve. Additionally, Red Sox Manager Scott Pickler will coach the East Division squad, since the Red Sox won the East Division in 2018.
Tickets are available at all Cape League Parks now for $5 and will also be available at the gate, which will open at 2 p.m.
Austin Wells, sophomore at Arizona: Wells was a no-brainer. In 28 games, he?s 32-99 for a .323 batting average to go along with nine multi-hit games, 18 runs, seven doubles, six home runs, 22 RBIs, 16 walks, and seven stolen bases. His main position is catcher, but he has also played all three outfield positions for the Red Sox and made one appearance at first base. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Wells is the way that he carries himself: composed and confident at all times. He?s an intense competitor, yet he always makes it obvious that he loves his teammates and loves to play the game ? all qualities that Major League scouts have certainly picked up on.
Wyatt Young, sophomore at Pepperdine: ?Young began the summer on a temporary contract with the Red Sox, but after Luke Waddell (Georgia Tech) left to play for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and Drew Swift (ASU) got injured, Pickler gave the second baseman from Pepperdine a chance to become an everyday starter at shortstop. Young took the opportunity and ran with it. The smallest player on the roster at just 5?7?, Young does not look like an All-Star ? but man, does he play like one. Through 26 games, Young has the second-highest batting average in the Cape League at .366. He also has 10 multi-hit games, 18 runs, five extra-base hits, 13 RBIs, seven walks, and five stolen bases. He?s also played spectacular defense, making just three errors all season. Young is one of the humblest and most well-respected players on the Y-D roster ? he never expects recognition and isn?t a showy player. He most certainly deserves to start at shortstop and hit at the top of the lineup in the All-Star Game.
Riley King, junior at Georgia: Not only has King been phenomenal at third base for the Red Sox, but he has also been a key hitter in the meat of the Y-D lineup. In 20 games, he is 24-70 for a .343 batting average. He?s scored eight times, doubled twice, homered twice, batted in seven runs, walked once, and stolen one base. Although he?s been a solid player all summer, this past week certainly helped King?s case. He went 4-4 with two home runs and four RBIs in a 5-3 win against the Brewster Whitecaps July 11. King keeps his teammates loose by always showcasing how much fun he?s having on the field, and is the type of player who fires up the dugout every time he makes a sensational diving play.
Noah Campbell, junior at South Carolina: Through 24 games, Campbell is hitting .275 with 12 runs, one triple, three home runs, 13 RBIs, 17 walks, and six stolen bases. He mostly serves as the team?s designated hitter, but he?s also gotten time in the outfield and in the middle infield. Campbell is arguably the best athlete on this Y-D roster and acts like a veteran ? this is his second year playing in the Cape League. He?s also one of the most clutch hitters in the Red Sox?s lineup.
Who got snubbed?
Although the Red Sox have the second-worst pitching staff statistically, it?s a little surprising that Taylor Dollard (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and John Beller (USC) were left off the All-Star Game roster. In 12.2 innings of work, Dollard has a 2.13 ERA with 21 strikeouts. He?s only had one bad appearance all year and is as talented of a closer as anyone in the Cape League. In 17.2 innings pitched, Beller has a 3.05 ERA with 20 strikeouts. Although it?s disappointing that these two will not be playing at Eldredge Park next Sunday, the pitchers who were selected to compete all boast fantastic statistics as well.
Schedule (courtesy of the Cape Cod Baseball League website):
2:30-3:15 East Division batting practice/West Division player autographs
3:20-4:05 East player autographs/West batting practice
4:20-4:30 East infield/outfield
4:30-4:40 West infield/outfield
5:00 Home Run Derby
5:40-5:45 pregame ceremony
5:45-5:52 player introductions
5:52-5:55 National Anthem
5:55-5:57 first pitch
5:57-6:00 players take the field
6:05 play ball
