MATTAPOISETT — The motto of the Cape Cod Baseball League is “Where the stars of tomorrow shine tonight.” Tri-Town youngsters were able to interact with some of these stars at the Mattapoisett Library on the morning of Saturday, June 22.

Players from the Wareham Gatemen read a short story to kids in attendance before heading outside to play some catch and sign autographs.

Each player in attendance was paired up with two or three children at a time as the groups tossed a baseball around and quickly got to know each other.

Many of the Gatemen asked the children what positions on the baseball field they played.

“I play first base and pitcher,” one said.

“I play everywhere,” said another.

“This means everything,” said Gateman and University of Miami infielder Antonio Jimenez said. “I remember when I was a little kid, I used to look up to all of these big dudes. To come out here and interact with the kids, it’s been fun.”

Mattapoisett Free Public Library Assistant Director Michelle Skaar said that she was “thrilled with the prospect” of having some Gatemen players at the library when she was approached with the idea by Gatemen Secretary Bethany Couto.

“It’s awesome,” said Skaar. “It’s great that the players are as enthusiastic about this as the kids are.”

Warming up with Tri-Town children may have given the Gatemen some additional good luck, as they went on to defeat the Bourne Braves 7-3 hours after the event.