Hooks Fans Donate Nearly $72,000 in 2022

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CORPUS CHRISTI – The Corpus Christi Hooks awarded over $70,000 this past season to several local non-profits through contributions made by fans towards the Astros Foundation Share2Care 50/50 raffle.

Non-profit recipients included CC RIMZ, Texas State Aquarium, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana, Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation, The Traveling Library, USO South Texas, Corpus Christi Police Officers Association & Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation Chapter 598, Goodwill Industries of South Texas, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Coastal Bend Food Bank and Rainbow Room.

“Thank you to our fans who make this possible, their support impacts more than just baseball as shown by the diversity of 50/50 raffle recipients in 2022,” Hooks General Manager Brady Ballard said. “The Astros Foundation Share2Care Raffle continues to be a gameday staple and creates a win-win experience for both our fans and the community.”

CC RIMZ promotes adaptive sports within the Coastal Bend. Texas State Aquarium aims to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation. The mission of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana is to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Foundation was created to expand awareness of his legacy and the continued relevance of his fight for equal rights for all. The Traveling Library provides knowledge to those in need by providing literature and other resources that are needed. USO South Texas serves NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Kingsville, connecting military service members to family, home and country.

The Corpus Christi Police Officers Association and Corpus Christi Professional Firefighters Association advocate for the safety and well-being of first responders and citizens through community action and support of local non-profit organizations. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Foundation Chapter 598 was formed for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration and offers youth programs focused on fostering patriotism and good citizenship among America’s youth. Goodwill Industries of South Texas provides job training, placement services, and other Coastal Bend-based programs for people who have barriers to their employment.

The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas promotes the advancement of women in public, corporate and civic life through education, personal and professional development. Coastal Bend Food Bank fights hunger and promotes wellness through food distribution and nutrition education. Rainbow Room provides hope for abused and neglected children.

2nd Annual Heroes Softball Game is Tuesday Night at Fluor Field

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The 2nd Annual Heroes Softball Game between the City of Greenville Police and Fire Departments will take place at Fluor Field on Tuesday, November 8th. First pitch for this charitable softball game is set for 5:30 PM, and the Main Street Gates to the ballpark will open at 4:30 PM.

The event will also feature a special appearance from the Clemson Tigers Baseball team. Players and coaches will meet with fans and attendees, as well as serve as umpires, coaches, and more throughout the evening!

The event is complimentary to the public, but you must claim a ticket in advance of the event by CLICKING HERE. While the event is complimentary, donations are encouraged throughout the event, as both the Police Department and Fire Department raise money for charity.

The beneficiary of this year’s game is The Julie Valentine Center, a non-profit organization that provides free, confidential services to sexual assault and child abuse survivors and their families. As a community organization, they depend on the community to enable them to provide these services to our neighbors. You can contribute to this great organization by CLICKING HERE.

Concessions will also be available for purchase during the Heroes Softball Game.

The Police Department took home the victory in last year’s inaugural event, so the Fire Department will be looking to even the series at Fluor Field on October 30th.

2nd Annual Heroes Softball Game is October 30th at Fluor Field

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The 2nd Annual Heroes Softball Game between the City of Greenville Police and Fire Departments will take place at Fluor Field on Sunday, October 30th. First pitch for this charitable softball game is set for 1 PM, and the Main Street Gates to the ballpark will open at 12 PM.

The event is complimentary to the public, but you must claim a ticket in advance of the event by CLICKING HERE. While the event is complimentary, donations are encouraged throughout the event, as both the Police Department and Fire Department raise money for charity.

Concessions will also be available for purchase during the Heroes Softball Game.

The Police Department took home the victory in last year’s inaugural event, so the Fire Department will be looking to even the series at Fluor Field on October 30th.

WooSox and Country Bank Present Inaugural Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic

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On Monday, September 26, Polar Park hosted the Inaugural Police vs. Fire baseball classic, presented by Country Bank. A century-old tradition between the Worcester Fire and Worcester Police Departments was restored.

In memoriam to late Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia, all proceeds benefited the Manny 267 Foundation. Officer Familia made the ultimate sacrifice on June 4, 2021, when he dove into Green Hill Pond in an attempt to save a drowning teenage boy.

The foundation distributes “Manny Tubes,” life saving floatation devices, to police departments across the country to provide water safety training for their officers and swimming lessons for children.

