Worcester Red Sox's Brightest Star Comes from Curacao
Curaçao is an island of just 171 squared miles and 162,000 inhabitants located in the southern Caribbean Sea. Its capital, Willemstad, is the birthplace of multiple major league players including Jonathan Schoop, Jurickson Profar, Roger Bernardina, Andrelton Simmons and the most recent World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves, Ozzie
Curaçao is an island of just 171 squared miles and 162,000 inhabitants located in the southern Caribbean Sea. Its capital, Willemstad, is the birthplace of multiple major league players including Jonathan Schoop, Jurickson Profar, Roger Bernardina, Andrelton Simmons and the most recent World Series champion with the Atlanta Braves, Ozzie Albies. But possibly, none of these players have the projection and natural talent of the 22-year-old, Ceddanne Rafaela. The multifaceted and multi-lingual player (Rafaela speaks English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento) is developing his career with the Boston Red Sox organization and carries his island in his heart.
"For me it was the best thing that happened to me, was being born [in Curacao], an island that I love very much, the people are very beautiful there, very friendly. I love the beaches and everything [in Curacao]," Rafaela said when asked about his home.
He began to experience success at age 12 in the 2012 Little League World Series playing with the Caribbean team. From that moment, scouts already categorized him as one of the players to keep an eye on, calling him a "polished hitter," "excellent contac," "great balance and sight." Defensively, scouts highlighted his fluidity and aggressiveness by comparing him to Kenny Lofton, the former Cleveland Indians outfielder, Gold Glove winner and six-time All-Star. Rafaela remembers Williamsport as the first big moment of his young career. "That was a dream come true, for me since I was a little boy, I saw that as a dream before I wanted to be a professional and all that was step by step, so I wanted to go there and it was a dream for me," he said.
Five years later, Rafaela signed as an International free agent with the Red Sox in July 2017 thanks to scouts Dennis Neumann, Rolando Pino and Todd Claus. He made his professional debut a year later with the team's academy in the Dominican Republic, and from there, he kept climbing the minor league categories.
After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rafaela returned to activity in 2021 with the Salem Red Sox and the following year was promoted to High-A's Greenville Drive, but after only 45 appearances, he made his AA debut with the Portland Sea Dogs. In the winter of 2022, he decided not to take a vacation and traveled to Puerto Rico to play in the Winter League with the Criollos de Caguas, an experience in which he learned a lot from players like Vimael Machín and New York Mets shortstop, Francisco Lindor.
For 2023, Rafaela returned to Portland where he had activity in 60 games, and after 70 hits, 18 home runs and 37 RBI, he was promoted to Triple-AAA Worcester, where he immediately became a fan-favorite due to his personality and electric game.
"Here I feel very good, I arrived, and the team accepted me very well with a lot of affection and with whom I am always sharing the most, I think is with Enmanuel Valdez and with Mosqueda, Crook and Abreu," said Rafaela. The chemistry seems to be mutual between Rafaela and Worcester.
The charisma, athletic ability, and desire to compete have the young man from Curacao as the second-best prospect in the Red Sox organization only behind the former 1st Round Pick, Marcelo Mayer, according to MLB.com. This could mean extra pressure, but Rafaela approaches it with a level head.
"I think that not letting it come to your mind, and always having your feet on the ground and knowing where you come from, always having a humble mind, that has always helped me not to think about what I should not think about and just play ball."
In addition to that pressure, Rafaela will have to deal undeniably with comparisons to one of the most important Red Sox players in the last decade, Xander Bogaerts. Both Bogaerts's hometown of Aruba and Curacao are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, the young prospect displays humility in the face of these comparisons.
"First, if you are compared to a player of that category, you have to feel very proud and more with Xander for the person outside baseball that he is, who is a tremendous person," said Rafaela. "One of the most humble people I have met in my life and if you are compared with a player like that it is a privilege for a young man."
Now, the sky is the limit for this star. Despite his youth, Rafaela has two clear goals:
"I think the dream is to play in the big leagues, that's my main goal and when I get there try to keep myself because it's the goal, play many years in the big leagues," he said. It is also his dream to play in the World Baseball Classic with the Netherlands. "That's also a goal for me, I had the opportunity this year, but I try to develop more this season and I think the next one, with God's favor, if they invite me, of course I'm going to play with them."
