The Chatham Anglers announced its 40-game schedule for the 2020 season, the 58th year in the Cape League’s modern era. Last year, the Anglers (24-18-2) clinched the East Division’s regular-season title but were swept by Harwich in the divisional round. Eight wins over nine games in mid-July elevated Chatham to the top of the Cape League’s standings, and the Anglers finished with 50 points behind Kaden Polcovich’s (Oklahoma State) .305 batting average and Kolby Kubichek’s (Texas) 0.90 ERA. But just two runs in two playoff games against Harwich eliminated the Anglers.

Chatham Schedule | CCBL Schedule

With 100 days remaining before Chatham’s opening game, here are some key dates for its 2020 season.

Sunday, June 14 — Home opener

One night after the season-opener at Falmouth, the Anglers face Orleans at 7 p.m. to start their 98th season at Veterans Field. Falmouth defeated the Anglers, 1-0, in their 2019 home-opener after two wild pitches and a sacrifice fly in the ninth manufactured the only run the Commodores needed. Over the last two years, Chatham’s record at home is 23-23-1.

Monday, June 22 — The defending champions

Chatham went 3-1 against Cotuit last season, but still watched the Kettleers win the Cape League title in August. In those four games, the two teams matched combined run totals (19).

Saturday, June 29 — Harwich rematch

Despite winning the East Division regular season title, Chatham was swept in the 2019 East Division Series by Harwich. The June 29 game at Whitehouse Field is the Anglers’ first shot at avenging those two losses that ended their season last year. 

Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5 — Independence Day series

The annual home-and-home tradition against Orleans around Independence Day will take place on July 4 and 5 this year, with Chatham hosting the first game at Veterans Field. Last season, the Anglers swept the back-to-back games against the Firebirds — winning both, 8-7.

Saturday, July 25 — All-Star Game

In 2019, seven players represented the Anglers in the All-Star game at Eldredge Park in Orleans — including Brady Smith (Florida), who scored East’s game-winning run. This year, the game will be held at Wareham’s Spillane Field.

Sunday, Aug. 2 — Regular-season finale

Chatham closes out the regular season at Orleans and would open the playoffs on Aug. 4 if it secures a top-four finish in the East Division. In 2018, Chatham advanced to the Cape League Championship before it was swept by Wareham, and it has been 21 years since the Anglers’ last Cape League Championship.

The Anglers also announced the dates for their Chatham Anglers Championship Baseball Clinic, which is open to boys and girls ages 6-17. Seven weekly sessions in June and July allow campers to improve their baseball skills under the guidance of Chatham Anglers players.

Admission for every Chatham game at Veterans Field is free, and donations are welcome.