RADIO WORCESTER BLOG
Worcester Red Sox to Celebrate Super Duper Fan Appreciation Week
Everything you need to know about the final home-stand of the WooSox Season. It is Super Duper Fan Appreciation week. Ryan Fitzgerald bobblehead day is Saturday. Sunday, meet the team for autographs on the field at 11. Special appearance by Joe Bradlee with a report on the WooSox in the community. Thank You.
Worcester Red Sox Celebrate Fans with Super-Duper Fan Appreciation Week
Super-Duper Fan Appreciation Week begins Tuesday at Polar Park. As The Worcester Red Sox wrap up another successful season, which once again sees them among the leaders in attendance, we look at the very first Worcester Red Sox Show. This show from September four years ago with Dr. Charles Steinberg talks about the then coming WooSox.
Woo Sox Close Out Season with Fun New Experiences in Sight
Only one more homestand after this weekend. Dr. Charles gives us a peek at some of the fun changes already being talked about for next season. Maybe a chance to meet and talk with a WooSox player before the game. Dr. Charles also talks about a recent honor for Larry Lucchino and how Dana-Farber played a big role in Lucchino’s life and therefore a big role in the eventual creation of Polar Park.
Woo Sox Building Momentum for the Playoffs with Two Homestands Remaining
Only two homestands left in the WooSox season and the team is in the thick of the race for the top spot in the league. Dr. Charles runs down how the Worcester Red Sox could make the playoffs and be in the Triple -A championship game in Las Vegas. Former Red Sox pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee will be in the diner signing autographs for Throwback Thursday.
Radio Worcester Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary of the Worcester Red Sox
The five year anniversary of the announcement at city hall that the PawSox would be leaving R.I. for Worcester, MA and become the Worcester Red Sox. Dr. Charles Steinberg tells the story of that day. The official team name is the Worcester Red Sox but did you know that over two hundred names were suggested by fans to be the nickname of the club? The Gritty Kitties, the Green Bananas, and other names were considered until WooSox was settled on. One of the suggestions was the Wicked Worms of Worcester. Where did that name come from? Hank talks to Dr. Charles about the origin of “Wormtown” and who deserves credit.
Dr. Charles Returns from Minor League Owners Meeting
Dr. Charles is back from the Minor League Owners meeting and takes us behind the scenes.
This Saturday don’t miss The Women in Sports Panel. Including the architect of Polar Park Janet Marie Smith (Executive Vice President of the Los Angeles Dodgers/Executive Chair of Elysian Park Planning), Maybelle Blair (All-American Girls, Professional Baseball League) and Naomi Silver (President and CEO of the Rochester Red Wings).
Bill Wanless of the Worcester Red Sox Appears on Radio Worcester’s “Worcester Red Sox Show”
Bill Wanless of the WooSox steps in for Dr. Charles on this edition of the Worcester Red Sox Show. He’s joined by Joe Bradlee who fills us in on the upcoming of appearance of Jim Rice at Polar Park. You’ll also get a behind the scenes look at the club house and manager Chad Tracy talks about the first place Worcester Red Sox and their playoff hopes. (Word of the week for rewards members is Rice.)
WooSox Unveil Major Second-Half Initiatives
The Worcester Red Sox took a well-earned break for the All Star Game, but that didn’t mean activity at Polar Park slowed down at all. On Friday night, the Country Battle of the Bands brought music and fun to the ballpark while Saturday provides an opportunity to bring the whole family out with Family Fest. Radio Worcester is excited to be providing updates on these events as well as giving an update on initiatives taking place in the second half of the season. All activities will add further excitement and energy to what has already been an incredible year for Woo Sox fans.
Worcester Red Sox Celebrate 4th of July Homestand with Fireworks, Bob Cowsill and ‘Oil Can’ Boyd
A great 4th of July homestand with fireworks and Bob Cowsill. ‘Oil Can” Boyd visits the park. Friday it’s fireworks to the soundtrack of the 80’s.
