Archives for October 2022

WooSox Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Jesse Burkett Little League World Series Team

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

Before the Worcester Red Sox’ final home game of the season, the club celebrated the 20th anniversary of Worcester’s Jesse Burkett Little League team that made it all the way to the World Series in Williamsport back in 2002.

Players Frank Flynn, Ben Landers, Gordie Lockbaum, and Teddy Daly were all recognized on the field alongside the team’s manager, Frank Granger. The WooSox also saluted coaches Tom Daly, Chris Doyle, and Paul Flynn, as well as league president Chris Weber.

The WooSox designed 150 custom green “20th Anniversary” shirts, which the club donated to Jesse Burkett Little League to help raise funds.

“We’re grateful that the WooSox brought so many of us back together to be recognized before their final game at Polar Park of the season,” said former player Teddy Daly. “It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years, and we enjoyed the green shirts the WooSox provided us during the ceremony.”

Susquehanna Township Baseball Association to Receive ‘Homefield Makeover’

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HARRISBURG, PA. – The Harrisburg Senators are excited to partner with First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B Corporation, and Black Landscape for its ‘Homefield Makeover’ initiative that will provide a field renovation to one local youth baseball or softball league. After receiving applications from over 15 different leagues, Susquehanna Township Baseball Association (STBA) has been selected as the beneficiary.

The renovation will take place at Stabler Field (4353 Kaby St., Harrisburg, PA 17110) on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Various projects will be worked on at the field including removal of the infield grass, capping the fence, and extending the baselines. This will allow for a safer and more versatile field.

The projects will be completed by volunteers and staff members from the Senators, First National Bank, Black Landscape, and STBA.

The Senators offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during the offseason. The 2023 home opener is Tuesday, April 11, against the Richmond Flying Squirrels. For information about Sensylvania Club Season Memberships or group tickets please call the Senators at 717-231-4444 or visit the Senators online at www.senatorsbaseball.com. You can find the Senators on Facebook at facebook.com/senatorsbaseball or @hbgsenators on Twitter.

WooSox Preserve Pawtucket Tradition by Sending Two Kids from its Boys & Girls Club to the World Series

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

WOOSOX PRESERVE PAWTUCKET TRADITION BY SENDING

TWO KIDS FROM ITS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO THE WORLD SERIES

2022 marks 72nd anniversary of tradition established in 1950

by longtime American League Umpire Hank Soar

WORCESTER, MA – Continuing a Rhode Island tradition that dates back 72 years, the WooSox Foundation, in conjunction with the Worcester Red Sox, will send a pair of youngsters from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket on an all-expense-paid trip to see Games 1 and 2 of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX, this Friday and Saturday night.

Nallah Goss, 10, and Nolan Myers, 9, will attend the opening games of the World Series with their chaperones and return to Rhode Island on Sunday.

“These kids are going to remember this experience for the rest of their lives,” said Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket CEO, Jim Hoyt. “We’re grateful that the Worcester Red Sox are continuing this tradition that goes back decades, and that they haven’t forgotten about our kids in Pawtucket. It’s one of our favorite traditions.”

“We’ve had the pleasure of carrying on this amazing tradition for over three decades during my time in Pawtucket – first with the PawSox Foundation and now the WooSox Foundation,” said WooSox Vice Chairman Mike Tamburro, the longtime president of the PawSox. “Once again this year we are pleased to continue this custom in Worcester and give these Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club families a proper send-off from our new home at Polar Park.”

The two children were randomly chosen during a Boys & Girls Club outing at Polar Park this season. This year’s trip marks the 32nd year that the franchise has sent two children from the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket accompanied by adult chaperones to baseball’s Fall Classic.

It all began in 1950 when the New York Football Giants’ longtime running back, Hank Soar, became an American League baseball umpire. Soar, who grew up in Pawtucket and graduated from what is now Tolman High School, had discovered umpiring by Central Mass native Connie Mack, the legendary owner and manager of the Philadelphia Athletics. After Soar established the annual ritual of providing tickets to a pair of children, the City of Pawtucket assumed the responsibility before passing the torch to the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1990. After completing 50 years in Rhode Island in 2020, the club is sending the students this year for the second time as the Worcester Red Sox.

