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Six Standouts Elected to Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame

Published

7 months ago

June 12, 2025

Six Standouts Elected to Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame

WEST YARMOUTH, Mass. — The Cape Cold Baseball League Hall of Fame Committee today announced the induction class for 2025 at the Cape League’s annual First Pitch Brunch at the 99 Restaurant.

The 2025 Cape League Hall of Fame class includes playoff MVP Gary Alexander (Orleans 1986), league MVPs Nick Gonzales (Cotuit 2019) and Travis Jankowski (Bourne 2010-11), outstanding pitcher Pat Pinkman (Wareham 1999-2000), longtime coach, manager and administrator Bob Stead (Yarmouth-Dennis & Bourne) and 1957 batting champion William (Bill) Walker (Chatham 1957-58).

In addition, the Hall of Fame Committee announced Gary Ellis, longtime member of the Y-D Red Sox organization and advisor to the Hall of Fame Committee, as the posthumous recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and Larry Egan, play-by-play broadcaster, producer and engineer for the Cape League Game of the Week on 96.3 WEEI from 2001-22, as the recipient of the Peter Gammons Award. Additionally, Cape League President Andrew Lang named Senior Deputy Commissioner Ted Lekas as Executive of the Year for the 2024 season.

The Cape League Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Wequassett Resort in Harwich, Mass. Tickets can be purchased by calling Mary Henderson at (508) 922-7388.

Gary Alexander, Orleans

An outstanding outfielder from Arizona, he had one of the most productive playoff performances of all-time in leading Orleans to the 1986 Cape Cod Baseball League championship. He was named MVP of the playoffs that year with a .471 batting average (6-15), four home runs, five RBI and a 1.200 slugging percentage. In addition, his three home runs in the first game of the finals against Cotuit is still a Cape League record. That season, he batted .316 (42-133), led the league in runs scored with 37, and tied for the league lead in home runs with 12. He also had nine doubles, 32 RBI, 34 bases on balls and a .654 slugging percentage. Gary was selected by the Texas Rangers in the eighth round of the 1987 MLB draft. He spent six years in Minor League baseball where he had 89 home runs and 331 RBI, rising to Triple A level with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons before retiring from baseball in 1993. Gary became a high school baseball coach and is presently owner of the Alexander Baseball Camp in Oakley, Calif.

Nick Gonzales, Cotuit

The standout second baseman out of New Mexico State University led the 2019 Cotuit Kettleers to the Cape Cod Baseball League championship. Selected the Pat Sorenti League MVP winner, he led the league in hits (54), runs (39), doubles (14), triples (4), slugging percentage (.630) and on base percentage (.451). In addition, he was second in batting (.351), RBI (33) and had seven home runs, was the All-League second baseman and the Cotuit team MVP. During his junior year at New Mexico State, he hit .448 with 12 home runs over 16 games before the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Gonzales in the first round with the seventh overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft. He spent the 2021 season with Greensboro of High-A East, and Altoona of Double-A in 2022. In June of 2023 he moved from Triple-A Indianapolis of the International League to the Pirates where he has spent the past three seasons. In 2024 he took over the starting job at second base with a .270 average, seven home runs and 49 RBIs in 94 games.

Travis Jankowski, Bourne

This talented outfielder from Stony Brook had two productive seasons for the Bourne Braves in 2010 and 2011, winning the 2011 Pat Sorenti League MVP Award. That year he batted .329 BA (57-173) and led the league with 57 hits, 31 runs, seven triples and 77 total bases. He added six doubles, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases and a .445 slugging percentage. His seven triples in 2011 tied for second all-time in the league, the year he was named an All-League outfielder. The San Diego Padres selected him in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft. His Major League career has included seasons with the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers (where in 2023 he led the team in stolen bases en route to their first-ever World Series championship) and the Chicago White Sox. He is currently an outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Pat Pinkman, Wareham

The Virginia Tech hurler enjoyed a dominant two-year stint for the Gatemen, compiling a 7-2 record in 1999 with a 1.34 ERA, leading the league in innings pitched (74) and strikeouts (71) and he was named the league’s Outstanding Pitcher, West Division All-Star and All-League pitcher. He enjoyed a command performance in 2000, going 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA and striking out 39 in 57 innings. At Virginia Tech, Pinkman was a freshman All-American and A-10 Rookie of the Year. He set freshman records in wins (7), innings pitched (89), Ks (81), pickoffs (10) and complete games (7). As a sophomore, he set a NCAA Div. I record with 19 pickoffs and posted nine CG’s. Pinkman served as pitching coach at Seton Hall, Fordham, Marymount (Va) and Washington U. in St. Louis on two separate occasions, 2012 & 2014. Between those seasons, Pinkman returned to Virginia Tech to finish his degree, serving as a student assistant coach. Pat served as VP and lead instructor at Pinkman Baseball Academy from 2002-11.