Worcester Red Sox Celebrate Winning Streak and Look Ahead to Playoffs
As the first half of the season comes to a close Bill Wanless from the Worcester Red Sox talks about the current winning streak. Hank and Bill are joined by Emma Tiedemann – Portland Sea Dogs broadcaster who tells us about the top prospects, Ceddanne Rafaela and Marcelo Mayer. Tommy Cassell, new WooSox beat writer for the T&G, tells what’s he’s working on and Chad Tracy, WooSox Manager, on a team he thinks can make the playoffs in the 2nd half of the season.
Four Worcester 8th Graders Awarded Scholarships from the WooSox Foundation
WooSox Scholars Class of 2023 was introduced and honored at Polar Park. Four Worcester Public School 8th graders received a $10,000 scholarship from the WooSox Foundation. . That brings the total number of WooSox Scholars to twelve. The Mayor, School Superintendent...
WooSox Rewards Program Has Expanded
The WooSox Rewards program has expanded. As part of their commitment to the Canal District the WooSox are collaborating with area businesses by giving WooSox Rewards points to fans that visit participating businesses. Those points can then be redeemed at Polar Park. Saturday is Photo Day at Polar Park. Before the game, from 2-2:45, take a selfie with a Worcester Red Sox player.
WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg Tells Us About Upcoming and Past Community Days
The word of the day is – Summer. WooSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg tells us about some upcoming and past Community Days at the ballpark and how they work with the Ballpark Commission. On The Music of Baseball, Dr. Charles brings us a look at every kid that ever got put in right field.
Polar Park Peanut Free for a Week
Polar Park went peanut free for the week. How and why the decision was made. Polar Park voted best minor league ballpark. Are you a WooSox Rewards member? If not, why not? Everything you need to know to get you set up.
Polar Park Turns 2 Years Old
Happy Birthday! Polar Park turns 2. Dr. Charles Steinberg addresses a recent story that quotes Holy Cross Professor Robert Baumann saying the ball park will lose money over the next 30 years. Dr. Charles explains why that simply isn’t true. No tax levy money is paying for the park and Dr. Charles talks about the special tax district surrounding the park and the evidence of one’s own eyes as to the development in the area.
Dr. Charles on how attendance is calculated at Major League Ballparks
Dr. Charles fills us in on how attendance is calculated at Major League Ballparks including Polar Park. Turnstile vs Paid, and the history of how it was decided which to use. Gordon Lightfoot has passed away. Did you know their is a baseball connection to one of his biggest hits? Dr. Charles brings us the story on “The Music of Baseball.” This week’s word is – Million. In honor of the one millionth fan to enjoy Polar Park.
Worcester Red Sox Owner Larry Lucchino
The owner of the Worcester Red Sox Larry Lucchino talks to us about the new season and the improvements made to the park. He also talks about the changes being made to baseball including the pitch clock and robot umpire. We also hear from the WooSox Joe Bradlee and fan favorite Ryan Fitzgerald on an early morning ride by Worcester Red Sox favorites to get Joe Schwartz Little League field ready for their Opening Day.
Back2Back – WooSox prepare for a 13 game homestand
Back2Back – WooSox prepare for a 13 game homestand. Dr. Charles looks back at the ten year anniversary of the Red Sox return to Fenway after the marathon bombing and the emotion of the day. Dr. Charles relives the surprise appearance of Neil Diamond at the park to lead the crowd in “Sweet Caroline.” #BostonStrong
Dr. Charles Runs Down What We Can Expect this Homestand
Keep collecting those rewards points. Today’s word – Warm Weather. Enter that at WooSox Rewards. Dr. Charles runs down what we can expect this homestand and on the Music of Baseball we hear his first ever recorded song.