“This long standing tradition has meant so much to our children,” said Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “We thank the WooSox for continuing to provide opportunities for youth in Pawtucket.”

Segra Stadium to Host Annual “United for Veterans”

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will host the annual “United for Veterans” event on Friday, November 11th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Segra Stadium. This event is free, open to the public and will have activities for all ages.

United for Veterans will feature a resource fair that will bring dozens of organizations together, offering services for veterans and military families. Among these will be organizations providing education services, medical information, employment assistance, mental health care, housing, fitness, recreational activities and more.

Along with the resource fair, there will be family activities around the concourse and a “Woodpeckers Yard Sale,” in which exclusive Woodpeckers jerseys and other items will be available for purchase. The Woodpeckers will also collect donations at this event for unhoused veterans. Anyone is welcome to bring donations such as shoes, handwarmers, paper towels, toilet paper and athletic clothing.

United for Veterans is one of over fifteen events happening in Cumberland County during Heroes Homecoming, a weeklong celebration of veterans and military families, organized by the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Heroes Homecoming is honoring the “Heroes at Home,” military families and spouses, along with veterans and active-duty members. Heroes Homecoming kicks off on Saturday, November 5th with the annual Veterans Day parade, and festivities continue through Saturday, November 12th.

For more information about United for Veterans or other upcoming events, please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.

Meet Beth Leatherman, Breast Cancer Fighter & Cancer Survivor’s Park Alliance Board Member

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“In 1996, at the age of 35, I was diagnosed with breast cancer through a routine mammogram. My surgeon was very positive about getting it all with a lumpectomy and gave me a good prognosis. I also didn’t need to do any chemotherapy because the cancer was not in my lymph nodes.

“17 years later, on Christmas Eve 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Not exactly the news you want to hear at any time, but especially not on Christmas Eve.

For about a year prior Beth had been complaining to her family doctor that she was having pain in the upper part of her stomach, by her rib cage. Her doctor kept telling her it was just acid reflux, but Beth decided to take it upon herself to go see a gastroenterologist for another opinion. The gastroenterologist ran a few initial blood tests and a CT scan which revealed abnormalities in Beth’s liver along with enzyme levels that were through the roof. Then Beth had a biopsy and the biopsy came back positive. She was sent to an oncologist right away and by Monday, December 27th, 2013 Beth started aggressive chemotherapy which lasted six months and she continues to see her oncologist monthly and take oral chemo medication.”

“I think I was very positive the first time around. That’s not to say that it wasn’t scary. I was scared, but sometimes you just need a wakeup call about life. The second time around was more serious as it had metastasized to my liver.”

“You think cancer of the liver, that’s bad, you can’t live without your liver. Everybody in my life was scared and I know deep down they were all thinking, “she’s not going to make it,” without verbalizing it to me. But I think that brought me and my friends and family closer together and today we make more of an effort to get together.”

“I know everyone’s cancer is different and I do feel blessed that this has not gotten me down mentally or physically. The treatments are tough, but I would tell anyone who is going through this to try your best to stay positive.”

It has been 9 years and Beth continues to fight. Beth tributes a great deal of her strength and success to her 8 years of involvement with the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance of Greenville. The Park has something to offer everyone whether you are fighting cancer, supporting someone, memorializing a lost one or celebrating survivorship.

For Beth, it has been a place for learning, healing, hope and tremendous beauty. Sharing her story with others not only continues to benefit her, but also encourages those battling cancer, their families, friends and caregivers to keep fighting.

Thank you Beth, for sharing your story – The Greenville Drive celebrates your strength and supports you in your fight against breast cancer.

We are partnering with the Cancer Survivor’s Park Alliance to help them launch their NEW Cancer Survivor’s Park Alliance hat. The hat is available to order on https://cancersurvivorspark.org/gift- shop-old/ and https://drive.milbstore.com and will also be in stock at the Drive Team Store!

