A Summer Classic at Cardines Field
The evening air over Newport’s Cardines Field crackled with anticipation as the Newport Gulls faced off against the Ocean State Waves in a much‑anticipated New England Collegiate Baseball League matchup. A season‑high crowd of 2,835 spectators filled the stands, among them travelers from California, Croatia and Australia, all drawn by the promise of high‑caliber summer baseball.
Cardines Field, one of America’s oldest ballparks, first opened its gates in 1908. Its weathered wooden bleachers and intimate layout have witnessed more than a century of baseball lore, making it a fitting stage for a rivalry that pits two of Rhode Island’s most beloved summer teams against each other.
The NECBL serves as a crucible for college players who, after completing their varsity seasons, seek competitive play to hone their skills. Alumni of the league have gone on to make marks at powerhouse programs such as Vanderbilt University, the University of Kentucky and Oklahoma State University, and the 2026 contest showcased several of those rising stars.
Beyond the diamond, the Gulls and Waves are woven into the fabric of their coastal communities. Both clubs run summer camps for children aged six to twelve, where current players serve as coaches over a five‑week curriculum. The programs not only teach baseball fundamentals but also foster mentorship and local pride.
For Newport resident Brian Rochelle and his wife, hosting a Gulls player has become a year‑round commitment. Their home, located just minutes from the ballpark, offers a stable environment for out‑of‑state athletes, and Rochelle says the experience has deepened his connection to the team’s mission.
Long‑time fan Caitlin Marcoux, who has attended Gulls games with her family for nine years, recalls how the summer camps transformed her children’s outlook on the sport. "Seeing the players mentor the kids gives the whole community a sense of continuity," she notes, emphasizing the league’s ripple effect on local youth.
John Mass, a pitcher for the Gulls, exemplifies the personal narratives that give the league its heart. Mass first attended a Gulls camp as a teenager, dreaming of one day wearing the team’s colors. Years later, he now takes the mound for the very club that inspired his ambition, a testament to the pathway the NECBL provides for local talent.
The game’s outcome — a 6‑3 victory for the Ocean State Waves — was secondary to the broader celebration of summer baseball in Newport. The event underscored how a historic ballpark, a competitive league, and engaged families can together create a cultural touchstone that resonates far beyond the final out.