The Martha’s Vineyard Sharks opened their 2025 season at the Shark Tank with an evening dedicated to youth baseball and softball.
On Tuesday evening, Little Leaguers wearing their uniforms joined the Sharks players in the outfield during warm-ups to play catch and chase pop-ups with the college standouts.
Under the lights, the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks faced a familiar opponent and a shot at redemption, welcoming the Vermont Mountaineers, the same team that ended their season in last year’s dramatic, fog-shortened playoff sweep.
The Mountaineers proved too tough on Tuesday as the Sharks went down 4-3. Despite the loss, the crowd remained energetic throughout the close contest.
Vermont struck first, scoring in the top of the second and tacking on two more in the third to grab an early 3-0 lead. The Sharks responded quickly, scratching across a run in the bottom of the third, then tying the game with solo tallies in the fourth and fifth innings.
From there, both bullpens settled in, holding the game scoreless into the ninth. With one out in the final frame, Vermont’s Matt Chatelle drew a walk off Sharks reliever Luca Algheband, a sophomore from Harvard. Chatelle stole second and advanced to third when the throw from catcher Kyle Cincinnati sailed into center field. He came around to score on a ground-out, giving the Mountaineers the late lead.
The Sharks were retired in order in the bottom of the ninth, unable to mount one final rally. It was a tough-luck start for a team that arrived on the Island just days ago, still adjusting to a new field, new teammates and the rhythm of summer ball.
This year’s team is led by Peyton Fuller, a 32-year-old assistant coach at Coast Alabama Community College.
On Wednesday evening, the Sharks were back in action, taking a brief break from their NECBL schedule to host an exhibition game against the Yankees Scout Team. Led by longtime MLB scout Matt Hyde, the squad is a hand-picked selection of some of the Northeast’s top collegiate and high school talents. The game featured unique rules, including a set number of batters per inning, and even saw a few impressive pitchers from the Yankee Scout Team take the mound wearing Sharks uniforms to get some extra work in.
Despite facing a collection of rising stars, the Sharks competed fiercely, jumping out to a 2-0 lead before a Yankees pitcher throwing for the Sharks gave up a three-run homer in the seventh inning. The game ultimately ended 5-2 in favor of the scout team.
Mr. Hyde said playing the Sharks is always a highlight.
“This is a great organization with great people,” he said. “Secondly, there’s always good players here. It makes it really desirable to come play, and this beautiful setting, on Martha’s Vineyard, it’s always a staple for every summer.”
He also added a nod to the unique character of the ballpark.
“It’s the only place that’s known as the Shark Tank. There’s something to be said for that,” he said. “It’s got some character that makes it different from any other venue.”
This summer’s schedule promises a unique highlight, with celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Jaws coming to the Shark Tank on June 19. Sponsored by Vineyard Vines, Jaws Night will feature a special match-up between the Amity Sharks and the Quincy Navigators.
The Sharks play at home Thursday and Monday but hit the road this weekend.
For a full schedule, visit mvsharks.com.
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