Bob Stead, Administrator, Manager, Coach and Player

The Doane (Neb) U. product, known as “Coach” around Cape Cod, ran the gamut in the Cape League, serving as a coach, manager, scout and league commissioner. The personable Stead managed Yarmouth-Dennis from 1975-78 and the Bourne Braves in1995 and 1996, served as Cape League commissioner from 1999-2003 and was a founder and a former chair of the Cape League Hall of Fame committee in 2000. He was an amateur scout for the New York Yankees and Mets, attended UMass-Amherst and graduated from Doane University. Having moved to Dennis Port at the age of 13, he joined the staff at Dennis-Yarmouth High School in 1973 until 2013 and served as assistant football, JV boys’ basketball and assistant and head baseball coach under inaugural Cape League Hall of Famer Red Wilson. In the 1980s and 1990s he led the Dolphins girls’ hoopsters to great success and is the all-time winningest basketball coach in D-Y history. Sadly, Bob passed away in 2019. He is survived by wife Connie, sons Doug and Kyle, daughter Amy and several grandchildren.

William N. Walker, Chatham

The Wesleyan product was a hitting machine following his freshman season in 1957, leading the Cape League with a .432 batting average for the Chatham Townies. For one amazing season, Walker caught fire and never cooled off. Playing for Chatham of the Lower Cape League in 1957, he was named Player of the Week after scoring or driving in all his team’s runs and stealing home. After leading New England college players in home runs as a senior in 1960, he played minor league ball in the Orioles’ system for one season. He led Wesleyan to records of 13-2 in 1958 and 11-2-1 in 1959. Walker is the author of five popular novels of inter-war Europe. He has experience as a diplomat, government official and international businessman. Walker was ambassador and chief trade negotiator for the U.S. in multilateral trade negotiations in Geneva, where he was America’s senior diplomat. He was general counsel of two government agencies and served as director of presidential personnel for President Gerald Ford. After leaving government, Walker became a partner in a Wall Street law firm, running an international law practice. Later, he established a company devoted to international business and is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus award from Wesleyan U. He is the father of three children and lives with his wife Janet on Cape Cod.

About Cape Cod Baseball League

The Cape Cod Baseball League (Cape League), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is the premier collegiate summer baseball league in the nation, officially formed in 1923, but with roots dating back to 1885. Players from across the United States representing all NCAA college divisions are recruited to play in the 10-team league. Teams are located across Cape Cod, MA, in Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Cotuit, Falmouth, Harwich, Hyannis, Orleans, Wareham and Yarmouth-Dennis. In 2024, 415 Cape League alumni appeared on MLB team rosters, while more than 1,600 have done so all-time. For more information, visit CapeCodBaseball.org.

About the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame

The Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame was established in 2000 to honor those who, through their exceptional achievement or volunteerism, have made lasting contributions to the game of baseball on Cape Cod and the Cape Cod Baseball League. Prominent members include former CCBL alumni Frank Thomas, Lance Berkman, Nomar Garciaparra and Thurman Munson, as well as past League President Judy Scarafile Walden and longtime League volunteer Jim Higgins. The Hall of Fame serves to collect and preserve the history of baseball on Cape Cod and the Cape Cod Baseball League. The Hall of Fame collection serves as an archive of artifacts from the Cape Cod Baseball League including photographs, uniforms, baseballs, bats and trophies that signify crowning achievements in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

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Cross Country Lands Six on Academic All-MAC Team

Published

2 minutes ago

January 9, 2026

Your Sports Nation

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Mid-American Conference announced the 2025 Cross Country Academic All-MAC Team on Thursday morning, celebrating the achievements of 117 student-athletes who have excelled both in competition and in the classroom. The Broncos were headlined by six honorees on this year’s list.

