WORCESTER—The Worcester Red Sox announced that Boston Red Sox players Nick Sogard and Payton Tolle are returning to Worcester next month to take part in the fourth annual “WooSox Foundation Honors” gala at Polar Park.
The event, set for Saturday, Dec. 6, also features Red Sox and WooSox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman, who serves as Worcester’s hitting coach, and longtime NESN broadcaster Tom Caron as master of ceremonies. Worcester natives Brian Abraham, the Red Sox’s director of player development, and former MLB pitcher Ryan O’Rourke are also expected to attend, according to the team’s announcement.
Sogard, 28, has been a fan favorite in Worcester since joining the WooSox in 2022 and holds multiple team records, including games played (364), hits (354), and runs (233). He appeared in 61 games for Boston over the past two seasons and played a key role in the Red Sox’ Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees this fall.
Tolle, 22, made a rapid ascent through the Red Sox system this year, rising from Single-A Greenville to the majors by late August. In his debut at Fenway Park, the left-hander struck out eight batters over 5.1 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Oklahoma native was named the Red Sox’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year after recording a 3.04 ERA and 133 strikeouts across 20 games.
The gala honors community leaders in four categories: education, social Justice, conquering cancer and diamond sports. Tables of 10 are available for $2,000, and individual tickets are $250. More information is available at woosoxfoundation.org/honors.
Caron, who also serves as co-chairman of the Jimmy Fund, presides over an evening that includes dinner, live and silent auctions, and an after-party inside the WooSox clubhouse. Guests can meet the players and honorees and even take swings in the batting cage.
Doors open at 5 p.m., with cocktails at 5:30 and dinner at 7. The menu features steak and lobster, a vegetarian stuffed zucchini option, and an ice cream sundae bar. Complimentary valet parking will be available in the Players Lot at 100 Madison St.
Since its founding in 2020, the WooSox Foundation has received national recognition for its community programs. The organization earned Minor League Baseball’s top community service award in 2021 and was a finalist again in 2024. Earlier this year, it received the Worcester Public Library Foundation’s Dr. Richard E. Greene Founders Award.
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