Last week I had the opportunity to catch a Worcester Red Sox game at Polar Park and my biggest takeaway was that it is a quality product and worth a visit for anyone within driving distance … even Rhode Islanders.

I know, I know, it’s a touchy subject. There are still plenty of fans in the Ocean State that are bitter about the former Pawtucket Red Sox relocating to their neighbor up north. I feel for you, I really do, but several years have passed and the WooSox are deserving of a chance to win you over.

Many of you may or may not know this, but I am a Worcester guy. I was born in the city and raised in the surrounding area. I reside about 15 minutes south of Polar Park, which was opened in 2021.

That said, I am admittedly a smidge biased in my assessment, but hear me out.

First off, the hour drive to Worcester is not nearly as scary as it seems. The majority of it is on the highway, primarily 146, and the park is right off the exit on 290. This is much different than driving to Fenway Park in Boston. The city and park are far more accessible.

Next is the cost. Tickets go as low as $10 depending on the night and section you are sitting in, but you can get front row seats for as low as $20 on certain nights. There is ample parking all around the park as well, with rates also going in the $10-20 range. The concessions are also a notch below Major League prices and the vendors are largely Worcester-based companies. The whole experience is pretty affordable and kid friendly. 

Then finally, the baseball. The Boston Red Sox have worked hard over the past half decade to rebuild their farm system and we’ve seen it pay off this season. The Red Sox are in the thick of a playoff hunt and Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer were called up from Worcester to help out. Kristian Campbell and Richard Fitts began the year with the big club and have since been optioned down. 

Point being, you are seeing legitimate big-league prospects every night and have a chance to get a close look at future stars. Anthony just signed an 8-year deal with the franchise, so anyone that got to watch him play earlier this year for the WooSox will be able to take that with them forever. 

This was not the first time that I had visited the WooSox. It took me until last year to get to a game and last week was my third overall. I work nights as a sports guy and have a toddler and a baby at home, so I just simply did not find the time until the past year. 

I was credentialed as a media member last week so I also got a behind the scenes look at the park and had the opportunity to visit the press box, VIP lounge. What was once an empty lot in downtown Worcester is now a professional baseball stadium in every sense. I am proud to see what the city has done with that entire area. It provided a much-needed facelift, took a run-down area and elevated it to being a fun, family environment. The buzz in the neighborhood is something that did not exist before the WooSox came to town.

Again, I do not blame anyone in Rhode Island for being reluctant, especially those that were die-hard PawSox fans. Their legacy is rich and to see McCoy Stadium demolished was sobering to say the least. I would drive by occasionally to cover events in Pawtucket and it was always a drag seeing the remains of what was once the mecca of minor league baseball fall by the wayside. 

That said, though,  I encourage anyone to make the trip. We have already had some of our Little League teams head up to catch a game and the WooSox are working hard to expand their outreach throughout New England. It’s an easy, affordable night out. The fact that the team is pumping out premium talent is just a bonus. 

Most importantly, the team cares about its fans, especially the youngsters. I would need a whole other column to get into the details, but there are many, many kid-related activities at the park. The entire outfield is devoted to kids and provides lawn seating, similar to McCoy. There is fun food, games, areas to run around and play. As a father of a 3 and 1 year old, that means a lot. 

Give the WooSox a chance.