The Academic All-MAC distinction honors student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding dedication to both their academic and athletic pursuits. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 and participate in at least 50% of their team’s competitions during the season.

Ava Kurczewski (3.93, Exercise Science), Lara Machado Pereira (3.76, Biomedical Sciences), Larissa McGrath (3.97, Biomedical Sciences), Lily Overton (3.70, Exercise Science), Lauren Sancrant (3.68, Strategic Communications: Public Relations) and Madison Zarembski (3.98, Elementary Education) were the representatives this season.

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No. 19 George Mason Hosts Catawba College in 2026 Season Opener

Published

4 minutes ago

January 9, 2026

Your Sports Nation

#19 MEN’S VOLLEYBALL vs. Catawba College
WHEN: Saturday, January 10 (5 p.m.)
WHERE: The RAC | Fairfax, Va.
2025 RECORDS: #19 George Mason (16-13, 6-6 EIVA); Catawba College (13-12, 1-2 IVA)
ALL-TIME SERIES: First-ever meeting
LIVE STATS: Click Here
WATCH (ESPN+): Click Here

FAIRFAX, Va. – The No. 19 George Mason Men’s Volleyball team will begin their 2026 campaign this Saturday, January 10, when they host Catawba College at the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) at 5 p.m. in Fairfax. This will be the Patriots’ first-ever meeting with the Indians and the first time since 2023 the Patriots will start the season with a home opener.

Head coach Jay Hosack, who is entering his 11^th season at the helm and recently signed a three-year contract extension with George Mason, said he is looking forward to get the new season underway.

“We are excited to get the 2026 season underway!” said Coach Hosack. “Our guys have worked hard in the preseason, and we are stoked to start the march towards an EIVA title run!”

George Mason ended their 2025 season with a 16-13 overall record and a EIVA Conference record of 6-6. After sweeping Charleston (WV) in the first round of the EIVA tournament, the Patriots’ season came to a close when they lost 3-1 to top-seeded Princeton in the semifinals.

In the offseason, Coach Hosack signed Patriot alum Sam Greenslade (’20) as an assistant coach and added freshmen Brady Ruth of Orlando, Fla., and Alex Venes of Plainfield, Ill.

George Mason is also highly ranked in both conference and national preseason polls. The Patriots are ranked No. 19 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) National Collegiate MVB Preseason Poll, and they are ranked third in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Preseason Coaches Poll.

Redshirt senior outside hitter Liam French and sophomore middle blocker Alexander Lillie were also selected to the 2026 EIVA Players to Watch list. Last season, French played 72 sets from 24 matches and scored 233 points with 191 kills. The Virginia Beach, Va., native also had 29 service aces, the second-most on the team, as well as a .242 hitting percentage, 57 digs and 22 blocks. French recorded a season-high of four service aces against Charleston (WV) on April 23^rd.

Lillie’s freshman campaign was a decorated one, as he was named a three-time EIVA Defensive Player of the Week and was also selected to the EIVA First-Team. The Ronkonkoma, N.Y., product appeared in 82 sets across 24 matches and recorded 30 solo blocks, which was the second-most in the country. In total, his 94 blocks with 1.132 blocks per set was good for ninth-best in the country as well.

The team this season comprise of the following:

SENIORS (4)

JUNIORS (6)

SOPHOMORES (6)

FRESHMEN (2)

SCOUTING CATAWBA COLLEGE

Catawba College will begin their second-ever men’s volleyball season this Saturday in Fairfax. Last season, the Indians finished their inaugural season with an overall record of 13-12 and an Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (IVA) Conference record of 1-2. They entered the IVA Tournament as the four-seed and fell to No. 5 Rockhurst in the first round of the tournament, 3-1, in St. Louis, Mo.

HISTORY WITH THE INDIANS

This will be George Mason’s first-ever meeting with Catawba College.

UP NEXT

After the home opener, the Patriots will travel to Columbus, Ohio, for two matches. They will face host Ohio State on Jan. 15, followed by meeting with Long Beach State the following day (Jan. 16). The Patriots will then return home to host Merrimack on Jan. 24^th at 6 pm at the RAC.