Trouble with the tarp in Buffalo
Trouble with the tarp in Buffalo has meant the WooSox have been sitting around for the last four days. Among the solutions tossed around was seeing if the teams could play at Polar Park this weekend. It would be awfully hard to make that happen. Hear some live, in the moment updates, as they worked on a solution. A recap of the magic of opening day and a look ahead. Reward members: your word of the day is Lucchino.
Radio Worcester Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary of the Worcester Red Sox
The five year anniversary of the announcement at city hall that the PawSox would be leaving R.I. for Worcester, MA and become the Worcester Red Sox. Dr. Charles Steinberg tells the story of that day. The official team name is the Worcester Red Sox but did you know that over two hundred names were suggested by fans to be the nickname of the club? The Gritty Kitties, the Green Bananas, and other names were considered until WooSox was settled on. One of the suggestions was the Wicked Worms of Worcester. Where did that name come from? Hank talks to Dr. Charles about the origin of “Wormtown” and who deserves credit.
Polar Park Turns 2 Years Old
Happy Birthday! Polar Park turns 2. Dr. Charles Steinberg addresses a recent story that quotes Holy Cross Professor Robert Baumann saying the ball park will lose money over the next 30 years. Dr. Charles explains why that simply isn’t true. No tax levy money is paying for the park and Dr. Charles talks about the special tax district surrounding the park and the evidence of one’s own eyes as to the development in the area.
Worcester Redevelopment Authority to Buy Denholm Building.
The Worcester Redevelopment Authority has voted to buy the Denholm building. So what happens next? Immigration attorney Randy Feldman has been in the building since the late 1980’s and he gives some history, a little behind the scenes of how this unique purchase came about, everyone actually owned their office, so everyone had to agree to sell, and what he sees for the future of Denholm’s and downtown.
Mill Street Apt. Residents Not Eligible for $750 Relocation Fee
Photo Credit – MassLive
District 5 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj is mad as hell about the roof collapse of an apartment building on Mill St. that has left a 100 people without a roof over their head. She has some serious problems with the new landlord and the way the company has been treating tenants even before the roof collapsed. Haxhiaj spoke with Talk of the Commonwealth.
Smash It’s Tea Party
Win Four Tickets to the SmashIt Ladies Night Tea Party!
Tea Party and SmashIt unique experience. As part of Smash It’s ladies night series, our winner will have one hour relaxing with three friends while enjoy healthy, delicious and fun finger foods on charcuterie boards.
City Manager Augustus
Full Interview with Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus – May 17th, 2022: Gage Street Fire, Role of the Council, Budget, Addressing Inequities, and Dual Tax-Rate.
History – Bathsheba Spooner
Bathsheba Spooner was the first woman executed after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Convicted of masterminding the murder of her husband this loyalist to the crown was hung on July 2, 1778 before a crowd of 5,000 in the public square in Worcester.
Win Tickets to See Bruce in the USA
Win Tickets to the Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show on Saturday, May 21 at Indian Ranch. Send us a message saying “Heck yeah, I’d love some tickets!”
All you need to do to win these tickets is send us a message using the contact form below saying “Heck yeah, I’d love some tickets!”
City Councilor Sean Rose
District 1 City Councilor Sean Rose tells Talk of the Commonwealth about the search for a new Worcester City Manager.
Marine Corps Captain Ross Reynolds
Lana Reynolds, devastated by the death of her husband, Marine Corps Captain Ross Reynolds, is looking at a pile of bills. Capt. Reynolds was killed in Norway during a NATO training exercise.
Erick Godin on Ch-Ch-Changes in Worcester
Eric Godin who used to book Sir Morgan’s Cove and owned the Lucky Dog stopped by the Radio Worcester studios to talk about the days of live music, tell some stories and ponder the inevitability of change.
TIME FOR A STRONG MAYOR?
Why all the talk about the next City Manager? Bring on a Strong Mayor form of Government. Worcester District 3 City Councilor George Russell supports putting it on the ballot.
The Denholm Building- Is the End Near?
