As the Red Sox continue their magical playoff run, the inaugural season of the Triple A Worcester Red Sox (WooSox) is also worth celebrating. “There were growing pains to be sure, and that was to be expected, but at the end of the day, we couldn’t be happier with how this inaugural season turned out for both the team and the City, and we can’t wait for a full season next year,” Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus said.
Through a variety of community-related events, the WooSox embraced Worcester and surrounding communities creating memorable moments beyond the diamond. “I think any way you slice it, the first season for the WooSox at Polar Park was a success. With highlights like Boston Red Sox pitching ace Chris Sale making a rehab start with the team, there was a palpable buzz all season long. You saw it with more than just games,” Augustus said.
Opening Day at Polar Park
The first game of the inaugural WooSox season was on May 11, and it was packed with excitement, despite covid restrictions that limited seating to only 25 percent capacity.
During the first game, pre-game ceremonies included many guests, such as Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Red Sox legend Pedro Martinez, and James Taylor sang the National Anthem alongside his son. Bob Cousy — the Celtics legend, College of the Holy Cross alum, and longtime Worcester resident — gave an off the cuff speech that stole the show, as Alex Richardson, WooSox Community Relations, recalled.
“The game on the field was every bit as thrilling,” Richardson said. “Jarren Duran introduced himself to new fans with a two-home run game in his first game at the Triple-A level.”
One of the few 2019 PawSox team holdovers, Josh Ockimey, also drove in three runs. The WooSox won their first game against the Syracuse Mets 8-5.
Los Wepas
The team temporarily changed its name a total of seven times throughout the season to “Wepas de Worcester” to commemorate and embrace Hispanic and Latino heritage.
The WooSox joined 75 other minor league baseball teams this season in the celebrations, named “Copa de la Diversion,” or “Fun Cup.” The WooSox’s moniker, “Wepa!” is a Spanish expression of happiness.
“Worcester is a marvelous multicultural center, and we look forward to embracing fans from all backgrounds at every game,” said Charles Steinberg, president of the WooSox. “This value extends beyond and deeper than the select games in which we don the Los Wepas garb.”
The first Los Wepas night was June 6. The team wore blue uniforms and caps with the new name on it, which was suggested by Worcester resident Daniel Velazquez in a WooSox fan planning meeting in February.
“Thanks to the substantial dialogue with leaders and members of the Latino community, we have partnerships with restaurants, barbershops, media, and more small businesses,” Steinberg said. “We are continuing to build relationships throughout this welcoming, baseball-loving community.”
Officer Familia
A month later, on June 5 and 6, Polar Park and the WooSox honored fallen Worcester Police Officer Emmanuel “Manny” Familia, who died June 4 in an attempt to save three teens from drowning at Green Hill Park.
The WooSox held a moment of silence and welcomed Deputy Chief Paul Saucier, Captain Matthew D’Andrea, Captain Christopher Curtis, Detective James O’Rourke, Officer Gregory Joinville, Dispatcher Robert Odgren, and WooSox Director of Security Lee Boykin to throw-out the ceremonial first pitch June 5.
“The mood around the entire city was understandably subdued for the weekend games against the Red Wings,” Richardson said. “On June 6, the Familia family, including his wife Jennifer and son Jovan, were welcomed to the field before the final game of the homestand.”
WooSox players Franchy Cordero, Johan Mieses, Yairo Munoz, and Raynel Espinal presented Jovan with a signed WooSox jersey. The 13-year-old tossed the ceremonial first pitch as well.
Autism Acceptance Day
The WooSox celebrated its first Autism Acceptance night on July 31. Early entrance and a tour of Polar Park was offered to families and groups with autistic individuals who also planned to attend that night’s game.
Nightly, the WooSox also offer a Unum Sensory Friendly Room, which provides a safe space for all families and individuals who have autism to enjoy the game.
The game was sold out, and Red Sox ace Chris Sale made a rehab start for the team.
Pride Weekend
In September, the WooSox hosted a weekend of Pride Celebration, consisting of fundraising opportunities through game ticket packages that benefitted Safe Homes, a program supporting LGBTQIA+ young people.
“The WooSox hosted pride themed fireworks on Friday, September 10, along with ceremonies throughout the weekend,” Richardson said. “To wrap up the celebrations, the club hosted a Drag Brunch, where proceeds benefited the WooSox Foundation ‘Social Justice Pillar.’”
‘Going Gold’ for Childhood Cancer Awareness Night
The month of September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The WooSox paid tribute this season by “going gold” for their final Friday night game at Polar Park. Players wore gold ribbons and wristbands. At the end of the third inning, the players from both teams, fans, media, and broadcasters held gold placards with the name of someone who has battled childhood cancer.
More than 100 childhood cancer patients and their families were invited to help form a human gold ribbon in the outfield during pregame ceremonies. Families who participated in the ceremonies represented community partners of the WooSox and WooSox Foundation: Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic, the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Tomorrow Fund, UMass Memorial Health Cancer Center, and Why Me & Sherry’s House.
“The park hosted a number of other events, including high school graduations and the recent UMass Cancer Walk and Run, which drew 3,500 participants,” Augustus said. “There were feet on the street throughout the Canal District as people went to and from games, which generated a real sense of excitement in that area.”
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