starting at $20/person
GROUP OUTINGS
$20 PER PERSON
INCLUDES ACCESS TO ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CONCESSIONS STAND
Bravehearts BIE Days Sold Out
6/4 and 6/6 Baseball in Education Days Officially Sold Out
The Worcester Bravehearts are excited to announce that both of their 2024 Baseball in Education Days on June 4th against the Futures League Road Warriors and June 6th against the Nashua Silver Knights, have sold out. This marks the earliest sellout in team history.
Bravehearts Baseball in Education Day is a 10:30 am game, in which the team welcomes schools, businesses and day centers to an early morning game that celebrates learning through baseball. This also marks the seventh consecutive sellout of Baseball in Education Day, going back to the team’s 2022 season.
“This is a true testament to the hard work our staff puts in both during our BIE days, and in the off-season,” said Bravehearts General Manager Dave Peterson. “We believe we have created the premier field trip destination in Central Mass that provides both a fun and educational experience. Our entertainment team provides an incredible show for our younger audiences, and our front office has worked recently with high schools to provide an educational experience in sports management.”
Through programs like Ticket-to-Read and the team’s Pen Pal Club, the Bravehearts have been able to establish year round relationships with schools in which the culmination of the program is a trip to the Bravehearts game.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little surprised,” said Bravehearts Assistant General Manager Donny Porcaro Jr. “We usually start our outreach in October. Because of the recent events with the team, we were not able to start outreach until February this year. I was concerned that we had missed our window and schools already had trips booked. To my surprise, I found many schools already began planning internally for a Bravehearts event before we even had reached out.”
For schools that are still looking to experience a Bravehearts game, the team encourages schools to reach out to their Ticket Office at tickets@worcesterbravehearts.com to book a School Fundraising Night at the ballpark.
“I’d like to extend a special thank you to our Group Experience Coordinator Devin Barbour and Community Relations Manager Helena Stamatakis,” said Bravehearts President Matt Vaccaro. “Since they were brought on board in February, they have hit the ground running to make these sellouts happen. I’d also like to thank all of the schools in the Central Mass area who continue to support the Bravehearts through these Baseball in Education Days.”
'Hearts Reveal Stadium-Wide
All-You-Can-Eat
Every Bravehearts Ticket in 2024 to be $20 "All-You-Can-Eat"
The Worcester Bravehearts have announced today they will be the first team in the Northeast to offer All-You-Can-Eat for every ticket sold in the entire ballpark. For the 2024 season, any fan who purchases a Bravehearts ticket will get access to unlimited hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets, sausages, soft drinks and more.
In past seasons, the Bravehearts have offered the All-You-Can-Eat ticket as an option, but will now allow the entire stadium to participate in All-You-Can-Eat, at a lower cost to fans. The All-You-Can-Eat will also feature a wider selection of food items than in previous seasons.
The Bravehearts adopted the all-you-can-eat model from the Savannah Bananas, who were the first team in the country to unveil stadium-wide all-inclusive concessions. The Bravehearts visited with the Bananas in 2021 and learned from them about how to execute the plan at all home games.
“We’ve had so much success with the All-You-Can-Eat in previous seasons, we have finally decided to let the entire stadium participate,” said Bravehearts General Manager Dave Peterson. “This has been something the Bravehearts front office has considered for a long time now, and we have felt with new ownership the timing could not have been better.”
With the change, the Bravehearts believe they have a built a model that gives fans the best value in sports, allowing fans to know exactly how much they are spending without worrying about secondary costs. In 2024, a ticket to the Bravehearts will include a ticket to the game, unlimited concessions + soft drinks, and parking.
Tickets for Worcester Bravehearts games will be $20 for every seat in the ballpark. Even with the stadium-wide All-You-Can-Eat, many of the Bravehearts programs will stay in-tact. Members of the Bravehearts free-to-join Kid’s Club will get in for free on Sunday’s and will be able to participate in the All-You-Can-Eat.
The Bravehearts will also honor Ticket-to-Read vouchers, now allowing students who read ten books in one month to receive an All-You-Can-Eat ticket.
“We’re so excited to offer an all-inclusive experience for every fan at our stadium this season,” said Bravehearts President Matt Vaccaro.
Fans who have 2023 Worcester Bravehearts Ticket Vouchers will be able to use them as a $10 credit to any Bravehearts home game.
The full menu for All-You-Can-Eat menu will be announced at a later date, however the team has confirmed they will also offer vegetarian options included in All-You-Can-Eat for those with dietary restrictions. Additional concessions items such as Chicken Tenders, Pizza, Ice Cream, and Fried Dough will also be available for purchase.
