WORCESTER—The Great Polar Park Writers Series returned for its second season on Saturday, May 24, kicking off a summer-long lineup of literary luncheons celebrating baseball, storytelling, and the people behind both.
The first installment featured Worcester author Mark Epstein, who spoke about his latest book “Cape Dreams: A Season with the Brewster Whitecaps,” a chronicle of the storied Cape Cod Baseball League. The event took place before the Worcester Red Sox’s 4:05 p.m. game at Polar Park.
Epstein was joined by a trio of New England sports legends: former MLB pitcher Paul Mitchell, Holy Cross basketball standout Jim McCaffrey, and three-time NCAA champion coach Jim Calhoun.
The event marked a strong start for the series, which offers fans a unique chance to mingle with authors, athletes, and journalists in an intimate Q&A format. All sessions are held in the DCU Club and are open to fans who purchase a ticket to that day’s WooSox game.
The series continues with notable names from across the sports world:
- Saturday, June 21: Brian Abraham and Bill Ballou
Red Sox Senior Director of Player Development Brian Abraham is joined by longtime Worcester baseball writer Bill Ballou, the Worcester Guardian’s senior sports writer and a legendary figure in the city’s sports journalism scene. Ballou brings decades of experience chronicling local teams and players, as well as a deep knowledge of baseball history and Hall of Fame voting. Fans can expect a deep dive into player progress and prospects, with Ballou’s signature storytelling style on full display. - Saturday, July 19: Maybelle “All the Way May” Blair
The 98-year-old former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League pitcher will share her stories from the field and behind the scenes of “A League of Their Own” - Saturday, Aug. 2: Mike Barnicle and Bob Ryan
These two iconic Boston Globe alumni will swap stories, insights, and wit from decades in the press box and newsroom. - Saturday, Aug. 23: Peter Gammons and Dan Shaughnessy
Two Hall of Fame sportswriters reunite to reflect on their shared Groton roots and decades covering the Red Sox. - Saturday, Sept. 20: Joe Castiglione
The beloved voice of the Red Sox returns to Polar Park for an afternoon of memories, reflections, and of course, “Can you believe it!”
Each luncheon begins with lunch at 12:30 p.m. (Gate D opens), followed by the talk at 1 p.m. Admission is free for WooSox season ticket holders and included with a ticket to that day’s game. Game tickets start at $5 in advance at the box office or $7.50 online at woosox.com.
On Sept. 6, the WooSox honors the late Larry Lucchino, who would have turned 80 that day. The tribute celebrates his legacy with the Red Sox, WooSox, and the Jimmy Fund. Additional details are forthcoming.
The series, inspired by the original Great Fenway Park Writers Series created in 2002 by the late George Mitrovich, remains one of the only literary programs hosted by a professional sports team. Dr. Ted Gallagher of West Boylston, a longtime friend of Lucchino and local pediatric dentist, returns as series chairman.
For more information or to submit questions for upcoming guests, fans can email pr@woosox.com.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
