When Shane Riley first set foot on Nantucket in 2021, the once‑vibrant Tom Nevers baseball field lay in disrepair, its grass overgrown and its home‑plate markings faded. The sight sparked a personal mission: to breathe new life into the historic site and create a space where the island’s love of baseball could be renewed.
Reviving a Historic Field
Together with his friend Bret Samboy, Riley launched an adult fast‑pitch league that now counts more than 75 participants. While the roster is diverse, roughly two‑thirds hail from the Dominican Republic, bringing a deep‑rooted passion for the game and a cultural connection that enriches the team dynamics. The league is deliberately inclusive, welcoming players of all genders and emphasizing affordable, fun competition.
Baseball’s footprint on Nantucket stretches back to the late 19th century, with the earliest printed reference dating to 1870. The new league honors that legacy by adhering to traditional rules, using wood bats, and aligning with the Men’s Senior Baseball League. Its schedule includes plans for a home‑run derby and an all‑star game, events designed to draw the broader community into the sport.
Samuel Taveras, a carpenter and former high school standout from the Dominican Republic, has been a steady presence in the league’s early seasons. Having spent years in Nantucket’s Dominican Softball League, Taveras sees the fast‑pitch venture as a bridge for younger islanders to continue playing after high school or college, ensuring a pipeline of talent and enthusiasm.
Riley and Samboy envision the league as more than a seasonal pastime; they hope it will become a lasting institution that preserves the island’s baseball heritage while fostering community engagement. By offering affordable access and a shared love of the game, the initiative aims to keep the spirit of baseball alive on Nantucket for years to come.