The PawSox think they’ve found a way for struggling Minor League Baseball teams across the country to get fans in the ballpark this summer, despite the 2020 minor league season being cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Their experiment with on-field dining, where they set up picnic tables on the infield dirt and outfield grass while the entire front office serves dinner, was such a hit in its first run last weekend that they’ve already accumulated a wait list of more than 800 families trying to gain admission.
Minor league teams across the country have begun calling the PawSox to ask them how they did it.
“The calls have been rolling in,” said PawSox president Dr. Charles Steinberg. “Our chef said at least 10 other clubs called right away. It may not only have legs for Minor League Baseball, but for Major League Baseball.
“If you told me I could sit at Camden Yards where Brooks Robinson played third base, even though he played at Memorial Stadium, that’d be a life moment.”
Steinberg has been in contact with the Red Sox to share the idea with those at Fenway Park.
“We’ll see what they do,” he said. “It’s interesting because it may not only be an opportunity you have during this unusual time, but maybe you’re introducing something new to the ballpark experience, even when we reach a time that’s normal.”
The idea came to life after Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo announced outdoor dining would begin opening up. The PawSox had nothing going on at McCoy Stadium, where they were celebrating the 50th anniversary and were hoping to play their final season of PawSox baseball before the team moves to Worcester.
Construction has since restarted at the future WooSox’ home stadium, Polar Park, but it’s uncertain if it’ll be completed in time to start the 2021 minor league season. McCoy Stadium has been floated as an option if Polar Park is late to open, but that’s up to Pawtucket mayor Don Grebien.
“Right now, Polar Park is rising,” Steinberg said. “Just looked at some pictures a few minutes ago. They’re chugging along but you don’t know yet the full effect of the COVID delay. We’ll probably know next month.
“We’ll leave the question of what happens to McCoy Stadium to the mayor of Pawtucket, but he did come for dinner Saturday night and paid his way. I said, ‘Mayor, it doesn’t cost a lot to keep up this stadium if you’re having youth programs play on the field and then have Pawtucket’s best outdoor dining venue every summer night.’”
Last weekend, the PawSox front office ditched their traditional duties and served as the wait staff for the 162 families who were seated for on-field dining on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Fans could enjoy traditional ballpark food while soaking in the sunset and baseball vibes on the field. Over the loudspeakers, the PawSox played music from Field of Dreams and Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind.”
“The music created a gentle summer atmosphere,” Steinberg said. “It really resonated with the folks who came.”
Former Red Sox player Tommy Harper volunteered to stop by on Saturday and had dinner with some fans.
“There was a family of three, a mom, her adult son and her sister,” Steinberg said. “They’re from Pawtucket. The mom had lost her husband a month ago, not to COVID, but the husband and adult son had been to 28 straight opening days for the PawSox. So this was the closest they thought they were coming to a 29th opening day. The son was gushing with stories.
“I sat down with them. They felt their late loved one’s presence in the ballpark. We were a bit late to get them their food so I went to them and apologized. And the aunt said, ‘are you kidding? This was the best day of our lives.’”
Over the next three weekends, the PawSox will continue serving dinner on the field. They’re expanding their menu to include a New England lobster roll, chicken Caprese, and Rhode Island steak tips, among other options.
The small revenue from on-field dining won’t help the team totally recover from lost income due to the cancellation of the season, but it has helped the PawSox keep their entire full-time staff on the payroll.
“You get the chills sitting there either on the dirt or shallow outfield grass,” Steinberg said. “One way you’re sitting where Wade Boggs and Cal Ripken Jr. played the longest game, the other way you’re sitting where Fred Lynn was charging fly balls in 1974. Take your pick.
“We’re happy we were able to do something for the fans. We wanted to give them a sweet finale. Maybe we’ll still be able to go on the field. But they were so appreciative that they could have this emotional experience on the field at McCoy Stadium in the 50th anniversary and final season of PawSox baseball. It was really ripe with emotion.”
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June 11, 2020 at 04:27PM
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‘Sweet finale’ for PawSox at McCoy Stadium as on-field dining takes off - Boston Herald
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