Fans' Guide for all your MiLB Opening Day needs
Triple-A Opening Day arrived across the country -- from Syracuse to Sacramento and many stops in between -- last Friday. Now the Double-A, High-A and Single-A levels will begin play. In other words, the season is in full swing. As is tradition around these parts, let’s get you ready for
Triple-A Opening Day arrived across the country -- from Syracuse to Sacramento and many stops in between -- last Friday. Now the Double-A, High-A and Single-A levels will begin play. In other words, the season is in full swing.
As is tradition around these parts, let’s get you ready for the 2024 campaign to begin with help across MLB and MiLB platforms. Some great places to start are the MLB Pipeline prospect rankings, noting the Top 100 overall best young talents in the game as well as the Top 30 in each farm system. You can also delve into our Farm System Rankings to see which organizations are the most loaded headed into the season.
For more reading, check out the Minor League Ballpark Guides, and envision what it’d be like to visit all 119 Minor League stadiums. Research your next road trip. Plan your bucket-list vacation. Discover the best of the best nearby. The Ballpark Guides provide the most comprehensive coverage of Minor League venues you’ll find anywhere. For more in your inbox each week, be sure to subscribe to the Ben’s Biz Beat newsletter.
For your listening pleasure, subscribe to and download The Show Before the Show, the official podcast of Minor League Baseball. Every week, Benjamin Hill, Sam Dykstra and Tyler Maun discuss the biggest MiLB news from on and off the field and bring on guests from across the Minor League spectrum to deepen your knowledge of affiliated ball. Don’t miss Josh Jackson’s Ghosts of the Minors segments either for your comedic look at the past.
While you listen, visit the MiLB Store to make sure your wardrobe is ready for the 2024 season with jerseys, on-field caps and so much more gear. Need some help? Here are some of the best new hats coming to the Minors this summer.
Finally, let’s get you situated to watch this year’s MiLB.TV action with an At Bat subscription. Thousands upon thousands of Minor League games are streamed live, including all games at the Triple-A and Double-A levels, and you can watch on the go with the MiLB app for iOS and Android devices.
That should be enough to get you started before first pitch. But what of the games themselves? Below is a handy guide of what to follow and when to follow it during Minor League Opening Days. But first, our two favorite words:
Play ball!
Friday, April 5
Fort Wayne @ Great Lakes, 6:05 p.m. ET: Padres top prospect Ethan Salas gets the High-A season going as his TinCaps take on the Loons in Midland, Mich. The 17-year-old backstop played nine games for Fort Wayne before zooming to Double-A San Antonio in his first full season, and he returns to the Midwest League for a longer look this spring. Salas’ advanced defense behind the plate would be a fit at any Minor League level, and he’ll look to tap even more into his plus power with more physical maturation.
Salas and his fellow TinCaps could have their hands full on Opening Day, however. Dodgers No. 8 prospect Jackson Ferris is set to make his Los Angeles organization debut with Great Lakes on Friday after coming over from the Cubs in the offseason Michael Busch swap. The 20-year-old southpaw has a pair of plus pitches in his fastball and curveball, and his sweeping slider draws strong reviews too. It’s a National League West preview in the middle of the country.
Winston-Salem @ Asheville, 6:35 p.m. ET: Have you ever set foot in a 100-year-old ballpark? Anyone attending a High-A Asheville game this season can say that they have, as the Tourists' home of McCormick Field marks its centennial season. There's always a lot to celebrate when it comes to this scenic ballpark, which is situated on a small patch of ground amid one of Asheville's many hills. Babe Ruth once called it “a beautiful place to play” and that assessment still holds. The Tourists kick off McCormick's milestone season with a tilt against fellow North Carolinians, the Winston-Salem Dash.
Hickory @ Rome, 7 p.m. ET: Rome, Georgia, like its Italian counterpart, was built within seven hills and the rivers that run between them. In the offseason, the city’s baseball team further solidified the connection, changing its name from the Braves to the Emperors (the Atlanta affiliation remains). The primary logo features an emperor penguin decked out in the regalia of a Roman emperor, and now fans will have their first opportunity to see the new look in action. The Emperors' era begins with a home contest against the Hickory Crawdads.
Lynchburg @ Down East, 7 p.m. ET: This game marks Grainger Stadium’s final home opener. In 2025, the team currently known as the Down East Wood Ducks will relocate to Spartanburg, S.C. This charming ballpark, located in the small town of Kinston, N.C., opened in 1949 and has hosted a variety of Minor League teams through the years. The Wood Ducks, the Single-A affiliate of the Rangers, arrived on the scene in 2017. Grainger Stadium’s future after this season is unclear, but it won’t include Minor League Baseball.
Rocket City @ Tennessee, 7 p.m. ET: Also of note in the final home opener category is this contest at Smokies Stadium, home of the Tennessee Smokies. In 2025, the Smokies -- the Double-A affiliate of the Cubs -- will move to Knoxville, Tennessee, where the franchise was based through 1999. Smokies Stadium is located in nearby Kodak, in close proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (hence the team name).