All proceeds go back to support the Park.

2022 Shorebirds Summer Reading Program Presented by Caprichos Books Donated Over 200 Books

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SALISBURY, MD – The Delmarva Shorebirds Summer Reading Program presented by Caprichos Books rewards kids for completing their library’s summer reading program with two free tickets to a Shorebirds game.

For the 2022 season, over 30 libraries across Delmarva participated in the program and over 8,000 tickets were distributed to the participants. The Shorebirds and Caprichos Books visited 12 libraries with Sherman to read to the kids as well as facilitate a book exchange with books provided by Caprichos Books.

Through the book exchange, the Shorebirds were able to donate over 200 books to local free little libraries across Delmarva to help spread the joy of reading in our community. “We are very appreciative of Caprichos Books and our local libraries for helping us donate this incredible amount of books to little libraries on the Eastern Shore,” said Shorebirds Community Relations Manager, Sam Lehman. “Literacy on Delmarva is very important to the Shorebirds and something we like to expand upon each year through our community initiatives like the Summer Reading Program.”

Caprichos Books enjoyed partnering with the Shorebirds Summer Reading Program and the reach it had on the community. “This was such a great opportunity to visit all over Delmarva with the Shorebirds and I am proud of how many people we were able to reach in our first year partnership. Caprichos Books looks forward to continuing to meet and support readers and literacy programs with the Shorebirds and library partners,” explained Caprichos Books owner, Liz Decker

To learn more about the Shorebirds’ community initiatives, upcoming events, and the 2023 season, visit the shorebirds.com or follow the Shorebirds’ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.

Celebrate Halloween At The Ballpark Friday And Saturday!

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Blue Wahoos Stadium will host a pair of Halloween events during the upcoming weekend beginning with a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, October 28 followed by the return of the annual Wahooloween celebration at the ballpark on Saturday, October 29.

Guests ages 18+ can experience The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the big screen at Blue Wahoos Stadium this Friday at 8:00 PM. Gates open at 7:00 PM and attendees are encouraged to come in costume prepared to sing and dance along with the cult classic film. Tickets are $20 and include a prop bag (while supplies last) to participate with the film. Guests may sit in the stands at the stadium or bring a blanket to enjoy the film from the field. Click here for tickets

The festivities continue on Saturday at Wahooloween, a family-friendly, all-ages event. Gates open at 5:00 PM and guests can trick-or-treat around the ballpark until 6:00 PM with over 30 vendors handing out candy and treats. At 6:00 PM, guests can settle in for a showing of the Halloween hit Hocus Pocus on the videoboard. Tickets are $7 and include trick-or-treating and the film. During the movie, guests may sit in the stands at the stadium or bring a blanket to watch from the field. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged. Click here for tickets

Outside food and beverage may not be brought into the stadium at either event. Chairs, wagons, strollers, and high heels may not be brought onto the field at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Tickets to both events are available at BlueWahoos.com, by phone at (850) 934-8444, and at the ballpark box office.

BlueClaws Charities Accepting Applications For 2022 Grant Program

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JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the 501c3 foundation of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, is now accepting grant applications from area organizations. Organizations may apply for a grant through Friday, November 11th.

Click here to fill out a grant application. All applicants must be a 501c3 organization.

“Our goal each year is to provide grants to a wide variety of non-profit organizations throughout the Jersey Shore. The support we receive throughout the year enables us to do this and we encourage organizations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity,” said Jim McNamara, Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities.

Organizations are asked to provide specific details about where the grant money will be used. Priority will be given to organizations whose projects are based in Ocean & Monmouth Counties. Filling out an application does not ensure the receipt of a grant. Grant allocations will be made in November by the BlueClaws Charities Board of Directors.

BlueClaws Charities raises money in a variety of ways throughout the year. In-stadium fundraising includes a nightly 50/50 raffle, jersey auctions, scoreboard messages, and other miscellaneous raffles. BlueClaws Charities also raised money through Mystery Bags sold at games this summer.