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Mizzou Track & Field Preview: Tigers Ready to Pounce in Season Opener

Published

18 minutes ago

January 9, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The University of Missouri’s track and field team returns to the recently renovated Hearnes Center indoor track facility for its first home meet of the season, hosting the Alexis Jarrett Invitational in Columbia, Mo., at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10.

First opened in 1972, the Hearnes Center has served as a central home for Missouri’s volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics (until 2026) and track & field. The Fieldhouse originally featured a 200-meter track, sprint straightaway and multiple event runways. Now, it features a 200m, 21m Radius and 12 Degree Banked Mondo Track. Over its history, the center has hosted major competitions including the 1991 Big Eight Indoor Track & Field Championship and continues to be a key site for the team.

Last Year’s Alexis Jarrett Invitational

Last year, the Tigers had their first home meet of the season during this invitational. During this meet, 15 Tigers set personal bests across nine different events. On top of that, 12 different Tigers had event wins such as Sam Innes and Petra Gombas for their throws. Alongside them, Reagan Kimrey had a 13.60m shot put throw and Anna Vedral led the pole-vaulters. Lastly, Rahel Broemmel set a career mark in the 1000m.

The Tigers have 39 women athletes on the roster this season, each competing in their respective events.

The Tigers’ roster features 30 male athletes ready for the 2026 season.

With a deep and stacked roster on both the men’s and women’s sides, the Tigers enter the Alexis Jarrett Invitational ready to open the indoor season strong at home. Veteran leaders and new athletes across all event groups will push for early success this weekend.

“I think that they’re ready to be better versions of themselves in a really short period of time, based on what I’m seeing,” assistant coach TJ Harris said.

To read more about Missouri’s Track & Field team, follow @Rock MNation and @SophBleedsLa on X.com

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North’s Caydence Doolan named Gatorade state volleyball player of year

Published

19 minutes ago

January 9, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Updated Jan. 9, 2026, 11:32 a.m. ET

Caydence Doolan closed her North Hagerstown volleyball career as one of the greatest players in Washington County history.

She helped North win three state championships and reach another state final. She put away a staggering 1,256 kills wearing a Hubs uniform.

On Friday, Jan. 9, Doolan was announced as the winner of the Gatorade Maryland Volleyball Player of the Year award.

“It’s really exciting,” said Doolan, who was on her way to Marquette University and early enrollment. “It’s really nice knowing all the hard work I’ve put in got me to this honor. I just think about all the support I had, the coaches, the teammates — they were always great to me, and it helped me as a player grow. They pushed me, but always let me know, ‘You got this.”

Doolan had 478 kills and 223 digs in her senior year, leading the Hubs to a 19-1 record in best-of-5-set matches and a fourth straight appearance in the Class 3A state final. She set a county record for kills-per-set average in the rally-scoring era (from 2002 on), averaging 7.35 kills.

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Track and Field Begins New Year at Gately Indoor

Published

33 minutes ago

January 9, 2026

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CHICAGO – DePaul track and field is ready to return to competition on Saturday, Jan. 10, following a brief hiatus, as the Blue Demons head back to Gately Park. While the meet takes place at DePaul’s home venue, the shared facility will be hosted by Wisconsin this weekend as part of the Badger Midwest Invite. DePaul returns to the Badger Midwest Invite for the third consecutive season with hopes of strong performances on both the track and in the field.

The Field
DePaul will compete alongside a local field that includes Ball State, Chicago State, UIC, and Wisconsin. Field events begin at 2 p.m. CT, followed by track events at 3:55 p.m. CT, with finals slated for 5:40 p.m. CT.

December Rewind
The Blue Demons carry early momentum into the new year after competing in three December meets at Notre Dame, Boston University, and Gately Indoor. To open the year in South Bend, Ind., Jaiden Gary and Jaiah Hopf earned first-place finishes in the shot put and long jump, respectively, while Katelyn Welsh became DePaul’s first female pole vaulter in program history.

In Boston, Vivian Wyller posted a personal-best time of 17:11.22 in the 5,000 meters before an outstanding day for DePaul at its home meet, the Blue Demon Holiday Classic. The meet saw 12 individual event champions crowned, with 21 personal records set during the Blue Demons’ final competition of the 2025 calendar year.