The Denholm building was without power for 5 weeks. Leaving the occupants, who are also the condo style owners of the building, in a mad scramble to service their clients. The city says the building has outlived its useful life. They seek to offer the individual owners $3 million dollars in a “friendly” eminent domain taking. The City Manager will ask the City Council to approve $6.8 million in all. Immigration Attorney Randy Feldman, whose office is in the Denholm building, breaks it down for us.
Episode 1 – CASA Project Podcast
On an average day in Worcester County, 1,700 abused, neglected, or exploited children live in foster care because they cannot safely live at home. CASA Project recruits, trains, and screens community volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs)....
Augustus Sorry to See Williams Go as Chief Diversity Officer
Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus says he is sorry to see Stephanie Williams leave as Chief Diversity Officer.
Augustus “Worcester Business Journal have been rooting for failure…”
“You know it is probably one of the most irresponsible pieces of journalism that I’ve seen in my nine years as City Manager.” Worcester City Manager Ed Augustus called in to the Talk of the Commonwealth with Hank Stolz and had some sharp words directed towards the Worcester Business Journal regarding a recent article on Polar Park.
Peter Krasinski is the Voice of the Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall
Kathleen Gagne, Executive Director of Mechanics Hall introduces us to the new principal organist for Mechanics Hall, Peter Krasinski. He tells us about his love for Mechanics Hall and how he will be an ambassador for the Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall. He is the “voice” of the organ and will allow it to sing for the community. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Peter in the coming days and months but mark the calendar for Sunday October 15th at 4 PM. A cinematic afternoon featuring a short comedy and a classic silent film accompanied by the Fabulous Hook Organ at Mechanics Hall, Worcester. Showing The Haunted House starring Buster Keaton & The Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney with live, improvised musical accompaniment by principal organist Peter Krasinski.
Better Business Bureau Warns of Caller ID Spoofing Scams
Scammers have long used social media to impersonate people you know and trust, but recently they’ve been using a new tactic: text messages with a spoofed caller ID.
This scam can be hard to spot at first glance, so watch out for the warning signs.
That’s not your mom texting! How to spot an impersonator in your text messages.
Candidates for Worcester Mayor Discuss Green Energy Plan
Incumbent Mayor Joe Petty and challengers Guillermo Creamer, City Councilor Khrystian King and City Councilor Donna Colorio answer questions about the specialized stretch energy code, what it means for Worcester, when it will be adopted and how it fits into Worcester’s Green Energy Plan and hear differences the candidates may have on this and other issues. Each week until the election Radio Worcester is dedicating an hour of its broadcast week to the candidates for Worcester Mayor, asking them roughly the same questions so that you can compare and contrast where they stand on the issues. We also talk about the loss of the Heart to Hub service, accessory dwelling units, sidewalk parking and more.
Notre Dame Health Care Celebrates 30 Years of Care and Compassion
Notre Dame Health Care; 30 Years of Care and Compassion – A Celebration of our Long Term Care & Rehabilitation Center. This signature event on Friday October 13th will raise funds to support Notre Dame’s mission driven programs. Paige Thayer, Executive Director of Development & Communications, Notre Dame Health Care tells us everything we need to know about this great event. Make your reservations now. www.notredamehealthcare.org/annual-event/2023/
Radio Roundtable Discusses Hiring a Public Safety Commissioner for the City of Worcester
Should Worcester hire a Public Safety Commissioner? The Radio Roundtable with some differences. On the issue of accessory dwelling units the roundtable thinks it’s a good idea with only Hank having some questions about the city switching it from “in-law” apartments to anyone can rent it once you build it. The panel also looks at CVS leaving downtown, possible reasons why they are leaving, and what that means for the city.
International Ataxia Awareness Day and Comedians for a Cure Event
September 25th is International Ataxia Awareness Day. John Mauro, who was first diagnosed in 2006, stopped by Sherwood’s Diner to tell us about Ataxia and about an upcoming event. A comedy night with Comedians for a Cure will be held October 27th at The Asa Waters Mansion in Millbury. Mauro was recently recognized as a Rare Disease Difference Maker and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Ataxia Foundation.
Worcester Red Sox Show Support During Second Annual “Thank You Care A Van”
Two of the Worcester Red Sox most popular players Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald and Narciso Crook stop by the diner as part of the Second Annual “Thank You Care A Van.” They talk about the season and their commitment to the community. Fitzy and Narciso, along with Woofster, Joe Bradlee and more from the front office made a number of stops in the community throughout the day. They served meals at St. John’s Food for the Poor, stocked food pantries ,South High and UMass Memorial and a visit with the Holy Cross Football Team.
Worcester Irish Cultural Festival Gathers Community in Celebration of Irish Heritage
This October, the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre and Polar Park will be filled with music, celebration, and love as they host the Worcester Irish Cultural Festival on Sunday October 1st. The festival will give attendees an opportunity to experience authentic Irish culture including Gaelic football, food, music, song and dance from both renowned performers and local acts. This free event is an all-ages celebration of Ireland’s rich heritage and is sure to create everlasting memories for those attending. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk music or passionate about Gaelic Football, there’s something for everyone at the Worcester Irish Cultural Festival.
Better Business Bureau Gives 7 Tips on What to Do When Your Wallet is Lost or Stolen
What to Do if Your Wallet Is Lost or Stolen. You reach for your wallet to pay the cashier and discover that it’s not there! Panic sets in. You pat your pockets or fumble around the inside of your purse and realize that it’s gone. Now what? Losing the cash you had on hand is bad enough but the other contents in your wallet can be a treasure trove for criminals.
If you act fast, you can minimize the potential damage. Nancy Cahalen of the BBB gives us the 7 steps to take immediately.
Mayoral Candidates Discuss Major Issues Facing Worcester
Incumbent Mayor Joe Petty and challengers, City Councilor Donna Colorio and Guillermo Creamer talk about Crisis Pregnancy Centers, the CVS closing in downtown, transparency in the Worcester Police Department and more.
Radio Worcester Interviews Moe Bergman on Proposed In-Law Apartment Zoning Changes
City Councilor Moe Bergman has been a proponent of so called in-law apartments. Other communities have made zoning changes to allow them. BUT, he says what the city administration is proposing and which he opposes is different from someone adding space for family members to their home. He says what is proposed now is anyone who owns property can add up to two apartments for anyone to live in. He says this could really change the dynamics and stability of Worcester’s neighborhoods. Parking is also a concern.
Former T&G Editor Dave Nordman Consulting for Worcester Guardian
Dave Nordman, former executive editor of the T&G, executive editor, office of external affairs, Northeastern University is consulting on the new Worcester Guardian. The Worcester Guardian is a new non-profit, digital news organization. The Guardian, Nordman said, will put more reporters on the ground in Worcester and that is a good thing. Tim Murray, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce brought Nordman on board to help guide and hire more journalists because he felt other large news organizations were not committing to expanding their news presence and indeed are shrinking. The Chamber gathered the seed money to begin the Guardian. Nordman cited the example of the non-profit New Bedford Light but the involvement of the Chamber in the rollout is different from other non-profit media. Hank asks directly for an explanation of the involvement of the Chamber. Nordman tells us the Worcester Guardian will be independent. The Chamber will not be involved in the reporting, the stories assigned, or the editing. That will be up to the reporters. In a separate interview Murray told Talk of the Commonwealth that the Chamber has been involved in starting other ventures like the WBDC or The Worcester Regional Food Hub that then spin off and go out on their own. The Guardian is in the process of hiring.
