Even though there is no CCBL All-Star game, the Whitecaps had no shortage of midseason all stars.
By Maxwell Paul McLaughlin The Whitecaps have been having a dream season sitting atop the east division with a 15-7-2 record. The Whitecaps are also winners of eight out of their last ten. This past Tuesday, things got even better for the Whitecaps. Five of their players were named to the CCBL All-Star Team. Those players include; Bryce Hubbart (Florida State), Zach Neto (Campbell), Michael Prosecky (Louisville), Dale Stanavich (Rutgers), and Jake Thompson (Oklahoma State). “We are extremely happy for those guys and they deserve that great accomplishment,” Whitecaps manager Jamie Shevchik said. “They worked hard and have earned the right to be among the best players in the best amateur league in the country.” Bryce Hubbart from Florida State has been the best starting pitcher for the Whitecaps since he arrived on the Cape. The lefty leads the league in strikeouts with 41. He is third in the league with a 1.08 era and has a 2-1 record. In 25 innings pitched Hubbart has only allowed three runs. Every time Hubbart pitches for the Whitecaps, everyone gets excited. Hubbart has not given up a run in his last four starts and may go down as one of the most dominant Whitecaps pitchers ever. “It was cool to see my name on that list, but I was more excited to see my other teammates there,” Hubbart said. “I’m going to try and take what I’m doing here and do that in my next year at Florida State, and then hopefully replicate it into my professional years.” Zachary Neto from Campbell has been the best all-around and most exciting Whitecaps player to watch thus far. It's because of his graceful defense and him being a juggernaut on offense. Neto right now leads the team in home runs with three and has added ten runs batted in Neto, also has a .304 batting average. Neto has had something to prove here in the Cape League after being cut by Cotuit. Unfortunately, Neto will be leaving Sunday after suffering a sprained ankle. Even though Neto hasn't been on the field, he has been the Whitecaps biggest supporter in the dugout cheering every second of the game. “My goal was to come out here play the best baseball I could and help my team win,” Neto said. “Whether I was an all-star or not the main part of the goal was to help get my team where we are today," Michael Prosecky from Louisville is the silent assassin out of the bullpen. If you've never looked him up, you wouldn't even know he boasts a .90 era, along with nine strikeouts in only ten innings pitched. That's what makes him so good. He goes out on the mound, does his job, then goes to the bullpen and has fun. The lengthy lefty has made six appearances each one better than the next, that is because of the hard work he puts in day in and day out. That hard work has led to him being one of the best relievers in the Whitecaps bullpen. “Honestly I wasn't expecting it or hoping for it,” Prosecky said. “I have just been going out there and throwing. It's cool to get the recognition, but the Caps are rolling so that's all that matters.” Dale Stanavich from Rutgers is most likely having one of the best seasons by a reliever on the Cape this season. His numbers speak for themselves. He has pitched ten innings, recorded 18 strikeouts, and he hasn't allowed one run. Stanavich has been so good he’s become the full-time closer for the Whitecaps now in any close situation. The way Stanavich has played this summer may be surprising for many except for Dale himself. Stanavich has worked very hard in his life to be in the position he is in today. Stanavich has stayed humble through it all. “Honestly it feels good to see a bunch of other Brewster teammates on there as well,” Stanavich said. “I think that the most important thing is that Brewster represented the East Division very well. It's not the end of the season though. We didn't win anything yet so none of that stuff matters right now.” Last but certainly not least is Jake Thompson from Oklahoma State. Thompson has been the most consistent hitter since day one for the Whitecaps. Thompson has a .265 batting average while hitting two home runs and driving in 11 runs. Thompson has also played well at first base and third base. His best game of the year came against Cotuit. Thompson hit two home runs. He is also one of the most humble baseball players you will ever meet. “I was pretty excited to be recognized in a league like this, this is the best summer league so it's a great feeling to be recognized,” Thompson said. “This will help my future to be seen on an all-star list out here.” These five players are not the only ones contributing to the Whitecaps. It has been a whole team effort and a much different team than the one that started 0-2-1. The Whitecaps are hot and in first looking to win their first title since 2017. As of right now, the Whitecaps are heading in the right direction. Comments are closed.
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