Top Minor League moments from 2023
In 2023, Minor League Baseball featured thrilling prospect debuts, electric performances and moments that went beyond the box score. All commemorated by the inaugural MiLB Awards on MLB Network. Let's look back on the year in MiLB.
In 2023, Minor League Baseball featured thrilling prospect debuts, electric performances and moments that went beyond the box score. All commemorated by the inaugural MiLB Awards on MLB Network.
Let's look back on the year in MiLB.
Hello, friends
On the Saturday of the Masters, High-A West Michigan broadcasters Dan Hasty and Nate Wangler transported fans from the diamond to the links by calling an at-bat in the style of a golf announcer. The calming tone and dulcet music set the scene as Hasty and Wangler used phrases like, "exquisite," "short grass" and "looking at a pitch from about 60 feet, 6 inches." The juxtaposition of the two sports styles made for a soothing, yet comical at-bat. "Baseball looks like hyperspeed compared to the way they commentate golf," Hasty said with a laugh the next day. More »
The game where the hits don't matter
We're gonna guess you've never seen a line score like this before. pic.twitter.com/VDfEzRNQsP
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 8, 2023
Minor League Baseball is no stranger to unique no-hitters, especially in doubleheaders when the games are seven innings. On April 8, Double-A Chattanooga channeled "Moneyball" and proved it doesn't matter how you get on base as the club scored seven runs on zero hits to beat Rocket City. The Trash Pandas were three outs away from winning, 3-0, when the Lookouts churned out five walks and four hit-by-pitches while also scoring three runs on a fielding error. The Angels affiliate got the no-no, but the Reds club got the "dub." More »
PCA’s theatrics at third
RBI triples are already exciting plays, but Pete Crow-Armstrong took it up a notch. And then brought it again with the celly. The Cubs' No. 1 prospect did everything in his power to make his foot reach third base for Double-A Tennessee. Was it a slide? Was it a leap? Was he safe? Who's to say? Well, the umpire said he was safe, and so Crow-Armstrong unleashed a celebration that would make basketball player J.R. Smith proud. The son of actors truly put on a show. Crow-Armstrong went on to make his MLB debut in 2023 and win Defensive Player of the Year at the MiLB Awards, so big year all around. More »
If you can see it, you can be it
2023 saw several women break through in on-field coaching positions across baseball. And on May 3, history reached new heights when High-A Hillsboro and Vancouver began a series. With Ronnie Gajownik managing the Hops and Ashley Stephenson coaching the Canadians, it marked the first time two women coaches squared off in a High-A game. "It's great to see how far it's come along, and it's pretty cool to be a part of and to see other females succeed in their own roles and in their own dreams," Gajownik said. "It's cool that you don't necessarily have to look into one dugout [to see a female coach], you can look into two." More »
Welcome back, Liam
Just under five months after announcing he was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Liam Hendriks made his inspirational return to game action. The 34-year-old underwent chemotherapy treatments while managing to get reps on the mound, and on April 20, he announced he was in remission. On May 5, Hendriks made his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Charlotte, receiving a standing ovation from both teams, as well as the fans, during his warmups. And for a cherry on top, Hendriks pitched a perfect inning. The Australian hurler was back in the Majors with the White Sox three weeks later. More »
A whale of a time
In many ways, 2023 was the year of the exploding whale. In 1970, local officials in Oregon blew up a deceased whale that had washed ashore in hopes of an efficient cleanup by birds. The result was a comedy of errors that eventually went viral and made for an apparently perfect alternate identity for High-A Eugene. The club went all out with jerseys, stadium décor and more. And while some locals wish the event would be forgotten, the Giants affiliate used the opportunity to shine a light on the Oregon State Mammal Institute and the Marine Institute, which study challenges presented by climate change, as well as whale migration. More »
Best day at the plate ever?
There are milestones, and then there's what Colt Keith did for Double-A Erie on May 16. In the first inning alone, the Tigers prospect knocked a two-run homer and a three-run triple. Keith led off the fourth with another dinger and added an RBI double in the fifth to put him a single shy of the cycle. The left-handed hitter completed the feat in the seventh, then added another base hit in the eighth for good measure. In total, Keith racked up six hits, seven RBIs and 15 total bases en route to earning the Best Single-Game Performance at the MiLB Awards. No Major Leaguer has ever hit for the cycle while reaching those hit and homer totals. More »
Teenage dreams
Ethan Salas started 2023 as the No. 1 international prospect, and he ended it as MLB's No. 5 overall prospect. The Padres signed the catcher in January for $5.6 million and sent him straight to Single-A Lake Elsinore, skipping Rookie ball. On May 30, the 16-year-old Salas became the first 2006-born player to debut in the Minor Leagues, just two days before his 17th birthday. Salas' power and defense earned the toolsy catcher a bump to High-A Fort Wayne and then to Double-A San Antonio. On Aug. 22, Salas became just the second 17-year-old at Double-A since 2006, following Michael De León's one-game appearance with Frisco in '14. Salas made his first knock at the new level a good one too, ripping a walk-off double in the 10th for the Missions. He went on to win the MiLB Award for Debut of the Year. And he won't turn 18 until June. More »
It went how far?!?