BlueClaws Charities is the official 501c3 organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

-BlueClaws Charities-

WooSox to Present 2nd Annual “Trick-or-Treat” at Polar Park on Sunday 10/30 from 2pm-7pm

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

WOOSOX TO PRESENT 2nd ANNUAL “TRICK-OR-TREAT AT POLAR PARK,” FEATURING A POLAR PARK PUMPKIN PATCH

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, FROM 2–7 p.m.

DOGFEST NEW ENGLAND” WELCOMES POOCHES 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Free event includes 4:30 p.m. showing of Pixar’s “Coco” on videoboard,

trick-or-treating, pumpkin-decorating contest, and costume contest;

Fans encouraged to wear costumes

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will present the second annual “Trick-or-Treat at Polar Park,” featuring a Polar Park Pumpkin Patch Sunday, October 30, from 2–7 p.m.

The event is free and doesn’t require a ticket to attend. Youngsters can trick-or-treat in Suites 14 through 22 on the first-base side of the DCU Club. WooSox staff will pass out candy and trinkets.

At the First Base Plaza, fans can participate in a pumpkin-decorating contest to win a WooSox Halloween Swag Bag. A panel of WooSox judges, including mascots Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog, will select the winning design. Fans can bring their own decorated pumpkins, and the WooSox will also provide a supply of pumpkins for those who choose to create their art on the spot.

In addition, the fan with the “Best Costume” will win four DCU Club tickets to a game in WooSox ’23 and a large bag of candy.

Pixar’s Coco will be played on the left field videoboard at 4:30 p.m. Fans can watch the film from the seating bowl or inside the DCU Club, where there will be free movie-themed snacks. Adult beverages, including some with a special Halloween theme, can be purchased at the cash bar.

Halloween-themed music will be played throughout the ballpark. Families can take photos in front of backdrops in Sections 9 and 16.

Fans are encouraged to wear costumes. Fans can also purchase WooSox Halloween merchandise, now available at woosox.milbstore.com or the WooSox Team Store at Polar Park.

Before the Halloween party begins, Canine Companions will host “DogFest New England” at Polar Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Furry friends and families can enjoy activities, inspiring speakers, dog demonstrations, and other entertainment to benefit the nonprofit that ensures that guide dogs are free of charge to the individuals and families who need them. The event is free, and fans are asked to sign up in advance at canine.org.

Coco (2017)

Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

—WOOSOX ’22—

Nashville Sounds Foundation to Host Suites-N-Treats Event at First Horizon Park

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

The Nashville Sounds Foundation announced the return of its kid-friendly, Halloween-themed Suites-N-Treats event at First Horizon Park on Tuesday, October 25 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

For the first time since 2019, the Sounds and their Club Level suite owners will decorate the Club Level suites at First Horizon Park. Participants are invited to trick-or-treat, moving about the Club Level to collect candy and participate in each suite’s festivities.

Tickets are available for $5 each and can be purchased here. All proceeds will benefit the Nashville Sounds Foundation. All participants must purchase a ticket to enter First Horizon Park

The Sounds welcome attendees to dress in costumes of their choosing, provided they comply with the costume policy for this event. All costumes are subject to inspection upon entry or at any time over the course of the event at the discretion of personnel. Toy and replica guns/weapons are prohibited. Costumes of any kind that cover the head and face are allowed but must be removable during security screening and/or as requested by event staff.

The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers and play at First Horizon Park. The 2023 season begins at home on Friday, March 31 against the Louisville Bats. Season ticket memberships are available now. For more information call 615-690-4487 or e-mail [email protected].

Honored: Gades recognized for commitment to Veterans

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Wappingers Falls, N.Y. (October 18, 2022) – The Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, were recognized for their dedication and commitment to veterans throughout the Hudson Valley at the Veterans of Foreign Wars state conference in Albany on Saturday, October 15.

The Renegades were honored for their Veteran of the Game program, sponsored by AARP New York. At each game from July through the end of the 2021 season, the Veteran of the Game program hosted active and retired military families and honored them with a special on-field ceremony and jersey presentation in the third inning.

