Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
The future of Worcester Bravehearts collegiate summer baseball is in doubt if the Pawtucket Red Sox end up moving into a proposed new stadium in Worcester, but fan support for the Bravehearts was never higher than this year.
The 2018 season drew an average of 2,502 fans per game, good for sixth highest among collegiate leagues across the country, the website Ballpark Digest reported Aug. 13.
That attendance figure puts the Bravehearts among the best of any collegiate league team in the Northeast. The team plays in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, which has teams in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire.
This year was an improvement from the 2017 season, when the Bravehearts ranked seventh nationally, with 2,356 per game, according to Ballpark Digest. Attendance for the Bravehearts, who play at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field at the College of the Holy Cross, has increased in each of the team's five seasons in Worcester.
In the team's inaugural year, it drew 1,749 a game, which was good for 18th nationally.
Their predecessor, the Worcester Tornadoes of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, averaged 1,704 fans per game in their final three years in the city.
The PawSox were 21st nationally among minor league teams last year, with 6,406 per game, according to Ballpark Digest.
The Bravehearts ownership sent a letter to fans last Friday after the city announced a plan to borrow $101 million to build a 10,000-seat ballpark to attract the Pawtucket Red Sox to the Canal District. The ballpark, which would open for the 2021 season, is envisioned by the city to anchor another 650,000 square feet of mixed use space in the Canal District. The plan requires approval from the City Council, among others.
The letter from team president and owner John Creedon had a somber tone, even has he appeared determined to keep the team for at least for the next few seasons.
"I hope that people can understand and pardon my family and me for respectfully not sharing in the elation at this time where the impact of all this on the Worcester Bravehearts’ business operation remains to be seen," Creedon wrote.
"In many ways, Friday’s announcement knocks the wind out of us and pauses the magical momentum we have generated over the last five years. It will be hard for our small, family-owned and operated baseball team to compete with the prestige and resources of the Triple A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. However, we do not shrink from adversity or back down from a challenge. That is not what Worcester people do," he wrote.
"In the meantime, though," Credon added, "you can rest assured that the Worcester Bravehearts will continue to operate with vim and vigor, and continue to play with zest and zeal at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field next summer and beyond."
Stay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Sign upWorcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeWorcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
See Digital EditionStay connected! Every business day, WBJ Daily Report will be delivered to your inbox by noon. It provides a daily update of the area’s most important business news.
Worcester Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the Central Mass business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at WBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Worcester Business Journal presents a special commemorative edition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the city of Worcester. This landmark publication covers the city and region’s rich history of growth and innovation.
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments