Red Sox World Series Trophy makes its way to Northampton for NBSL Opening Day Festival

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The 2018 Red Sox World Series trophy was on the road once again, making a visit to western Massachusetts.

The trophy made its way to the Northampton Baseball and Softball League`s (NBSL) Opening Day Festival at Sheldon Field at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The trophy was on site for players to pose with for pictures throughout the event, which kicked off with a parade around the fields and introductions of the 2024 NBSL teams.

In a news release,  NBSL Vice President Chase Every-Giroux said, “The enthusiasm level for baseball and softball in the Pioneer Valley has really picked up over the past few years. It’s encouraging to see how much our region values this sport and the life lessons it provides our children around hard work, building self confidence and working as a team.”

Northampton High School players joined in on the fun. They were at the field to run drills and competitions, “including a home run derby with pitching machines, pop fly contests, rundowns, target throwing, wiffle ball games, prizes, a raffle, and more.”

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra threw out the first pitch. The League’s president told 22News that the festival not only celebrates the start of the season, but also all of the volunteers who work to make it possible.

“It’s all volunteer based; all the coaches, all the board members, all the parents who help out,” explained Northampton Baseball & Softball League President, Tim Recuber, “It’s very important to have volunteers and to have people who are excited to do it, otherwise it can’t get done. That’s also part of the reason to have a big celebration; to thank people for the work they’ve done in seasons past and the work that they’re going to do, because it’s a busy season, there’s a lot of games and a lot of practices.”

Players of all ages are invited to attend, and encouraged to bring their own gloves, bats, helmets and cleats.

Kaelee Collins is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Kaelee on X @kaelee_collins and view her bio to see more of her work.

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