Newcomers
To open the 2025–26 DePaul University Winter Quarter, the Blue Demons’ women’s track and field team welcomed two newcomers. Helen Baumgarten, an international product from Germany, enters her redshirt-junior campaign after transferring from New Orleans. The multi-event specialist reunites with first-year DePaul assistant coach Ben Hibbert.

Antioch, Ill., native and Ball State transfer Rosie Gonzales joins the Blue Demons as a freshman. Gonzales specializes in distance running and hails from Antioch Community High School, located roughly three miles south of the Illinois-Wisconsin border. Both newcomers join the fray hoping to make an immediate impact.

Follow along with DePaul at the Badger Midwest Invite: Live Results | Event Schedule | Blue Demons

Up Next
The Blue Demons compete locally at the Cardinal Opener on Saturday, Jan. 17, hosted by North Central College.

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Jordan Larson announces retirement from professional volleyball

Published

35 minutes ago

January 9, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Jordan Larson, Nebraska volleyball legend and Olympian, announces retirement from competitive volleyball

Well, thanks to so many of you guys that have come out this morning. We’re excited to, to be here. Um, my name is Kirsten Bernthal Booth. I’m the president of business operations for Love, Nebraska, and we have *** special announcement, um, before we open at home on Sunday. So I’m gonna now turn it over to Jordan Larson for *** few words. Hey everyone, welcome. Um, so I’m gonna kind of read this just because. We’re probably gonna be fumbled, so I’m gonna try to get through it, but I’ve read it probably 10 times, so hopefully, there’s no tears. Um, the season isn’t about an ending. It’s about celebrating that made the journey possible. Oh, after this year, I’ll be stepping away from competitive volleyball, and rather than making this the finish line, I want to spend this season honoring the people, places, and moments that shaped it all. Are you. Every gym, every jersey, every teammate coach, and Van has played *** role, and this year is my way of saying thank you. It’s been I’ve been incredibly fortunate to play this game alongside people who challenged me. Pushed me and supported me and believe in something bigger than myself. None of this would have happened alone. This season is for the shared work, the memories and lessons and for the love of the game that has been constant from the very beginning. So I wanna celebrate together, um, one more season competing, connecting and appreciate just how special this ride has been. Um, grateful for every step and ready for one more. And, um, I think just recognizing how special it is for me to be home and be able to do this in front of *** state that just really loves volleyball and this really isn’t about me. There’s been so many greats that have come on before me and maybe haven’t had. The proper buy to the game and um I hope this is just kind of setting that foundation for others to to follow suit.

Jordan Larson, Nebraska volleyball legend and Olympian, announces retirement from competitive volleyball

Updated: 11:15 AM CST Jan 9, 2026

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Jordan Larson, a former Nebraska volleyball player and four-time Olympic medalist, announced Friday that this will be her last season as a professional player.”This season isn’t about an ending, it’s about celebrating that made the journey possible,” Larson said. “After this year, I’ll be stepping away from competitive volleyball and rather than making this the finish line, I want to spend the season honoring the people, places and moments that shaped it all.” » Download the free KETV app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayLarson was a three-time All-American and national champion at NU. She won a gold medal with Team USA in 2021.The Fremont native was on John Cook’s coaching staff at Nebraska for two seasons and helped lead the Huskers to an NCAA national championship appearance in 2023 and an NCAA tournament final four appearance in 2024.Larson is also part of the new ownership group for the LOVB Nebraska volleyball team.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

OMAHA, Neb. —

Jordan Larson, a former Nebraska volleyball player and four-time Olympic medalist, announced Friday that this will be her last season as a professional player.

“This season isn’t about an ending, it’s about celebrating that made the journey possible,” Larson said. “After this year, I’ll be stepping away from competitive volleyball and rather than making this the finish line, I want to spend the season honoring the people, places and moments that shaped it all.”

» Download the free KETV app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

Larson was a three-time All-American and national champion at NU. She won a gold medal with Team USA in 2021.

The Fremont native was on John Cook’s coaching staff at Nebraska for two seasons and helped lead the Huskers to an NCAA national championship appearance in 2023 and an NCAA tournament final four appearance in 2024.

Larson is also part of the new ownership group for the LOVB Nebraska volleyball team.

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.