Baseball Returns to Worcester, Mass.

(NECN: Mike Cronin) - Fitton Field is set for summer baseball.

"All of our players are in town," said John W.S. Creedon Jr. "They had their first practice yesterday."

The Worcester Bravehearts' inaugural home opener is Thursday night, but Tuesday, crews got the park ready for a free exhibition game.

"It's a soft opening for us," said Creedon. "It's also a dress rehearsal for our staff to kind of get the operation down."

Creedon, the team owner, is also vice president of the company that will provide concessions at the games.

"Affordable concessions at great value, good food," he explained.

The Bravehearts are part of the 10-team Futures Collegiate Baseball League, which is made up of college ballplayers.

Bravehearts General Manager Dave Peterson says the game atomosphere will have a minor league feel.

"The contests on the field, the fireworks after the game, the giveaways - we want to make sure that families with young kids are entertained when they come here to the baseball stadium," said Peterson.

Baseball returns to the city almost two years after the Worcester Tornadoes were kicked out of the Can-Am league for financial reasons. With a focus on customer service, Peterson says this organization will be successful.

"We're going to be smiling. We're going to be showing you to your seat," said Peterson. "That's how this team is going to help to repair anything that was gone bad when the Worcester Tornadoes left."

With four home games scheduled this weekend, Peterson is looking forward to playing ball.

"I think that we're all looking forward to standing out there in left field in a couple of nights watching that first firework show and seeing 2,500 people in this ballpark," he said.

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