IL Worcester Red Sox

Town Takeovers Continue: First-Place Auburn Celebrates Early Lead at Polar Park

June 16, 2022 - International League (IL)
Worcester Red Sox News Release


The town of Auburn showed up in full force to Polar Park on Wednesday, June 14, for Auburn Night, one of 18 town takeovers scheduled this season. With more than 550 residents in attendance, Auburn currently leads the nine towns that have already celebrated their special days.

In addition to taking over the ballpark's seats, Auburn residents were spotlighted during pre-game celebrations.

Auburn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Beth Chamberland threw a Ceremonial First Pitch to recognize her 12 dedicated years to the district, starting as an elementary school principal at Bryn Mawr School.

Leaders of the Officer Ronald Tarantino, Jr. Charitable Fund were also honored for both their current contributions, such as disability assistance and funding scholarships, and for the selflessness and compassion that fallen Auburn and Leicester Police Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr. showed to the community before making the ultimate sacrifice on May 22, 2016. While Officer Tarantino's wife, parents, and sister were honored on the mound, his son Spencer threw out a Ceremonial First Pitch on their behalf. Five dollars of every ticket purchased using the special Town Takeovers link is going directly toward the charity, for a grand total of $855.

The WooSox bestowed the title of Auburn's Hometown Heroes on four outstanding leaders who have led the community through the global pandemic. Auburn Fire Chief Stephen Coleman was honored for his 30 years with the Massachusetts Fire Services, 11 of which have been as Auburn's Fire Chief. Auburn Public Schools Lead Nurse Leah Gauthier was recognized for her assistance in the district's COVID-19 response. Auburn's Assistant Health Director Eileen Alexander was honored for leading the town's COVID-19 response as COVID Coordinator. Lastly, Auburn Police Officer Jon O'Brien was recognized for his 23 years with the Auburn Police Department and for being the 2019 Auburn Citizen of the Year. The foursome simultaneously threw out Ceremonial First Pitches.

Auburn High School sophomore Kweku Akese, who was recently nominated for a TAMY award as best supporting actor in the school's production of Newsies, performed the National Anthem.

To wrap up pre-game ceremonies, 9-year-old Auburn resident Amalia Zorena presented the Game Ball to the Mound.

During the game, the WooSox recognized two Auburn residents and veterans, Staff Sergeant Jake Webb and Sergeant Robert Kopytko, who both served in the United States Army, including deployments to Iraq.

The remaining Town Takeovers are Oxford (6/18), East Brookfield (6/24), Grafton (6/25), Leicester (7/8), Leominster (7/24), Southbridge (8/5), Springfield (8/19), and Paxton (9/3).

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