Impressive Jo Adell homers were commonplace in 2023 -- he even capped a six-game dinger streak with a two-homer game in April -- but his 20th blast for Triple-A Salt Lake was especially majestic. On June 20, Adell took a 3-0 slider from Austin Hansen and launched it 514 feet to center with a 113.6 mph exit velocity for a game-tying three-run moonshot. No other Major or Minor League homer tracked by Statcast crossed 500 feet in 2023. And even more impressively, it's the longest-measured rocket since Statcast began tracking in 2015. The Angels outfielder certainly knows how to take flight. More »
Paul goes pro
The 2023 Draft class made quite the entrance with all but two first-rounders making their pro debut last summer. And that starts at the top with No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes. MLB Pipeline's No. 3 prospect retired all three batters he faced in his first start for the Rookie-level Pirates on Aug. 10 in the Florida Complex League. Skenes dialed it up to 101 mph, throwing 10 fastballs in 11 pitches. The LSU product spread the wealth with a groundout, a fly out and then a strikeout of No. 5 overall pick Walker Jenkins to close out the frame. More »
20-40 club
Salas wasn't the only teenager who made history this year. Before he inked a record-setting deal, Jackson Chourio made waves on the diamond. In his third pro season, MLB's No. 2 overall prospect utilized his 60-grade power and 70-grade speed to reach career highs of 22 homers, 91 RBIs and 44 stolen bases across the Brewers' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates. Of the five Minor Leaguers to reach the 20-40 club in 2023, Chourio was the youngest. The 19-year-old became the fifth teenager since at least 1958 to post a 20-40 season in the Minors and first since Ronald Acuña Jr. did so in 2017. More »
Double trouble on the basepaths
With a slew of new rules introduced over the past three seasons, like pickoff limits and bigger bases, stolen bases are up across baseball. But the buzz around the bags reached another level this year with the race between Cardinals prospect Victor Scott II and Rays prospect Chandler Simpson. Scott bested MiLB for the first half, but Simpson was in the driver's seat for July and August, leading to an exciting finish in September. The pair ended with 94 apiece, marking the first time since 2012 (Billy Hamilton, Delino DeShields and Rico Noel) that multiple Minor Leaguers stole 90+ bases in the same year. There was a brief time when Scott was at 95, but a delayed scoring change brought the leaderboard back to even. More »
Rising Tides
This year's Triple-A National Championship featured one of the most loaded matchups in recent memory between Norfolk and Oklahoma City. While the Dodgers kept it close, the Tides were victorious in Las Vegas. A part of the best farm system in baseball, the Orioles affiliate boasted four of MLB Pipeline's top 50 prospects, including No. 1 Jackson Holliday. Colton Cowser, the No. 14 overall prospect, led the way with a go-ahead 455-foot grand slam to earn MVP honors. With many of the Norfolk roster sure to reach the Majors in 2024, Gunnar Henderson's AL Rookie of the Year could be just the beginning for Baltimore. More »
And the MiLB Award goes to...
The inaugural MiLB Awards had everything -- top prospects, mascots and a bat dog. Hosted by MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian, with appearances from Ben Hill, Jonathan Mayo and Kannapolis canine Kacey Betty, the show celebrated prospect talent like Holliday taking Hitter of the Year, as well as club genius with the Amarillo Calf Fries winning Best Alternate Identity. The show also highlighted notable homers, food and moments from across the Minor Leagues, making it the perfect bow on another incredible year. More »
Kelsie Heneghan is a writer for MiLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kelsie_Heneghan.
