Seven Chatham players were chosen as Cape League All-Stars on Saturday. Chatham will be represented by two pitchers and five position players in the annual East-West game. 

The All-Star game will take place on Sunday, July 21 at Eldredge Park in Orleans, at the conclusion of a day’s worth of festivities that includes batting, infield and outfield practice, autograph signings and a home run derby. The game will begin at 6:05 p.m.

Starters

Jamal O’Guinn (USC) — O'Guinn was the lone Anglers player selected to start. He’ll represent the East Division as the starting left fielder after O’Guinn slashed .291/.435/.477 in the first 28 games of the season. O’Guinn also tallied a team-high three HRs and 17 RBIs.

"It’s nice to know that the hard work we’re putting in out here is being seen," O'Guinn said. "It’s a good feeling. I heard it’s a lot of fun. I’m excited to watch the home run derby. It’s another game, you just have to go have fun when you do it."

Pitchers

Parker Scott (Oklahoma State) — Scott made three appearances for Chatham, and one start. In 13.2 innings, the Cowboys’ lefty blanked everyone. He allowed zero runs, one walk, and nine hits, posting a .73 WHIP. His seven-inning shutout of Orleans remains the Anglers best starting performance of the season. 

Dawson Merryman (Texas) — Merryman earned himself a Texas commitment offer after his second Cape performance. He’s appeared 10 times for the A’s, thrown 10 innings, and allowed one run. Manager Tom Holliday has called his closer lights-out, and he’s registered three saves. Friday against Yarmouth-Dennis, Merryman threw two scoreless innings to preserve the A’s tie.

"Before the season, I wasn’t thinking about it," Merryman said. "During the season I saw it as something to work toward. A goal."

He added about the chance to be the closer: "If it comes to it, I think I could do it. I want the ball 100%."

Reserves

Brady Smith (Florida) — Smith was selected as a reserve catcher. In his second summer on the Cape after Cotuit in 2018, Smith has 13 hits and two home runs in 40 at-bats. His OPS of .936 is the highest of Chatham’s active players.

“That is something I’m thankful for," Smith said. "Being an all-star is going to be fun. Playing with a lot of our guys too is great. It’s something on my mind, but I just wanted to come and have good at-bats and see what happens.

Jorge Arenas (Stetson) — In his second year with Chatham, Arenas has proven himself as a valuable infielder and when needed, emergency pitcher this season While Arenas has a save and three strikeouts on the mound, he’s earned his spot based on his performance offensively. Arenas is slashing .280/.393/.360 with four doubles and five RBIs.

"It’s always nice to be recognized," Arenas said. "I was really excited, I told my parents about it. Just like anything in life, once you get it the second time through you get a feel. The mental part, being able to handle yourself professionally."

Ben Ramirez (USC) — Like Arenas, the A's shortstop is back for year two. And now he’s an All-Star. Ramirez didn’t hit a home run last summer or this spring with USC, but he’s belted two with the A’s this summer. Ramirez has appeared in every game and has 24 hits, second most on Chatham. Perhaps most impressive is his 12% strikeout rate, lowest of qualified A’s hitters.

"It’s always a goal to make those teams," Ramirez said. "I was surprised, I get to play with the best guys around. Last year we went to watch and we left after the first inning. It was a fun day, I’m looking forward to it this year."

Kaden Polcovich (Oklahoma State) — As the Anglers continue to shuffle around lineups and defensive rotations, Polcovich’s utility has been an invaluable asset. Despite playing five different positions this summer, he’s made just one error. At the plate, the switch hitter is slashing .282/.400/.447 with almost as many walks (18) as strikeouts (20).

“I wasn’t expected to do much in this league, so it’s really satisfying for me," Polcovich said. "I was on a temp contract, people didn’t think too much of me because I’m coming from a JUCO.”