Radio Roundtable Examines Heated Campaign Rhetoric
The Radio Roundtable looks at the heated rhetoric this campaign season. Is it leading to violence? Is it more intense than past elections? The panel also talks about the new media player in town. The Worcester Guardian. The non-profit newspaper announced by the Worcester Chamber. Plus, has Worcester City Hall been too deferential to the Worcester Police Department? Will that change in the future and can the department become more transparent?
Paragus Firehouse Cook Off To Raise Money for Worcester 6K Charity
Join Hank Stolz on Thursday, September 21, Polar Park will host the 2nd Annual Paragus Firehouse Cook Off, a fundraiser event for the Worcester 6K Charity. Last year, the event drew more than 250 people to Polar Park and raised $13,000 for the Worcester 6K Charity. This year, the aim is to go even bigger and better.
For the Paragus Firehouse Cook Off, firehouses from around the city create dishes to be judged by a panel of local business leaders. There is also a People’s Choice Prize, based on a vote taken among event attendees. Last year, South Division Group 3 took top prize with their Colombian Hot Dog. This year, dishes in competition include fish tacos, chicken tacos, loaded tostones, lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese, rescue roast, and more.
This year’s panel of business leaders features Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President Tim Murray, Niche Hospitality President Mike Covino, John Martin of Keches Law, Melanie Bonsu of Saint-Gobain, and 100.1 The Pike host Mike Hsu. The event will be hosted by Mike Hsu and Radio Worcester’s Hank Stolz.
John Glenn and Ted Williams: Unbreakable Bond Across Two American Icons
Hank speaks with Adam Lazarus, the author of “The Wingmen.” The untold story of the unique fifty-year friendship between two American icons: John Glenn, the unassailable pioneer of space exploration and Ted Williams, indisputably the greatest hitter in baseball history. The two flew combat missions together in Korea and though their personalities were very different that experience formed a lifelong bond.
Pernet Family Health Services Introduces Father’s Program
In this edition of the Pernet Family Health Services podcast learn about the Father’s Program. The Fathers Program provides support services to fathers in the community and at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction through individual and group case management services to strengthen their connection with their children. Fathers participate in 10-week sessions during which they develop skills in communication, how to show love and affection, stress management, and relationship and life skills.
Worcester Red Sox to Celebrate Super Duper Fan Appreciation Week
Everything you need to know about the final home-stand of the WooSox Season. It is Super Duper Fan Appreciation week. Ryan Fitzgerald bobblehead day is Saturday. Sunday, meet the team for autographs on the field at 11. Special appearance by Joe Bradlee with a report on the WooSox in the community. Thank You.
Trans Siberian Orchestra Announces 2023 TSO Tour
The 2023 TSO tour, “The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve – The Best of TSO & More”, promises a new and larger presentation of the
beloved holiday tradition, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, which has captured the hearts of multiple generations.
• Public tickets go on sale Friday, September 15th at 10:00am.
SPECIALLY PRICED $39 TICKETS ARE BEING OFFERED FOR ONE WEEK OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!
The show will include enduring fan favorites such as Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24,” O’ Come All Ye Faithful, Christmas Canon, among others.
Rep. Natalie Higgins Lobbies to Keep UMASS Memorial Leominster Maternity Ward Open
Rep. Natalie Higgins says the Sept. 23rd closure of the Leominster maternity ward may still be put off. UMass Memorial says the closure is final. “Death by a thousand cuts” says Rep. Higgins. “We have seen too many, so many of our essential services go away over the years.” Higgins says a question being asked at the state level is “Do hospitals who receive a whole lot of public dollars get to close essential services?”
Batista Reacts to Complaint Against Retired Worcester Police Chief
Worcester City Manager Eric Batista reacts to a Telegram and Gazette story on retired Worcester Police Chief Steve Sargent. The article points to a complaint by a private citizen not being thoroughly looked into and if former City Manager Ed Augustus shelved a report that found the former Chief acted in a “manner unbecoming.”
QUICK LINKS
PRIVACY POLICY
SITEMAP
Proud Member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
CONNECT