The team will host three Baseball in Education Day Field Trip Games on June 4th, June 6th and July 25th. These games will not be included in the All-You-Can-Eat promotion, however students who come with a school will receive lunch during the game.
Season Tickets and All-You-Can-Eat Flex Vouchers are now on sale and can be purchased at Worcesterbravehearts.com
Worcester Bravehearts Sale Finalized
Vaccaro Family Purchases Bravehearts From Creedon Family
The Worcester Bravehearts today have announced a sale of the team from John Creedon, Jr. and his family to Frank Vaccaro and his family. The team will remain in Worcester, continuing to call historic Fitton Field on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross home for its games in the Futures League.
With their upcoming 11th season beginning in late May, the Bravehearts will tie the American Hockey League’s former Worcester IceCats (1994-05) as the longest running sports organization in the city’s history.
The Vaccaro name is already synonymous on the Central Massachusetts baseball scene, as Frank, along with sons’ Matt and Frankie, coach Shrewsbury American Legion Post 397. The Post has 6 times hosted the Northeast Regional Tournament at Fitton Field and advanced to the American Legion World Series in 2017, 2019 and 2022.
The family also owns and operates Masis Staffing Solutions, a reputable full-service, family-owned staffing firm headquartered in Worcester. With a passion to provide a variety of staffing solutions, Masis has successfully expanded its operations to encompass over 60 branches across 25 states and continues to grow. Masis Staffing has been a corporate sponsor of the Bravehearts since 2017. “We are honored to continue the tradition of the Worcester Bravehearts and will strive to deliver a product that the city can be proud of, both on and off the field,” said Bravehearts New Team President Matt Vaccaro
Regarding the transfer of the team, Creedon said, “My family and I could not be more excited to pass the Bravehearts’ torch to our friends and neighbors, the Vaccaro family. They will continue the incredible run that the Bravehearts have enjoyed over the last decade, and will no doubt enhance it with their own style and touches. Frank, Matt, and the entire Vaccaro family are absolutely first-class in business, in baseball, and in the community. Bravehearts fans and the Bravehearts franchise are in the best hands moving into the future.”
Creedon continued saying, “My family and I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire ‘Hearts Fam’ which includes the thousands of fans; hundreds of players, coaches, ballpark staff, and concessions staff; the incredible host families; our years-long sponsors, suppliers, and supporters; and also our landlord Holy Cross College. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have been the stewards of the national pastime here in our hometown. The Bravehearts’ decade of excellence has never been about any one person, rather it was built by a team of supremely talented folks who worked their tails off, quietly operated with respect, defied the odds, cheerfully overcame adversity, enjoyed some wins, set some records, and pulled it all off with aplomb. It is no small feat for the Bravehearts to have started in 2013 as the only sports team in the city, and to now be the longest running sports team in Worcester history with an immensely bright future ahead. My family and I could not be prouder of the Bravehearts’ past, and eagerly look forward to the team’s future success under the leadership of the Vaccaro family.”
The Bravehearts launched in Worcester in October of 2013 一 filling a one-year baseball void left by the Worcester Tornadoes, who played at Fitton from 2005-12 一 and have since become a model organization across the country in all of summer collegiate baseball, both on and off the field.
The Bravehearts have welcomed more than 505,000 fans through the Fitton Field gates since their inaugural season in 2014. Of late, the team’s attendance has increased by 45 percent between 2021 and 2023 after 53,605 fans attended games during the most recent season.
On the field, Worcester has captured the second-most championships in Futures League history with four, going back-to-back on two occasions in 2014-15 and 2018-19. Worcester is one of three teams to win more than 300 regular-season games in the Futures League, while its 23 postseason victories are second all-time.
As a result of the organization’s combined excellence, the Bravehearts have been honored as the Futures League’s Organization of the Year four times, while General Manager Dave Peterson 一 who will continue in the GM role under the Vaccaro Family 一 won three William J. Terlecky Executive of the Year honors. The Bravehearts will also retain Donny Porcaro Jr, who will operate as the team's Assistant General Manager and Alex Dion, who will return as Manager.
Bravehearts tickets will go on sale shortly, and a formal press conference with the new ownership group will be announced at a later date. For questions, please email Don@worcesterbravehearts.com.
We look forward to the next chapter of Worcester Bravehearts baseball!
Former 'Hearts Coach
to Saint John's
Casey Cummins Named Next Head Coach of Saint John's Pioneers
The Worcester Bravehearts are thrilled to announce that the team’s former pitching coach Casey Cummins has been named the head coach of the Saint John’s High School (Shrewsbury) Baseball team. Coach Cummins was the Bravehearts pitching coach from 2014-2018 where he went to five consecutive Futures League Championship Series, and helped bring three Championships to Worcester.