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
“Alas, all’s well that ends.” – WooSox ‘24
The Los Angeles Dodgers were crowned 2024 World Series champions on October 30 after defeating the New York Yankees in five games. It was the Dodgers’ eighth World Series title and second in five years. Mookie Betts and Ryan Brasier––both members of the 2018 Boston Red Sox championship team––earned their
Workers Credit Union Awards Prize Package to Winner of Augmented Reality Game at Polar Park
WORCESTER, MA – Workers Credit Union is proud to announce Connie Tuliano of Holden is the winner of the Workers Reality game. She received season tickets to the 2025 Worcester Red Sox season and other amazing prizes. “I'm thrilled to be able to cheer on the WooSox all season long,”
WooSox Continue Longstanding Tradition, Send Two Youngsters from Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket to the World Series
Prior to Game 1 of the World Series, a 74-year tradition carried on at Polar Park. The Worcester Red Sox welcomed Anthony Pelliccia, 10, and Christopher Gritalva, 12, from the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket to Polar Park on October 23 to collect their tickets to this year’s World
WooSox Foundation joins the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in Annual Coat Drive for fourth consecutive year
For the fourth consecutive year, the WooSox Foundation joined the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in their Annual Coat Drive, providing warm clothing to those in need. Accompanied by Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog, WooSox volunteers traveled in the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, to local charities
“It’s the greatest thing that ever happened” – WooSox Host Inaugural Women’s Baseball Festival at Polar Park
Jill Chelton sat down on the warning track just outside the home dugout prior to a Saturday afternoon baseball game at Polar Park. It was all so familiar––34 days had passed since the WooSox set foot on their home diamond for the final time in 2024. Chelton, who is currently
In a League of Her Own - Janet Marie Smith
Janet Marie Smith has enjoyed an illustrious career as an executive overseeing the planning, design and construction of multiple sports venues, primarily in baseball. With degrees in architecture and urban planning, Smith worked closely on five ballparks with the late Red Sox Hall of Famer and WooSox Principal Owner and
"Come One, Come All, If You Want to Play Ball": A Celebration of Women Who Love and Play Baseball
WORCESTER, MA — Women who love and play baseball can bring their bats and gloves to the field at Polar Park on Saturday, October 19, for an inaugural baseball festival dubbed, “Come One, Come All, If You Want to Play Ball!” The October Baseball event begins when the Boston Red
Kristian Campbell Named Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year for 2024
When the 2024 season began, Kristian Campbell was not regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects. Since, he has ascended prospect lists and is now considered an important piece of the Boston Red Sox’ future. The Red Sox’ No. 3 and the sport’s No. 25 prospect according to Baseball America
WooSox Foundation Embarks on 2024 “Thank You Care-A-Van"
Only a day after the Worcester Red Sox concluded the 2024 baseball season, the WooSox Foundation embarked on its fourth annual “Thank You Care-A-Van" on Monday, September 23. A symbol of its philanthropic mission, the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, has been the mode of transportation for
WooSox Drop 2024 Season Finale to IronPigs, 7-4
ALLENTOWN, PA –– Bobby Dalbec recorded three hits and Tyler McDonough drove in three runs, but Darick Hall’s walk-off grand slam handed the Worcester Red Sox (44-31)/(79-71) a 7-4 loss to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (34-39)/(68-78) in the 2024 season finale. Ending the year with 79 wins, the WooSox notched
WooSox Hold Off Late IronPigs Rally to Win, 4-3
ALLENTOWN, PA –– Yohan Ramirez worked around a bases loaded jam in the ninth inning to secure a six-out save and give the Worcester Red Sox (44-30)/(79-70) a 4-3 victory over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (33-39)/(67-78) in the penultimate game of the 2024 season on Saturday in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Entering
WooSox Win 4-1 Over IronPigs Under Friday Night Lights
ALLENTOWN, PA –– Alex Binelas crushed a home run and drove in three runs in his Triple-A debut as the Worcester Red Sox (43-30)/(78-70) defeated the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (33-38)/(67-77) by a score of 4-1 in the fourth game of their six-game series on Friday in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In the
WooSox’ Bats Fall Quiet in 6-3 Loss to IronPigs
ALLENTOWN, PA –– The Worcester Red Sox (42-30)/(77-70) surrendered six unanswered runs on Thursday night in their 6-3 loss to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (33-37)/(67-76) in the third game of their six-game set in Allentown, Pennsylvania. With the defeat, the WooSox drop a game behind Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for the International League
WooSox Lose 4-3 to IronPigs in Walk-Off Fashion
ALLENTOWN, PA –– Hunter Dobbins turned in an excellent start, but the Worcester Red Sox (42-29)/(77-69) lost 4-3 in walk-off fashion on Wednesday night to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (32-37)/(66-76) in the second game of their six-game set in Allentown, Pennsylvania. With the WooSox’ loss and the Columbus Clippers’ 3-0