“While we can never fully pay back the sacrifices that our veterans have made to ensure our freedom, the Veteran of the Game program was something special that we could do to show a small token of our appreciation,” said Marcella Costello, Renegades Community Partnerships Manager. “It was one of the most moving parts of our games, and we are looking forward to continuing the program for years to come.”

“AARP NY was proud to show our support for the brave men and women who serve our country through the Renegades’ Veteran of the Game program,” said Robyn Haberman, associate state director of Community Engagement for AARP. “There are so many selfless heroes deserving of recognition, and AARP is committed to not only helping tell their stories but to providing resources and information that empower them as well.”

The proclamation from the VFW states: “The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States express our sincere appreciation of your support to our veterans through community work of the Hudson Valley Renegades in honoring and highlighting local veterans at team events.”

The Renegades are committed to supporting veterans in the Hudson Valley in ways beyond the Veteran of the Game program, hosting an annual Veterans Appreciation Night, where the team re-brands as the Hudson Valley Veterans with military-inspired uniforms. Thousands of veterans in surrounding counties come to Dutchess Stadium for special pre-game ceremonies and the game that evening. The specialty jerseys are then auctioned off to support the Mental Health America of Dutchess County’s Vet2Vet program and their myriad services for local veterans.

Service to veterans was also a key cornerstone of the Renegades’ participation in the Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel). Renegades players, coaches and front office staff all visited the residents at Liberty Station in Poughkeepsie, a housing complex for veterans which offers a supportive living environment in the company of other vets.

More information on the Veteran of the Game sponsored by AARP New York can be found here. More information on the Renegades Community Program presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network can be found here.

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Hudson Valley Renegades are the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees in the South Atlantic League. The Renegades begin their 2023 season at home on Friday, April 7 with a three-game series against the Greensboro Grasshoppers. For more information, please visit hvrenegades.com or call 845-838-0094.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) was formed in 2021 to support, promote and enhance Minor League Baseball Clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

WooSox Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and Pitcher Durbin Feltman Headline Inaugural “Thank You Care-A-Van” Sept. 29 through Oct. 1

Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.

After wrapping up their season finale in Rochester, WooSox Infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and pitcher Durbin Feltman lead the club’s Inaugural “Thank You Care-A-Van” that ran from Thursday, September 29, and wrapped up at David Prouty High School in Spencer during their homecoming on Saturday, October 1.

The Care-A-Van began at Elm Park Elementary School in Worcester at 10:00 AM, where Feltman and Fitzgerald read to children, and where the club also partnered with the Juniper Outreach Foundation to install a food pantry in the school. Founded in February of 2020, the Juniper Outreach Foundation helps combat food insecurity in the Worcester Public Schools and provides basic necessities to children in need.

From Elm Park, the WooSox headed to Worcester’s Net of Compassion on Main Street, where they distributed food and supplies to some of the city’s homeless population, and they concluded the afternoon at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, where they played interactive games with kids in the club’s after-school program.

“It was a pleasure to stick around Worcester for a few days after our season ended,” said WooSox infielder and 2022 Community Spirit Award winner, Ryan Fitzgerald. “Worcester has been a community that’s supported us all season long, and it was a lot of fun to be able to give back with my friend and teammate Durbin Feltman.”

UMass Memorial Hospital was the WooSox’ first stop of the day on Friday, September 29, to cheer up kids going through a challenging time in their Children’s Medical Center. After UMass, the ballplayers spoke to the baseball program at Worcester Academy, along with students in their sports marketing program. Friday wrapped up at the Worcester Public Library for a reading in the “WooSox Book Nook,” followed by a dinner with veterans at Worcester’s Veterans Inc.

“It was great being in Worcester for a few days, doing good deeds throughout this community,” said WooSox pitcher Durbin Feltman. “Worcester was an awesome city to pitch in all season long, and being able to give back for a few days after our season ended was the perfect way to begin the off-season.”

