The Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League is offering college athletes an ideal summer baseball experience, combining professional development opportunities with the allure of the East End. The league, an affiliate of Major League Baseball, serves as a local alternative to the well-established Cape Cod League, providing a platform for players to hone their skills while enjoying a unique summer environment.
Players in the league, such as pitcher Lincoln Oelschlager of the Sag Harbor Whalers, describe their experience as superior to other summer leagues. "My friends are playing in leagues in the middle of nowhere. They’re pretty miserable. But out here it’s awesome," Oelschlager, a pitcher for Pomona College, told The Post. "It’s probably the best place you’d be for summer ball."
The Hamptons league has a history of producing talent that reaches the professional level. It has sent numerous players to MLB drafts, with over 100 alumni having played in the major leagues. Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes is among its notable former players. Riverhead Tomcats manager Kyle McLaughlin highlighted the league's role in identifying talent that might otherwise be overlooked. "The Cape Cod League is the league where all of the high-end Division I players go, but here, you have more of a mix, you have anywhere from D-I to junior college guys," he said. "This allows the opportunity for a lot of local Long Island players to kind of get into that same realm as the players that are in the Cape."
Certain teams, including the Riverhead Tomcats and Westhampton Aviators, are specifically designated for Long Island-based collegiate players from local schools. Other teams, like the Sag Harbor Whalers, Southampton Breakers, North Fork Ospreys, and Shelter Island Bucks, recruit players from across the country and internationally. Luis Takeshi Salto Miyajima, an outfielder from Madrid, Spain, made his first trip to the U.S. to play with the Whalers.
Many players reside with host families during the summer, a common arrangement that often includes perks like access to boats and local attractions. Tommy Shaw, a player for the Castleton Spartans, spoke about enjoying the beach and local golf courses in Montauk. "Coming to the field every day with the boys, kicking it, playing ball. Can’t complain," Shaw said.
League president Sandi Kruel is instrumental in organizing housing and summer jobs for the players, assisting them with tasks such as giving lessons or landscaping. Kruel, whose own sons played for the Whalers, has been a long-time advocate for baseball on the East End. The league has garnered support from affluent locals and celebrities with ties to Long Island. Figures such as comedian Jerry Seinfeld have been noted donors, and musician Billy Joel has been seen conversing with players at a local restaurant. Professional athletes like Dwyane Wade have attended games, and LeBron James and Kevin Love have been observed on nearby courts.
Kruel also recounted an instance where two teams paused their game to watch Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck play tennis near the ballpark. Despite the high-profile connections, players often find the most meaningful interactions to be with the local community. "One of the best parts is the little kids," Oelschlager said. "They think we’re like big leaguers, which we really are not, but it makes you feel like a celebrity."