The game was headlined by an opening ceremony. Firefighters and police officers gathered on the steps of St. John’s Church to pay respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They then marched down Temple Street, Green Street, over Canal Street, and entered Polar Park through Plymouth Street. Once they arrived at Polar Park, these brave members of our community were greeted by a giant American flag suspended between two fire trucks. Serenaded by cheers from a packed Polar Park, the players made their way onto the field to line up for the national anthem.

Worcester Police Officer Tom Hurley delivered a beautiful rendition of the national anthem while the players were lined up on their respective baselines. Hurley then performed an original song called, “A Hero Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” which he wrote to honor his late colleague and dear friend, Enmanuel “Manny” Familia.

The Ceremonial First Pitch was delivered by Police Chief Steven M. Sargent and Acting Deputy Fire Chief Adam Roche. David O’Rourke, a Worcester Police Officer, and his son, who has played for the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets, Ryan O’Rourke, caught these simultaneous first pitches.

Honorary Captains Ava Roy and Eric Familia delivered the game ball to the mound. Ava lost her heroic father , Christopher Roy, on December 9, 2018, when he and his fellow Firefighters fought a terrible basement fire in a three-story apartment building. Wrapping up a very emotional pre-game ceremony, the family of Manny Familia; Morgan Menard, daughter of Firefighter Jason Menard, who gave his life on November 13, 2019; Lieutenant Governor Karyn Politio; Worcester Mayor Joeseph M. Petty; City Councilors Donna Colorio, George Russell, Kate Toomey, and Sarai Rivera; and Acting City Manager of Worcester, Eric Batista, all delivered the two most important words in baseball: “Play Ball!”

The game went on without a hitch, as the scoring started early when Police jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning. The Fire Department responded quickly, as they tied it and then took the lead over the next two innings.

Mother Nature did not cooperate, as the rain brought a lengthy delay, which inevitably turned into a cancellation. Worcester Fire took home the 3-2 victory in a shortened 2½-inning game.

On a night filled with so much emotion, the brave men of our community were able to distract us and take our minds away from such terrible things. Baseball can provide just that, an escape from the outside world.

$15,670 was raised for the Manny 267 Foundation. Country Bank presented the check to the WooSox Familia, a new WooSox Foundation program that supports the Manny 267 Foundation. This money will be used to help provide and support water safety training for numerous Police departments throughout our country. We look forward to this event becoming an annual tradition in the wonderful world of Worcester.

Four Winds Field Hosts 5th Annual Trick or Treat Event October 24

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SOUTH BEND, IN – In what has become an October tradition at Four Winds Field, the South Bend Cubs are partnering with the South Bend Police Department for Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins trick or treating event on Monday, October 24. Gates will open at 5 PM and trick or treating will take place until 7:30 PM.

This event will be limited to 8,000 ticketed guests. To pick up entry vouchers, visit the South Bend Police Department or the Cubs Den Team Store. The Cubs Den Team Store is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM.

With the historically large crowds at Stu and Swoop’s Cops and Goblins, those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their tickets early for guaranteed admission. Additional locations to pick up tickets will be announced on the South Bend Police Department’s Facebook page. You must have a ticket to enter the stadium, and tickets will not be offered on the day of the event.

Families with tickets for each member will be allowed to enter the stadium through the center field gate, located at the corner of Western Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard, between the buildings of The Ivy at Berlin Place. Guests will be allowed to park in any paved lot around the stadium for free with the exception of the Ivy at Berlin resident parking lots.

To avoid overcrowding, two separate trick or treating lines will be formed inside the stadium. Guests will only be allowed through one line. Distribution tables will be placed throughout the stadium and candy will be distributed by vendors and placed in the bags or buckets of the trick or treaters. Guests will exit the stadium through Gates A or B, which are the gates on the home plate side of Four Winds Field. In order to keep the flow of traffic moving in one direction, guests will not be allowed to backtrack through the line.

For those looking to shop for any and all South Bend Cubs and Midwest League Championship gear, the Cubs Den Team Store will be open to the public during the event. Access to the Cubs Den Team Store will be available through the William Street entrance only.

Any other businesses and organizations who are interested in hosting and sponsoring a table at the event can contact Officer James Burns at 574-235-9401 for more information. This is a rain or shine event.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the High-A affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 34 years, the team has won five Midwest League titles, most recently in 2022, and has captured nine division titles. In 2022, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best High-A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest, having also won the award as a Low-A ballpark in 2017. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the final Midwest League All-Star Game. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

WooSox Support Red Cross Blood Drive and Local First Responders on Weekend of 9/11

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The Worcester Red Sox began the weekend at the American Red Cross Central Mass headquarters at 381 Plantation Street in Worcester, where WooSox front office members and Smiley Ball arrived in the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America.