Erie @ Harrisburg, 7 p.m. ET: The Nationals are sending 2023 No. 2 overall pick Dylan Crews (MLB's No. 7 overall prospect) to Double-A to begin his first full season, and it might not take him long to bang down the door to Triple-A and the Majors. Last year’s Golden Spikes Award winner has the potential to be a plus-plus hitter with above-average power, and with Wood in Rochester, Crews can focus on getting reps at his natural spot in center field. Third-ranked Nats prospect Brady House (MLB's No. 47) brings additional thump to the Senators side.
Crews, House and the rest of the Harrisburg bats could have their hands full in this opening series. Top Tigers pitching prospect Jackson Jobe (MLB's No. 25) is expected to open with Erie after touching 101.8 mph in his lone Grapefruit League appearance of the spring. His slider, changeup and cutter all could help him take off in his Double-A return. No. 5 Tigers prospect Ty Madden also rejoins the SeaWolves after posting a 3.43 ERA with 146 strikeouts in 118 innings in the Eastern League last year.
Montgomery @ Biloxi, 7:35 p.m. ET: Biloxi’s MGM Park, home of the Shuckers since 2015, received a major upgrade for prior to the season: The right-field berm area has been transformed into what the team calls a “beach paradise,” and it’s open to all fans. A boardwalk, tiki bar, splash pad and beach chairs are all in the mix, adding an appropriately aquatic feel to the Gulf Coast ballpark.
Modesto @ Stockton, 10:05 p.m. ET: There are three games beginning in the 10 p.m. ET window, two in the California League and one in the Northwest. Take your pick, but we might recommend this matchup in Stockton with No. 86 overall prospect Colt Emerson expected to return to the Modesto lineup. Last year’s 22nd overall pick has become one of the game’s biggest popup names after he batted .374 with 12 extra-base hits, 17 walks and eight steals in 24 games between Single-A and the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League after the Draft. The left-handed slugger has a bat that could move quickly through the Seattle system, so his stay with the Nuts might be a short one. Catch him while you can.
And after that, another Opening Day (or two) in Minor League Baseball will be in the books. But guess what? Baseball is on the agenda for the entire summer. This is just the beginning. Catch you at the ballpark.
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
WooSox to Present Fifth Annual Polar Park Job Fair Next Saturday, January 25
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will present the fifth annual Polar Park Job Fair next Saturday, January 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is not required for the event, which takes place in the WooSox Clubhouse. Candidates can enter the ballpark through Gate D on Madison Street.
Polar Park to Host Futures League All-Star Game Tuesday, July 22
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox and the Worcester Bravehearts today announced at a joint press conference at Polar Park that the home of the WooSox will, for the first time, host the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) All-Star Game. The summertime event, which last took place in Worcester
Red Sox & WooSox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman and WooSox outfielder Corey Rosier come aboard for three days of giving in the fourth annual WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan
Packed in the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, the WooSox Foundation launched its fourth annual Holiday Caravan last week, stopping by and delivering gifts and cheer to over 15 different charitable locations in the greater Worcester community. The three-day holiday blitz started on Wednesday, Dec.11, with the
Red Sox & WooSox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman and Outfielder Corey Rosier to Join Fourth Annual "WooSox Foundation Holiday Care-A-Van"
WORCESTER, MA — Boston Red Sox and Worcester Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman and WooSox outfielder Corey Rosier will participate in the fourth annual “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan,” which takes place on Wednesday through Friday this week. WooSox officials and the “Central MASScots”––Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, Roberto
4th Annual "Winter Wonderland" Features Debut of "The WooCages: Family Fun for All Ages," Brand-New Twin Batting Cages Facing Madison St.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Red Sox fans who attend the fourth annual “Winter Wonderland” at Polar Park can enjoy the debut of “The WooCages: Family Fun for All Ages,” brand-new twin batting cages for WooSox players and opposing hitters, located next to the WooSox Team Store on Madison Street. The
Tri-City Chili Peppers Will "Light Up" Polar Park with Black Light, Glow-in-the-Dark "Cosmic Baseball" Game on Aug. 16, 2025
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox announced on Friday, November 1, that the Tri-City Chili Peppers will play an historic “Cosmic Baseball” game at Polar Park on August 16, 2025. The Chili Peppers, a college summer team in the Coastal Plain League, are visiting ballparks all over the country
Fan-Favorite Slugger, Triston Casas, to Join Joe Castiglione, Rich Gedman, and Tom Caron at Third Annual "WooSox Foundation Honors" Gala Dec. 7
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox today announced that Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas will join other franchise legends, Joe Castiglione, Rich Gedman, and Tom Caron at the third annual “WooSox Foundation Honors” gala at Polar Park on Saturday, December 7. Community leaders, business leaders, and WooSox
WooSox to Honor Community Heroes at Third Annual "WooSox Foundation Honors" Gala Saturday, December 7, at Polar Park
WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will honor community heroes in Education, Social Justice, Conquering Cancer, and Diamond Sports at their third annual “WooSox Foundation Honors” gala at Polar Park on Saturday evening, December 7, 2024. Complimentary valet parking will be offered on Washington Street near Polar Park’s Gate