This hire from Saint John’s High School is the latest of a long string of connections between the Bravehearts and Pioneers. Bravehearts Owners John Creedon Sr and John Creedon Jr were both graduates of Saint John’s. In total, 20 former Saint John’s Pioneers have played for the Worcester Bravehearts since 2014.
Cummins helped lead a staff that finished first in the league in strikeouts for three consecutive seasons from 2016-18, included a league-best staff ERA of 3.44 in 2018.
“Casey is not only a former colleague, I also consider him one of my great friends,” said Bravehearts General Manager Dave Peterson. “He helped to mold some incredible young players for the Worcester Bravehearts, and I know he will do the same for Saint John’s. We are looking forward to Casey’s future success and hope to continue the strong on-field partnership between the Bravehearts and Pioneers.”
If you would like to read more about the hiring of Casey Cummins at Saint John’s you can read their official release here.
'Hearts, Holy Cross Agree to Lease Extension
4 Year Deal Keeps Bravehearts at Holy Cross through 2027
The Worcester Bravehearts are excited to announce a new four-year lease agreement with the College of the Holy Cross, to continue playing at Fitton Field through the 2027 season.
While the team underwent an ownership change in 2024, team President Matt Vaccaro had no intentions on moving the team away from College Hill.
“This is the home of the Bravehearts,” said Vaccaro. “We’re excited to stay at Holy Cross for the next four years, with options to renew. We are committed to working with the College in promoting athletics, education, and providing a great atmosphere for all Bravehearts fans. I’d like to thank everyone at Holy Cross who was a part of this process to keep the Bravehearts at Fitton Field.”
"Holy Cross is committed to supporting our city in a variety of fun and innovative ways,” said Holy Cross Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Kit Hughes. “Our continued relationship with the Bravehearts allows us to further the College's vision to be truly in and of Worcester, and strengthens Crusader Athletics' support of the Aspire strategic plan. We are excited for the Bravehearts to continue attracting teams and fans to Holy Cross and help to showcase all that our campus and the College Hill community have to offer.”
The Bravehearts have played at Fitton Field every year since the team’s inception in 2014, outside of their 2020 Covid season, in which the team had to relocate due to Massachusetts state guidelines. The team believes staying at Holy Cross allows them some freedom that other venues may not.
“Our Partnership with Holy Cross truly allows us to be unique in terms of other entertainment venues,” said Bravehearts General Manager Dave Peterson. “Not many other venues have a free parking garage just feet from the entrance, or have an unobstructed view of the game while you wait in line for food. We believe this is an incredibly fan-friendly stadium.”
“This is an important day in Bravehearts history,” said Vaccaro. “We truly look forward to creating memories at Fitton Field for the next four years and beyond.”
LSU Commit, Worcester Academy Grad
Mavrick Rizy to Start Home Opener
LSU Commit Headlines 17 D1 Schools Represented on Roster
When the Bravehearts open the season on May 25th, they will do so with the #1 ranked pitching prospect in Massachusetts on the bump, Mavrick Rizy. The Fiskdale-native and Worcester Academy grad will join the Bravehearts in the summer before heading down to Baton Rouge, LA to join the LSU Tigers.
The 6’ 9” right-hander will not be the first member of the Rizy family to toe the rubber for the Bravehearts. Kyle Rizy, the older brother of Mavrick was a Bravehearts top starter in 2022, and a Futures League All-Star. The older Rizy shined with a 2.62 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 44.2 innings pitched.
“This is what Bravehearts Baseball is all about,” said Bravehearts Head Coach Alex Dion. “The Bravehearts strive to put the area’s best collegiate talent on the field, and we believe Mavrick is a great example of that. The baseball talent in this area has grown tremendously over the last ten years, and we’re excited to showcase the best local talent in Central Mass on the Bravehearts."
In total, the Bravehearts have 17 Division I schools represented on the roster this season, including three of the Power Five conferences. The Bravehearts will have additional SEC representation with Charlton-native and Alabama Shortstop Joey Rubin on the team’s roster. Other notable schools represented include Kansas State, Michigan, and Florida Atlantic.