The WooSox donated tickets, caps, and souvenirs to incentivize more blood donations for the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. WooSox Vice President Joe Bradlee and WooSox Coordinator of Marketing & Fan Engagement George Lorin each gave blood on Friday to show their support and help save lives.

“I first became witness to the special relationship the Red Sox has with the American Red Cross back when I was an intern at Fenway in 2012, and have since always tried to donate blood when 9/11 rolls around,” Bradlee said. “It’s exciting for all of us to build upon the relationship here in Worcester, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Red Cross to encourage more people to give blood locally.”

“We’re thankful to the WooSox for supporting our Blood Drive on Friday,” said Nia Rennix, executive director of the Central-Western Mass Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We are always working hard to encourage more local donor turnout, and we applaud the Worcester Red Sox for helping us galvanize local community members to help us save lives.”

And after welcoming more than 3,000 people to Polar Park for the second annual Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, September 10, the team continued their weekend support of first responders by donating 450 tickets, each with $10 of loaded value, to every firefighter in the City of Worcester. The tickets are for the team’s final “First Responder Wednesday” of the season, presented by National Grid on Wednesday, September 21, at 6:45 p.m.

The team made visits to all 10 fire stations in the City of Worcester, and interacted with firefighters at each station to thank them for their service to the community. The WooSox were also joined by Kevin Hartigan, a retired Worcester Firefighter who now works for the team as an Ambassador at Polar Park.

“I thought that this was a very fitting and thoughtful gesture by the WooSox to thank our Worcester firefighters on 9/11,” Hartigan said. “We hope to see many of them back at Polar Park for our final Wednesday home game of the season on September 21.”

The team also donated tickets for September 21 to every Police Officer in the City of Worcester, and distributed those tickets earlier this week.

Clover Stadium to again Host Heroes Classic

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Rockland County, NY – For the third successive year, Clover Stadium in Pomona, the home of the Frontier League’s New York Boulders, will play host to the annual Heroes Baseball Classic between the New York Police Department and New York Fire Department.

This year’s game, sponsored in part by the Duke of Oil and Tune of New City, will be played on Saturday, Sept. 10, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The game between the NYPD and FDNY is held each year in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice after responding to the World Trade Center area on Sept. 11, 2001. On that day, the FDNY baseball team lost two members – Andre Fletcher and Mike Weinberg.

Proceeds from the game will go to the Widows and Children’s Fund, as well as the Stephen Siller Foundation.

Bisons offer Military, First Responders up to four FREE Tickets to September 11 game

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The Buffalo Bisons today announced that they will host Military & First Responders Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 11 by offering up to FOUR FREE GAME TICKETS to First Responders and Active Duty/Veteran members of the Armed Forces so those that serve and sacrifice for our country can enjoy the Herd’s 1:05 p.m. game against Gwinnett Stripers with their friends and family.

The Bisons Military & First Responder Appreciation Day is presented by Hyundai. The game will also feature the Bisons customary postgame Kids Run the Base, presented by Platter’s Chocolates.

First Responders and Active Duty/Veteran Armed Forces members can claim their four free tickets by presenting a valid ID at the Sahlen Field Box Office starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 11. Ballpark gates will open at 12:00 p.m. for the 1:05 p.m. game between the Bisons and the Stripers.

Additionally, all first responders and active duty/veteran members of the Armed Forces will receive 20% OFF their purchase at the Batter’s Box Gift Shop and the Bisons Team Shop in Sahlen Field while attending the game on Sunday, September 11 (some exclusions apply). There will also be a $5.00 discount for military and first responders for the Consumer’s Pub at the Park all-you-can-eat buffet on Sunday, September 11 (reservations can be made at PubatthePark.com | (716) 846-2100).

Segra Stadium to Host 4th Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The 4th Annual Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held on the morning of Saturday, September 10th at Segra Stadium. Opening ceremonies will begin at approximately 8:25am and the climb will start at 8:47am, a time significant on 9-11-2001.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters, police, and EMS who selflessly gave their lives on that tragic day 21 years ago. Each participant will pay tribute to those brave souls by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters, 60 police officers, and 10 EMS are never forgotten.