For now, Worcester is fortunate to be a mainstay in the formation of a player with the potential to be a mega star, and they look forward to the moment in the future when any WooSox fan can say: "I remember when Ceddanne Rafaela played at Polar Park."
Ballou on Baseball - April 9, 2025
By Bill Ballou While from a personal standpoint, I am thrilled to have the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate here in Worcester, I have a lot of very good memories of the recently deceased McCoy Stadium. For example: — I saw the Double-A Pawtucket Indians play at McCoy a few times
Polar Park Presents "The WooCages: Family Fun for All Ages"
WORCESTER, MA — Polar Park’s actual batting cages will now be made available to groups, teams, parties, or individuals. “The WooCages: Family Fun for All Ages” allows the public to use the new, 33’ x 85’ hitting and training facility at Polar Park on Madison Street, next to the WooSox
WooSox Postponed Tonight (Tuesday) Due to Extreme Cold & Wind
WOOSOX POSTPONED TONIGHT AT POLAR PARK DUE TO EXTREME COLD & WIND Tonight’s postponement will be made-up as part of a single admission doubleheader tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4:05 p.m. With freezing temperatures at game time that are expected to drop throughout the evening, and with a forecast for strong winds
Polar Park to Host Worcester High Schools Baseball Tripleheader Next Monday, April 14
WORCESTER, MA — Polar Park will host a baseball tripleheader featuring six Worcester High Schools next Monday, April 14. North High School plays Worcester Technical High School at 2:30 p.m., followed by Burncoat High School and South High Community School at 5 p.m. The final game of the day features
Bello Makes Rehab Start, WooSox Fall 3-2 in Walkoff Fashion
JACKSONVILLE, F.L. – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (6-3) scored twice in the final two innings, including a walkoff single by Jacob Berry, to beat the Worcester Red Sox (3-5) on Sunday afternoon in the series finale at VyStar Ballpark. It was a 2-2 game in the bottom of the ninth—Troy
Eaton Homers, WooSox Fall 10-6 to Jumbo Shrimp
JACKSONVILLE, FL — A big offensive night from the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (5-3) powered the home team past the Worcester Red Sox (3-4) on Saturday night, a 10-6 final from VyStar Ballpark. Jacksonville starter Freddy Tarnok retired the first six men he faced, but Nate Eaton gave the WooSox their
Sabol Drives in Two, WooSox Beat Jumbo Shrimp 7-1
JACKSONVILLE, F.L. — After being held to five hits over the last two games, the Worcester Red Sox (3-3) tallied eight hits on the way to a 7-1 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (4-3) on Friday night at Vystar Ballpark. The WooSox jumped on the Jumbo Shrimp in the
WooSox’ Bats Quiet in 5-1 Loss to Jumbo Shrimp
JACKSONVILLE, FL –– Quinn Priester hurled four innings and struck out six in his first start of the 2025 regular season, but the Worcester Red Sox (2-3) fell to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (4-2) by a final score of 5-1 on Thursday night in the third game of their six-game
Anthony Homers Twice as WooSox Pick Up First Win of Season
WORCESTER, MA — Thanks to an offensive onslaught, the Worcester Red Sox (1-1) picked up their first victory of the 2025 season, blanking the Syracuse Mets (1-1) by 12-0 final at Polar Park on Sunday afternoon. Trayce Thompson finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with 4 RBI.
WooSox Postponed Saturday at Polar Park Due to Rain
Today’s rainout will be made-up as part of a doubleheader when Syracuse returns to Polar Park later in April Today’s (Saturday’s) scheduled International League game between the host Worcester Red Sox and the Syracuse Mets at 4:05 pm at Polar Park has been postponed due to rains that began about
Toro Homers, Drives in Two as WooSox Fall 4-3 in Season Opener to Syracuse
WORCESTER, M.A. — The Worcester Red Sox (0-1) brought the winning run to the plate in the ninth, but a late comeback bid fell short in a 4-3 loss to the Syracuse Mets (1-0) on Opening Day. A crowd of 7,044 took in the beginning of Polar Park’s fifth year.