The Bravehearts open the season on May 25th at 6:30 pm against the Westfield Starfires. Fans can purchase tickets at www.Worcesterbravehearts.com
Bravehearts Slug to Opening Day Victory
at Westfield
Worcester returns to Fitton Field for Home Opener Saturday
Westfield, MA - A 14-hit barrage powered the Worcester Bravehearts to a 10-0 Opening Day win over the Westfield Starfires Friday. Worcester’s offensive onslaught began with a four-run 2nd inning before the Bravehearts added six more in the 3rd inning, highlighted by Tyler McCord’s (Amherst) three-run home run. Worcester native Max LeFrancois (Assumption), Hingham native Timmy Wagner (Wheaton), Matt Milone (SUNY Maritime), and Owen Pincince (New Haven) all added multi-hit performances. On the mound, ’Hearts starter Brandon Stanley (SUNY Maritime) scattered four hits across five shutout innings, striking out five Starfires hitters to earn the win. Hopkinton’s Josh Fischer (Wheaton) and Hudson’s Keegan Antelman (Bentley) each pitched a scoreless inning in relief. The Bravehearts return to Fitton Field for Saturday’s home opener, where they’ll face Westfield for the second straight day. Fiskdale native Mavrick Rizy, a 6-foot-8 right-hander signed to pitch at LSU next season, gets the start for Worcester. Rizy, who boasts a fastball topping 96 miles per hour, pitched to a 0.82 ERA with 60 strikeouts in just over 40 innings as a Worcester Academy senior this spring. He’ll oppose Westfield righty Jack Martineau (Post). Saturday’s Home Opener begins at 6:30 p.m. Fitton Field gates open at 5:30.
Westfield Rallies Late, Tops Bravehearts
in Home Opener
’Hearts split season-opening home-and-home with Starfires
Behind seven unanswered runs across the game’s final three innings, the Westfield Starfires came from behind to beat the Worcester Bravehearts 11-6 Saturday.
The Starfires trailed 6-4 after the 6th inning before Jackson Haker’s (AIC) solo home run and Will Sawyer's (Trinity) RBI single tied the game in the 7th. The following inning, against Worcester’s Aidan Greene (AIC), run-scoring hits by Gianno Merlonghi and Aidan Redahan (Central Connecticut) helped Westfield build a lead it would not relinquish.
Bravehearts starter Mavrick Rizy, a Fiskdale native committed to pitch at LSU, settled in after a 1st-inning error allowed two runs to score. The 6-foot-9 right-hander — the top-ranked high school prospect in New England, according to Perfect Game — retired 11 of the last 13 batters he faced. Rizy struck out nine hitters and did not surrender an earned run in four innings.
Worcester tied the game in the 4th inning when Owen Pincince (New Haven) doubled in a run and Holden’s Cody Smith (Assumption) singled home another, but Westfield re-opened a two-run advantage. In the bottom of the 6th, trailing 4-2, the Bravehearts launched a four-run rally highlighted by Smith’s second RBI single, a Tyler McCord (Amherst) two-run hit, and a run-scoring groundout by Worcester’s Max LeFrancois (Assumption).
The Bravehearts return to the diamond Sunday when they travel to Dodd Stadium for a 4 p.m. meeting with the defending Futures League champion Norwich Sea Unicorns. The next home game at Fitton Field is Tuesday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. for Baseball in Education Day.
Bravehearts fall 3-2 to Road Warriors
after Late Rally
Oxford’s Remington spins 6 innings, allows 1 run
The Worcester Bravehearts fell 3-2 in the team’s first ever meeting with the Futures League Road Warriors Tuesday. Road Warriors second baseman Nick Pappas (Bentley) knocked a two-run single in the 9th inning to lift his team to victory.
The Tuesday morning contest, in front of 1,200 children from various Worcester County schools, was the first of the Bravehearts’ three Baseball in Education days.
The ‘Hearts struck first, when Max LeFrancois (Assumption) drilled a one-out single that plated Michael Brown (Hofstra). The RBI single was the first of three hits for the Worcester native, who has recorded multiple hits in each of the Bravehearts’ first four games.
The Road Warriors tied the game in the top of the 6th inning, but Worcester regained the lead in the bottom half, when Matt Milone (SUNY Maritime) doubled and scored on an error.
Bravehearts starter Evan Remington (Assumption), an Oxford native, exited the game after six innings and a single run allowed. The right-hander struck out one batter and didn’t issue a walk.
Two more scoreless innings followed, until the Road Warriors launched their 9th-inning offensive when two singles and a walk loaded the bases with no outs. After Worcester reliever Andrew Middleton (UMass) fired a strikeout, Pappas stepped up and sent a 3-1 pitch to left field for the go-ahead knock.
Worcester ultimately went scoreless in the ninth, resulting in a 3-2 final.
Road Warriors left-hander Matthew Doherty (Trinity) earned the win, allowing zero hits and one walk in just over one inning pitched. The losing pitcher was Middleton, who surrendered three hits and two runs across two innings.
Worcester (1-3) visits Brockton (1-2) Wednesday. The Bravehearts return to Fitton Field Thursday for a matchup against the New Britain Bees. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m
