Future Baseball Stars Shine in the Hamptons

In the East End, young baseball talents are making the summer feel electric.

The Hampton University Baseball League, a notable spot on Long Island, promises everything from impressive player sightings to pathways to the MLB, not to mention the laid-back vibes of summer.

“My friends play in leagues that are kind of, well, isolated, and they don’t enjoy it much. But here, it’s fantastic,” said Lincoln Oelschlager, a pitcher for the Sag Harbor Whalers, who originally hails from Seattle and plays for Pomona College in California. He mentioned that, “This really is one of the best spots for summer ball.”

Unlike the renowned Cape Cod collegiate league, the Hamptons League serves as a local MLB affiliate.

Much like its New England counterpart, this region has seen over 600 players drafted by MLB teams, including many big names like Corbin Burnes of the Diamondbacks; in fact, a total of 112 have made their mark in the major leagues.

A Real Breakthrough

According to Riverhead Tomcats manager Kyle McLaughlin, the Long Island League is pivotal in discovering talent that might not otherwise get the spotlight. He remarked, “The Cape Cod League has its fair share of top-tier Division I players, but here, we attract a broader mix—from Division I to junior college guys.”

“This really opens up a lot of chances for our local Long Island players to compete alongside guys from the Cape,” he added.

McLaughlin’s team primarily features collegiate athletes from nearby institutions like Hofstra, Adelphi, LIU, and Stony Brook, as well as the Westhampton Aviators.

Outfielder Richie Heeder, who is set to play for the Seawolves next season, noted, “I know the coaches are keeping an eye on the league and the matches.” He expressed that having teammates who are determined to elevate their game is definitely encouraging.

However, teams like the Whalers, Southampton Breakers, North Fork Ospreys, and Shelter Island Bucks have a different kind of atmosphere—one that feels more vibrant.

Players from around the globe are drawn to spend their summers here; for instance, Luis Sarto Takeshi Miyajima traveled all the way from Madrid, Spain. This was his first trip to America, and he was excited to play for the Whalers, enjoy the ocean, attend his inaugural Mets game, and try Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.

Like many international players, he stays with a host family, which usually brings its own set of perks.

Tommy Shaw, who plays for the Castleton Spartans in Vermont, mentioned he would stay with friends in Montauk, enjoying beach time between their busy schedule of 36 games over six weeks. “There’s an amazing golf course at Montauk Downs,” he shared, adding that he’s involved in local basketball as well.

“Each day, I come to the field with the guys, and we just play. It’s hard to complain,” he said.

Oelschlager is also acquainted with The Point, and his friend’s host father often takes a boat out to Montauk for a fun-filled day on the water.

The Challenges of Summer

League president Sandy Cruel plays a significant role in assisting players with housing and job placements, such as offering lessons and landscaping gigs between games. “There’s quite a bit of door knocking involved,” said the Sag Harbor native, who is a passionate advocate for East End baseball.

Months ago, her sons were part of the Whalers, and she reminisced about how her brother crafted a charming wooden dugout for their base at Mashasimuet Park. Notably, Karl Yastrzemski played there during his childhood, with the stands evoking an ambiance similar to Cooperstown.

Her dedication has earned her the admiration of Sag Harbor’s affluent residents and celebrity players from Long Island. She recalled, “Jerry Seinfeld often stopped by. He was quite the supporter,” referring to the Massapequa Park native.

Additionally, Billy Joel is known for mingling with players at a local sushi eatery, Cruel mentioned. “He’s great at connecting with the kids,” she said of their interactions over lunch.

Manager McLaughlin added that Dwyane Wade has been spotted at games, while LeBron James and Kevin Love have been seen practicing nearby.

Cruel recounted a moment when both teams paused from the dugout to watch Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck play tennis just behind the right field seats at Sag Harbor.

Ultimately, it’s the local community that elevates the experience for the players, making them feel like stars. “The best part is the kids,” Oelschlager reflected. “They see us as big leaguers, but, you know, we’re really not. Still, it sure makes you feel like a celebrity.”