"Girls Who Play Sports Become Women Who Lead": WooSox to Celebrate Fourth Annual "UniBank Women in Sports Day" Sat., April 12
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will celebrate their fourth annual “UniBank Women in Sports Day” at Polar Park on Saturday, April 12, before the team hosts the Columbus Clippers (Triple-A, Cleveland Guardians) at 4:05 p.m. The WooSox will host a free noontime luncheon in the third-floor club at
JBJ on Opening Day: Two-Time World Series Champion Jackie Bradley Junior to Inaugurate WooSox '25 with Ceremonial First Pitch March 28
WORCESTER, MA –– Jackie Bradley, Jr., the Gold-Glove-winning Most Valuable Player of the 2018 American League Championship Series who helped the Red Sox win their past two World Series Championships, will be honored at Polar Park on Opening Day, Friday, March 28, at 3:05 p.m., with a Ceremonial First Pitch.
5th Annual "Rich Gedman Golf Tournament," Presented by the Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., Benefiting the WooSox Foundation, Set for Monday, May 12, at the Haven Country Club
WORCESTER, MA –– The fifth annual “Rich Gedman Golf Tournament,” presented by the Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., benefiting the WooSox Foundation, is scheduled for Monday, May 12, at the Haven Country Club in Boylston, Massachusetts. Boston Red Sox and Worcester Red Sox alumni will participate, including the eponymous Red Sox
Roman Anthony Bobbleheads, Presented by Agnelli Law Offices, to be Given Away March 15 in Innovative Ticket Promotion
Click Here to Purchase Single Game Tickets for Opening Day, April, and May WORCESTER, MA — Bobbleheads depicting heralded Boston Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony will be given away March 15 at Polar Park to fans who purchase 4 or more reserved seats to any WooSox home game during Opening
"It's All About the 5s" in WooSox '25: $5 Tickets, $5 Hot Dogs, and $5 Beer Top New Promotions; WooSox Cowboy Hats, Kristian Campbell Jerseys, and 3 Bobbleheads to be Named Later Lead the Giveaways
WORCESTER, MA — “It’s all about the 5s” as the Worcester Red Sox launch season number five in WooSox ‘25. New $5 general admission tickets will accompany $5 hot dogs and $5 beer, among a host of promotions announced today. WooSox ’25 single game tickets for Opening Weekend and April
Red Sox Spring Training Truck to Visit Polar Park this Monday, February 3, for WooSox' Third Annual "Truck Day," Presented by JetBlue
WORCESTER, MA — For the third straight year, the Red Sox Spring Training equipment truck will stop at Polar Park in Worcester on its way to Lee County, Florida. On Monday, February 3, at approximately 2 p.m., WooSox mascots and fans will welcome and give a warm send-off to the
"Fun Places, Fun Spaces, Fun Food For Your Faces" Highlight Polar Park Improvements for WooSox '25
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox today announced new amenities in and around Polar Park to enhance the fan experience in WooSox ’25. Innovations include an exclusive, climate-controlled lounge for Season Ticket Members dubbed the “Royal Wooters Club,” a future climate-temperate pavilion in right field, more ADA seating, more
Josh Thibodeau Helping Hearts Foundation and WooSox to Partner on "National Youth Heart Screening Day," Saturday, February 1, at Polar Park
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will team up with the Josh Thibodeau Helping Hearts Foundation on “National Youth Heart Screening Day,” Saturday, February 1, to host a free heart screening event at Polar Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids and young adults ages 12–25 can have
WooSox to Present Fourth Annual "Valentine's Dinner at Polar Park" on Valentine's Day, Friday, February 14
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will present the fourth annual “Valentine’s Dinner at Polar Park” on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14. Live music begins in the DCU Club at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The elegant dinner includes one of three entree choices:
"We have the best farm system in baseball.” – High Praise and Expectations Surround Red Sox Prospects at Rookie Development Program
Local media streamed into Fenway Park’s home clubhouse on the morning of January 14. Inside were six of the Boston Red Sox’ most heralded prospects –– Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, David Sandlin, Hunter Dobbins, Carlos Narvaez, and Jhostynxon Garcia –– all participating in this year’s Rookie Development Program. “It’s a