Following several days of temperatures nearing triple digits and severe thunderstorms, Sunday appears to be the pick of the week.
And such timing couldn’t be better, as the Westfield Starfires and Pittsfield Suns are set to host the Summer Classic at Forest Park’s Walker Memorial Grandstand, with the first pitch scheduled at 4 p.m.
Following an impressive showcase during last weekend’s FCBL All-Star Game, where Nick Serce was named MVP, the Starfires will host their first “home game” away from Bullens Field in Westfield.
But as the Starfires continue to commemorate their fifth anniversary season, the opportunity to bring amateur baseball back to Forest Park was easy for team owner Christopher Thompson.
“Excited to take the show on the road and host a memorable community event with our friends in the city of Springfield at Forest Park,” Thompson said. “It is sure to be a great afternoon of family activities while we celebrate America’s Pastime.”
The event will be free and open to the public, sponsored by MGM Springfield.
Before game time, fans can attend a festival and clinic for youth playing in the John L. Sullivan League and other children interested in participating at 1:30 p.m. And once those participants are finished, they are encouraged to take photos with Elsa and Spiderman while also getting their faces painted before the game action.
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department will also attend.
But the festival portion of the Summer Classic will feature food by Palazzo Café. This downtown Springfield establishment also manages the Palazzo at the Park concessions at Forest Park and drinks courtesy of White Lion Brewing Company. Pioneer Valley singer-songwriter Frank Manzi will also perform live music.
With only 10 regular-season games remaining and only the top four teams reaching the postseason, the Starfires (26-27) and Suns (24-25) are battling for the final spot as they both trail the first-place Worcester Bravehearts (34-20) by 7.5 games.
And through seven previous matchups, Pittsfield has bested Westfield six times, so nothing will come easy.
