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In a move considered a model for
the new UniverCity Partnership initiative that joins together
the resources of Worcester’s
area colleges and public and private support in order to
generate local economic development, Holy Cross has made
Fitton Field available as “home base” for the
city’s first professional baseball team in 71 years.
The Worcester Tornadoes, a member of the independent Can-Am
League, is scheduled to play its first game on Saturday,
May 28.
“The College is delighted to be a partner in bringing
baseball to Worcester and accommodating the team on our campus,” said
Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president of Holy Cross. “We
are pleased to have a solid plan in place as this significant
change to our campus and the neighborhood takes shape.”
Fr. McFarland emphasized that the College’s closest
neighbors—residents of College Hill, Quinsigamond Village
and South Worcester —as well as baseball fans throughout
the city will now have access to a new family-friendly entertainment
venue. With a summer schedule of games, the new team will
be able to utilize Fitton Field while campus traffic is at
a minimum.
“Baseball fans should praise the effort and cooperation
of both Holy Cross and the City in returning professional
baseball to Worcester ,” said team president and chief
executive officer, Alan Stone. “We are thrilled that
Fr. McFarland, the Trustees and administrative leadership
have allowed us to be guests on their campus and utilize
historic Fitton Field with its rich baseball history and
tradition.”
With the first game played there 100 years ago—in
April 1905—Fitton Field has a long history of hosting
professional baseball, most notably the Boston Red Sox. During
an exhibition game between the Major League Club and the
Holy Cross baseball team in April 1939, the legendary Ted
Williams hit his first professional home run at Fitton Field.
City Manager Michael V. O’Brien stated that the real
progress made on this effort is due to the strong partnerships
forged and the spirit of teamwork: “The entire community
is energized and more than enthusiastic that first class,
professional baseball is back in Worcester .”
Worcester Professional Baseball will construct a permanent
ballpark with a seating capacity for approximately 3,000
fans. The terms of the agreement also include a five-year
lease for the team to play at Fitton Field.
The Worcester UniverCity Partnership, which began operation
in December 2004, involves public and private sector leaders,
along with college and university presidents, coming together
in a coordinated effort to increase the impact of higher
education in
the region—especially higher education’s impact
on economic development. For more information on the Partnership,
please consult the Web site of the Colleges of the Worcester
Consortium, Inc., at www.cowc.org.
The team will have use of Fitton Field for approximately
46 home dates plus training, practices, up to eight possible
playoff games, camps and other community events. As part
of the agreement, the College’s academic and athletic
schedules will not be interrupted or otherwise inconvenienced
by the team’s schedule.
Worcester notes >
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