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In 1966, he led the league with 70 strikeouts, and he became the No matter how much he tries to downplay them, those honors
first pitcher to win 10 are far from undeserved. Not only
consecutive games for the mastery he displayed on
in the Cape Cod the mound, but also the legacy he’s
Baseball League. established through his roles within
The following year, the Chatham Athletic Association.
he pitched four
shutouts — also a Whenever a player or coach needs to
record — and one be reimbursed, Ed’s the one writing
of them came in the the checks. Collecting the concessions
A’s postseason run money, filing tax forms, all fall under
toward their first- his jurisdiction. All the Anglers
ever Cape League merchandise revenue, which A’s
championship . general manager Mike Geylin guesses
By the time his brings the organization more revenue
career was over, he per hour of operation than many
had notched 184 clothing retailers in Chatham also
punchouts and falls under Baird’s purview. Geylin is
a miniscule 1.89 amazed the A’s sky-high merchandise
earned run average sales continue going upward. Every
in his time with year Baird and his team mastermind
Chatham. Greer new designs and make sure they’re
believes Baird may ready to go by Opening Day. The A’s
have been the best core fanbase might largely consist of
pitcher in the league many of the same people, but with
over those three his designs, Baird always gives them
years. a fresh product that keeps them
wanting more.
But it’s not like Baird
was ever one to toot It’s that kind of dedication to his craft —
his own horn. Even and to the A’s — that Ed has displayed
now, running the A’s both on and off the diamond. Steve
merchandise booth, West, the president of the Chatham
he never mentions Athletic Association, says no one
its success without in the organization is irreplaceable
speaking about the except for A’s groundskeeper Robbie
people who help Grenier, and that’ll never change.
him organize it each
year. Baird has built a close-knit team, anchored by amazing But in West’s eyes, Baird is about as close as you can get to being
sisters Deb Kavey, Joan Streeter and Kathy Olsen. They, along irreplaceable. “While he may not be irreplaceable, Ed has got to
with their children have partnered with him to make the Anglers be the most important person in the organization.”
merchandise and concession stands a success. Ed says “their
warmth, honesty, and love of Chatham baseball has helped
foster long-term relationships with suppliers which allows them
to come up with new ideas each year. The result Ed say, “is there
is always something fresh to see on opening day”.

In 2003, after 36 years, Baird was inducted into the Cape
League Hall of Fame, in a ceremony held at the Chatham Bars
Inn. Sixteen years after that, he saw his No. 19 hung up on the
Veterans Field press box, the only player to have his number
retired. A big deal, right?

His reaction to those plaudits was just as humble as you’d
expect.

“I’m not big on talking about the successes that I’ve had,” Baird
said. “I’m a little modest in that regard, but having my uniform
ABOVE IS AN ABRIDGED & EDITED VERSION OF A MAURICIO PALMAR STORY.
number retired in Chatham and being inducted into the Cape A REFINED VERSION OF THIS STORY WILL BE POSTED ONLINE AT CHATHAMANGLERS.COM.
League Hall of Fame are very special to me”.
2026 CHATHAM ANGLERS YEARBOOK 11