Brian Dowd
The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and your neighbor’s beach chair is preparing to return to the sand after months of holding his shoveled out parking spot. Best of all, it’s baseball season and your Worcester Red Sox are back on the field.
A month ago, while the boys were warming up down in sunny Florida, I caught up with VP of Communications Bill Wanless and VP of Marketing Steve Oliveira to talk about the team, special events, theme nights, and yes, Instagram commenters, bobbleheads. Your buddy Brian has you covered.
Following an exciting 2025 season that saw breakout stars Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer make their full time jump to the show in Boston, fifth year skipper Chad Tracy is back with a squad of returning players, fresh faces, and a couple of big arms that are sure to make an impression.
Bill was able to give me some insight into training camp and the early excitement about the team, particularly when it comes to pitching. “Our manager Chad Tracy and his coaching staff have said this is potentially the best pitching staff they have had. Two of the big names everyone is talking about are Payton Tolle and Connelly Early, who have both pitched great in spring training.” Some other names to look out for are left handed pitcher Jake Bennett, acquired from Washington, utility player Kristian Campbell, and of course outfielder Braiden Ward, who just set the spring training stolen base record this year.
As you probably know by now, opening night featured a first pitch by Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and Red Sox legend Roger Clemens to none other than Worcester’s very own Rich Gedman. For you young bucks out there, Gedman famously caught for “The Rocket” in Boston in the 1980s, including his 1986 record breaking 20 strikeout game. No big deal.
While that huge opener is a tough act to follow, there are plenty of exciting events coming down the pipe that are sure to make for an awesome night out at Polar Park.
One standout is the Saturday, May 8 game against the SWB RailRiders. In honor of 508 Day, the WooSox will wear what they are calling the Art of the Woo uniforms inspired by the city’s vibrant street art scene. The night will conclude with a fireworks show set to the music of The Grateful Dead.
Speaking of things near and dear to Worcester, later this summer the boys will be wearing a very special uniform in tribute to everyone’s favorite little rotary. That’s right. Our love hate relationship with that treacherous little wheel of death is being immortalized for one night as the Worcester Red Sox transform into the Worcester Kelly Squares. Here’s a sneak peek at the logo.
Amazing, right? Steve and his team really get it. This obviously piqued this writer’s interest, and I can assure you hats and tees will be available for purchase. If you’ve ever white knuckled it through and lived to tell the tale, you’ve earned the merch.
This is not the only transformation the WooSox are having this year. As a throwback to their days in Pawtucket, they are honoring a local delicacy. For one night only, you will be rooting on your Pawtucket Hot Wieners. Why are you laughing? Why is that funny?
Steve also assured me they have big plans this summer for a celebration of America’s 250th birthday, including a free item with your ticket that, in my humble opinion, rivals last year’s beloved cowboy hat. “I can’t wait to see the guys taking batting practice in it,” Steve said with a laugh.
Now all you Swifties are going to want to check out the April 24 game against the Syracuse Mets. The Eras Tour may have ended, but you can relive those nights under the Opal-lights with a special Taylor Swift themed fireworks show complete with a pregame party and complimentary friendship bracelets, a tour staple. So all you eldest daughters grab your showgirls and your Travises and head down to Polar Park for an Enchanted evening. All right, sorry. I’m done. Look what you made me do. I need to calm down…
Now for what many of you are here for. Bobblehead night. While Steve wasn’t able to disclose all of the bobbleheads just yet, that’s right there are a few, I do have the scoop on the first one. June 7 is for the newest mascot, Clara the Heart of the Commonwealth bobblehead night. Some big time former WooSox and current Red Sox bobbleheads are following shortly after. Get excited, collectors.
Kids Run the Bases. Town Takeovers. Star Wars fireworks shows. There is no shortage of cool stuff going on this season at the park. Too many to name here, in fact, so be sure to check out the team site for a full calendar of events, with more announcements coming soon.
I’ll see you down there. Go WooSox.
