The Worcester Bravehearts are hosting the 2016 Futures League All-Star Game at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field as part of a two-day extravaganza.
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13, the day after Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, as part of a two-day experience to honor Worcester’s history as a manufacturing hub of diner cars in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The logo is styled like a diner’s neon sign and includes an All-Star marquee in the Bravehearts’ colors above the City of Worcester seal, along with a fork and knife on the edges just as they would look to any hungry customer having a seat at a diner counter. The fork and knife are also a nod to the 30-year catering history of Creedon and Co., Inc., owners of the Bravehearts.
“The All Star Experience is as much an event for families of Central New England and casual sports fans as it is for sophisticated baseball fans,” said Bravehearts’ General Manager Dave Peterson.
To achieve that vision, the team is collaborating with the College of the Holy Cross on a plan to host a Fitton Avenue Fan Fest on the section of Fitton Avenue adjacent to the ballpark.
On July 13, 2016, that street on Holy Cross’s campus will be closed to vehicular traffic in a fashion similar to that of Yawkey Way before a game at Fenway Park. Vehicular traffic will be diverted about 300 feet up College Hill to the main entrance of campus where fans can enter the Fitton Avenue parking garage from the rooftop entrance. With Fitton Avenue open to pedestrians only, the team plans to host a full-on street festival, including live music, kids’ activities, and food stands. Fans holding All Star Game tickets would receive admission to the ballpark as well as the Fitton Avenue Fan Fest as part of the complete experience.
“Our vision and goal in hosting the All Star Game is to make it the greatest party in the city of Worcester next summer,” said team owner John Creedon, Jr. “Apart from music, fireworks, and kids’ games, the event will also feature food, refreshments, and the warm hospitality that have come to define the Bravehearts and Creedon and Co. brands.”
The game itself will feature 60 players representing the ten Futures League franchises in an East Division v. West Division format. Based on the high-caliber talent of the Futures League players, the game is expected to draw scouts from every Major League Baseball team. A Scout Day and Home Run Derby will be held during the afternoon leading up to the game, and fans holding All Star Game tickets are welcome to attend those events at no extra charge.