Registration fees are $35 per person and include your participation in the climb, an honor badge of a fallen first responder, and a t-shirt. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 8th. Anyone interested in registering on event morning can begin doing so at 7:00am. All proceeds from the Stair Climb will benefit programs provided by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support the families of your local fallen firefighters and the FDNY Counseling Services Unit. To register, please visit the Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Facebook page or the registration page.

The Greenville Drive is Honored to Host the 9/11 Stair Climb for Another Year

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Every year The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation hosts a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This event is a way to honor and remember the FDNY firefighters who selflessly gave their lives so that others might live on September 11, 2001. Each participant pays tribute to a FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. Your individual tribute not only remembers the sacrifice of a FDNY brother, but symbolically completes their heroic journey to save others. Through firefighter and community participation we can ensure that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows we will never forget.

The Greenville Drive is honored the event will take place at Fluor Field for the third year in a row. For more information and to register for the event, click HERE. We look forward to seeing the community come together to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice!

WooSox Foundation and Country Bank Present Worcester “Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic at Polar Park”

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WORCESTER, MA — The WooSox Foundation and Country Bank will bring to Polar Park a century-old tradition when Worcester Police Officers and Worcester Firefighters take the field in the inaugural “Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic,” Monday, September 26, at 6 p.m. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

All tickets are $10, and fans are welcome to sit wherever they like. Visit polarpark.com/policefire.

All proceeds will benefit the Manny 267 Foundation, which honors and celebrates the life of the late Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia, who made the ultimate sacrifice on June 4, 2021, when he heroically dove into Green Hill Pond to attempt to save a drowning teenage boy.

The foundation distributes “Manny Tubes” (life-saving flotation devices) to police departments throughout the country to provide water safety training for officers and swimming lessons for children.

Before the game, the WooSox will honor the family and friends of Manny Familia, as well as the Worcester 6 and the three firefighters who have perished in the line of duty since.

The children of Manny Familia and Firefighter Christopher Roy, 14-year-old Jovan Familia and 13-year-old Ava Roy, will serve as honorary captains.

“Ever since we set foot in Worcester, we have felt the compelling compassion that the people of this city exude for our fallen firefighters,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg. “When we lost Manny Familia last summer, that emotion flowed right into Polar Park, where officers from a vast region congregated, and where Manny’s son threw a memorable Ceremonial First Pitch. We are honored to present an event that brings us all together in a blend of respect, sentiment, and joy.

“Stories abound from Police Chief Steve Sargent and from our friends at the Worcester Historical Museum about the long history of baseball played in Worcester, by police and firefighters, by factory workers, and of course, by rising professional players,” Steinberg continued. “Establishing this baseball game as a charity event, with our friends from Country Bank, allows us to use the power of baseball to help police officers and children, here and elsewhere. These are the deeds we love to do.”

“Country Bank is honored to partner with the Worcester Red Sox Foundation in presenting the Police vs. Fire game,” said Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank. “We have been a longtime supporter of the Police and Fire Departments across the many markets we serve. The critical work these departments do each and every day truly makes a difference for our communities. It is our privilege to take part in such a monumental event, and we are excited to see how this game unfolds and look forward to supporting this game for years to come.”

“All officers from our department who are participating are very excited to start a longstanding tradition with this baseball game,” said Worcester Police Officer Justin Manzello. “Some of the most memorable moments during my six years with the Worcester Police Department have come during the various sporting events where we face off against our brothers and sisters of the Fire Department. It gives us a chance to get together outside of work and relive old memories, as many of us competed against each other as kids growing up in the city.”

“The Worcester Fire Department is looking forward to partnering with the Worcester Police, Country Bank, and the Worcester Red Sox for this great cause,” said Deputy Fire Chief Adam Roche. “This will be a great event to engage the community and support the tremendous work of the Manny 267 Foundation.”

“In the wake of loss and tragedy comes a spirited and friendly competition in the name of healing and camaraderie between the Worcester Fire Department and Worcester Police Department, said Acting City Manager Eric D. Batista. “I am proud of the leadership and of every member among these two departments who selflessly serve our community and residents, both on and off the job. Worcester never forgets and will forever honor our fallen heroes. Now let’s play ball!”

Second Annual “WooSox Foundation Golf Classic” Presented by Hanover Insurance, scheduled for Monday, August 29

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WORCESTER, MA — The Second Annual “WooSox Foundation Golf Classic,” presented by Hanover Insurance, is scheduled for Monday, August 29, at the Haven Country Club in Boylston, MA. Worcester Red Sox players and coaches will attend, and proceeds will directly benefit the many programs run by the WooSox Foundation, the charitable arm of the WooSox.