The players and WooSox club officials also attended Anna Maria College’s groundbreaking on Saturday for their new multi-purpose baseball field at noon October 1, and spent the remainder of the afternoon at David Prouty High School’s homecoming in Spencer, taking photos and signing autographs in the school’s gymnasium.

Just days later, on October 4, Spencer and East Brookfield residents voted “Yes” in a special election on a ballot initiative to pay for a $112 million renovation of David Prouty High School.

Best in Class: Student MVP program returns

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MOOSIC, PA (October 14, 2022) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and NEPA Crane & Hauling are pleased to announce the Student MVP program is returning for the 2022-23 academic year. Local elementary school and middle school students can be honored and rewarded for their efforts during the current school year!

Principals can register their schools by clicking here.

The Student MVP program uses the fun of RailRiders baseball as an incentive and reward system for students at no cost to schools, teachers or the students themselves. Teachers at participating schools will create criteria and help track students towards their goal of becoming an MVP. A limited number of MVP awards are available at each grade level in each school, helping incentivize and reward positive academic and behavioral development.

“NEPA Crane & Hauling is proud to team up with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and show our support to students in our local area,” said Jeff Keeney, the owner of NEPA Crane & Hauling. “Students today are faced with many challenges and often their hard work goes unnoticed. NEPA Crane & Hauling is extremely proud of our local students for their hard work and dedication to their education, and we are cheering them on as they strive to reach their goals and chase their dreams.”

Each Student MVP will be honored at the RailRiders game on Friday, June 23, 2023. Additionally, each MVP will receive:
• A Personalized Award Certificate signed by the RailRiders General Manager, CHAMP and completed by their teacher
• A shout out on the video board during the game, welcoming all of our RailRiders Student MVPs attending the game
• A special gift from NEPA Crane & Hauling and the RailRiders

The deadline to register is November 22, 2022.

For more information, contact Krista Lutzick, the Community Relations Manager for the RailRiders, at [email protected] or by calling (570) 558-4616.

INTERNSHIPS: Apply to Work for the 2023 Season

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The Fort Wayne TinCaps (High-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres) are currently accepting résumés, cover letters, and references from students that are interested in being considered for an internship position during the 2023 season. Interviews will be conducted starting in November and early December, and the expectation is to have the internship positions filled as soon as possible. Please don’t call/email in regards to the status of your résumé. We’ll contact all interested candidates for either a phone interview or update with an email for your status.

Click here for the team’s 2023 schedule.

Internships are for the following positions:

  • Hospitality
  • Video Production
  • *Ticket Office / Group Sales *
  • *Marketing / Community Relations / Promotions *
  • *Merchandise *
  • *Grounds Crew *

Auburn Wins WooSox’ Inaugural “Town Takeovers” Competition

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On Sunday, September 25, as the Worcester Red Sox concluded a sensational second season, during which they attracted well over 500,000 fans to Polar Park, they honored the Town of Auburn as the winners of the inaugural “Town Takeovers” competition—a new program that will expand in WooSox ’23.

Of more than 20 towns and cities throughout Central and Western Mass to be featured in the program this season, Auburn produced the highest turnout with 546 fans on “Auburn Night” Wednesday, June 15.

During pre-game ceremonies at the season finale September 25, WooSox Chairman & Principal Owner Larry Lucchino and WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg presented representatives from Auburn with a large trophy and two large championship banners—one of which will remain on display at Polar Park for years to come.

The Auburn representatives were Select Board Vice Chair Sara Rufli; Director of Department of Development and Inspectional Services Darlene Coyle; Stacy Fitzgerald, an administrative assistant within the Auburn Police Department; Sue Strozina, an administrative assistant within the Town Manager’s Office; and Amy and Erik Berg, two teachers within Auburn Local Schools.

At “Auburn Night” earlier in the season, Auburn residents raised $855 for the Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr. Charitable Fund, which was established in 2018 by Tarentino’s loving family, friends, and colleagues. So, on September 25, the WooSox Foundation matched this donation and presented Auburn representatives with a check for $855.

As this year’s “Town Takeovers” champions, Auburn is guaranteed another “Town Takeover” game during the 2023 season.