The registration donation of $1,200 per foursome includes greens, cart fees for 18 holes, lunch, dinner, and a complimentary WooSox swag bag. In addition, tee box signs are available for $1,000. Two raffles and a live auction will provide opportunities for special gifts, memorabilia, and exclusive experiences.

Attendees can register now at woosoxfoundation.org/golf.

Day-of registration will open at 9:30 a.m. August 29, with golf beginning at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start in a Texas Scramble tournament format. Each golfer tees off, then plays their own ball from the location of the foursome’s best drive until each golfer holes out. The lowest score in the foursome is counted toward the team’s score.

The Haven Country Club, located at 369 Cross Street, is a private country club featuring a gorgeous 18-hole, par-72, 6,800-yard course.

Comprising four pillars—Education, Social Justice, Conquering Cancer, and Diamond Sports—the WooSox Foundation funds many programs that benefit the community.

  • The WooSox Scholars program annually awards a $10,000 college scholarship to four exceptional eighth grade students in Worcester Public Schools.
  • The “WooSox Most Valuable Teachers” program, presented by Country Bank, awards stipends to nominated teachers in the area.
  • Created in the loving memory of Paxton Little Leaguer Tyler Trudell, “Tyler’s Teammates” helps aspiring ballplayers afford the registration fees and equipment required to play organized baseball and softball.
  • The WooSox Familia honors the loving memory of Officer Manny Familia by supporting the Manny 267 Foundation.
  • Foundation volunteers take the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, out into the community to provide various services and resources.

To learn more about the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, visit woosoxfoundation.org.

WooSox Honor History While Celebrating City's Tercentennial at Start of Polar Park Homestand

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WORCESTER — Even though the WooSox have been in existence for only two years, the team understands how to recognize 300 years of history for its new home.

The city of Worcester celebrated its tercentennial last weekend while the WooSox were on the road, so the team kicked off a 12-game homestand at Polar Park by continuing the historic celebration on the actual June 14 birthday.

In perfect Worcester fashion, the WooSox finished with a 4-0 victory over the Toldeo Mud Hens in front of 5,669 at Polar Park.

Prior to Tuesday night’s game, the WooSox presented Bill Wallace, the Worcester Historical Museum’s executive director, with a time capsule to be opened on the city’s 400th birthday.

WooSox team president Dr. Charles Steinberg had every member of the team sign a baseball to present as part of the time capsule. The ball was photographed from all sides and the players were asked to legibly sign the ball, so future generations will know who played for the team in 2022.

A key to the city was presented to members of the Tercentennial committee, including Kate McEvoy, Kim Salmon, Yaffia Fain, Mary MacKenzie, Amy Peterson and Julie Bowditch. Mayor Joseph M. Petty also was in attendance and threw out the ceremonial first pitch to celebrate the city’s birthday.

“We’re celebrating who we are,” Wallace said. “We have a commitment to the future.”

The WooSox also recognized Jose Santiago, who was a key member of the 1967 Boston Red Sox’ pennant-winning Impossible Dream Team. The right-hander posted a 12-4 record with a 3.59 ERA in 50 games. He also pitched Game 1 of the ’67 World Series and also hit a home run in a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The tradition of honoring local nurses continued during the pregame ceremony, along with Worcester Chief of Police, Steven Sargent, and Worcester Deputy Fire Chief, John Powers, Deputy Chief Adam Roche and firefighter Jay O’Brien.

A moment of silence was held as the WooSox remembered police Officer Manny Familia, the Worcester 6 and three other firefighters who also made the ultimate sacrifice. The team also recognized Polar Park security guard Scott Gauvin, who passed away unexpectedly last week.

After Mary MacKenzie sang the national anthem, the WooSox announced the team is restoring the annual Police and Firefighter’s charity baseball game. The game will be played Sept. 26 at Polar Park.

Jovan Familia, the son of Manny Familia, who passed away June 4, 2021, attempting to save a drowning child, along with Ava Roy, the daughter of firefighter Christopher Roy, who passed away on call Dec. 9, 2018, will serve as the honorary captains of the charity baseball game. Jovan and Ava then threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Prior to the top of the fifth inning, the team’s “In Debt to a Vet” recognized Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joseph Paul Genduso, 93, of Worcester, who earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War.

Then, everyone in attendance sang “Happy Birthday” to the city of Worcester.

It was a night of recognizing everything that makes Worcester a special place to call home.

“We’re celebrating everything that’s good about Worcester,” Wallace said. “It’s past. It’s present, and the role of all of us, and the ballpark in the future. Our role is to preserve all this and we’re pleased to be recognized, but this is also an exciting time for Worcester.”

It was only four years ago when the dream of having the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate in Worcester became a reality. Steinberg, a historian of the game, quickly went to work learning everything he could about the deep roots of baseball in Worcester.

“When you’re first learning about Worcester, you start studying the dates, and you learn about the flag and the seal, and you see 1722,” Steinberg said.

From Day 1, the WooSox had their focus on 2022 and the Tercentennial. Steinberg believed it was a special opportunity to recognize the team’s new home. The WooSox spent countless hours with Wallace, who taught the organization about the city’s history, so it was only natural for the Opening Celebration’s fireworks to take place last Friday at Polar Park.

“To be able to have Polar Park bat leadoff in the 300th celebration felt really good,” Steinberg said. “It felt like we had created a place that beyond baseball was a focal point for such a special celebration.”

The city’s history is evident all over Polar Park. From the heart-shaped lights, the city seal on the end of each row of seats, the city’s flag beyond the right-center field wall, and the numerous artifacts, the inside and outside of the ballpark is a living time capsule.

“It’s a ballpark that’s filled with Worcester-isms,” Wallace said.

Wallace added he would give the WooSox an A-plus in a course of Worcester history.

The next 100 years in the Heart of the Commonwealth could be a special time in the next chapter of the city’s future. Anything and everything could happen.

“Who knows?” Steinberg said. “That’s the beauty of it.”

This piece originally was published in The Telegram & Gazette on June 14, 2022

Fireflies Searching for First Responder Heroes to Recognize In-Game

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COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia Fireflies are looking for eight local First Responders to honor in-game as the Heroes of the Inning on First Responders Night June 16 at Segra Park at 7:05 pm. A First Responder qualifies as any firefighter, law enforcement officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician or any other professional who responds to fire, medical, hazardous material or other similar emergencies.

Fans can submit their nominations here. Those selected as “Heroes of the Inning” will be contacted directly by a Fireflies representative. Honorees chosen will be given two reserved tickets to the June 16 game vs the Carolina Mudcats. Submissions are due by Friday, June 10.

The Fireflies return home for a two-week homestand June 7-19 that includes two Budweiser Thirsty ThursdaysTM, two Freebie Fridays, two firework shows and the return of Negro League Weekend! Tickets for the upcoming games, and all 2022 Fireflies home games, are on sale now and can be purchased online at FirefliesTickets.com, by calling the Fireflies Box Office at 803-726-4487 or by visiting the Fireflies Box Office in-person at Segra Park. Individual game ticket prices range from $5 to $12 and premium seating options are available starting at $14 per person. All tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis and are based upon availability.

More Thanks: New partner expands First Responder Friday

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NEPA Crane & Hauling helps expand new 2022 program to 100 tickets for first responders

MOOSIC, PA (April 29, 2022) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are pleased to announce that NEPA Crane & Hauling will present each First Responder Friday at PNC Field for the remainder of the 2022 season. This new program was giving 50 complimentary tickets to the area’s local first responders and this new partnership with NEPA Crane & Hauling will expand that number to 100 tickets for every Friday home game this season.

“First Responders are the fabric of community and it’s because of them so many of us get to enjoy days at the ballpark,” stated Jeff Keeney, the owner of NEPA Crane & Hauling. “First Responders choose to be an active member of keeping our communities safe and NEPA Crane & Hauling does not take this for granted. Our communities First Responders are the reason why NEPA Crane & Hauling and our family members get to live and work where we do, and it’s important to us to say thank you any way we can.”

Tickets are given away on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are limited to four per week per first responder.

First responders can register for tickets by filling out the form on the First Responder Friday page on swbrailriders.com. Our Community Relations department will contact the first responders that will receive tickets in advance of each Friday home game this season with information regarding the seats and to make further arrangements.

“When I was kid, a day at the ballpark meant a day watching the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons,” Keeney continued. “I still have memories of going to the games and my brother catching a foul ball and me being mad that I didn’t. The RailRiders aren’t just a business operating in our community. Their passion for supporting the local community and our First Responders is honorable and NEPA Crane & Hauling wants to support our local businesses and community members who live and work here.”

For more information, please contact Jordan Steiner, the Director of Community Relations for the RailRiders, at [email protected] or by calling (570) 558-4616.