WORCESTER — Baseball won’t be played at Polar Park for another 111 days.
But on Saturday, a few prominent members from inside (and outside) the Boston Red Sox organization found themselves at the home of the Worcester Red Sox for the third annual WooSox Foundation Honors Gala.
Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas, NESN anchor Tom Caron and Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Castiglione each made guest appearances inside the DCU Club at Polar Park to honor community heroes in education, social justice, conquering cancer and diamond sports.
While Casas returned to a place he used to call home, the Red Sox slugger — who spent four months on the shelf this past summer with an injury — shared an optimistic outlook on the upcoming baseball season.
“Had a lot of things to work on after this year, and I feel like I’ve been hitting them wholeheartedly,” said Casas from inside the WooSox clubhouse. “Just working out a lot, taking a lot of swings, trying to build that volume up again, but I like where I’m at, for sure, physically.”
Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas talks with reporters ahead of the WooSox Foundation Honors Gala at Polar Park.
Casas discusses his rib cage injury last year, how he was happy with how he handled everything and how he’s exciting for a hopeful full and healthy upcoming season. pic.twitter.com/vCgxvbh2dE
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) December 7, 2024
Casas played in 93 games for the WooSox during parts of three seasons (2021, 2022, 2024) and hit .271 with 13 HRs and 52 RBI for the Red Sox affiliate.
Before starting a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester last summer, the colorful Casas attended a WooSox game as a fan. But the 6-foot-5, 24-year-old was spotted in the stands by WooSox team photographer Ashley Green despite his best effort to stay incognito by wearing sunglasses.
So, did he bring his shades to Polar Park on Saturday?
“I didn’t,” Casas said. “… I’m going to be inside all day, and I’m not going to be incognito because I guess I’m the quote-on-quote guest of whatever, but yeah no glasses today, but I did try them on (with the outfit) and didn’t think it would fit the occasion.”
Caught up with Mr. Incognito himself as Triston Casas talked about foregoing his sunglasses today at Polar Park, growing a beard this offseason and what else he’s working on (baseball related) prior to the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/trEgTQviCF
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) December 7, 2024
Casas spent over two weeks with the WooSox in August rehabbing from torn cartilage in his left rib cage. Upon his return to Boston, Casas later tied a Red Sox single-game record by belting three homers on Sept. 22 at Fenway Park. In 62 games last season, Casas hit .241 with 13 homers and 32 RBI.
Now, fully healthy in his own words, the Red Sox slugger is optimistic about 2025.
“I feel like it’s completely behind me,” Casas said. “It’s weird to say because I went through so much pain this summer, but I feel like I’ve been working really hard on it. A lot of abdominal work and stretching and molding them back to normal, but feels great.”
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Other than auction items, like autographed memorabilia from Casas and a Jarren Duran painting, among many others, the baseball topic du jour Saturday night was the impending decision of big-ticket free agent Juan Soto.
Asked his thoughts on the Soto sweepstakes, Casas shared his two cents.
Triston Casas gave his 2 cents on the Juan Soto sweepstakes, stating the big-ticket free agent is a “game-changing type of bat and whatever team he goes to is going to be pretty much a World Series favorite.”
He added: “Excited to see where he goes. If it’s Boston, it’s great.” pic.twitter.com/XYc5o8QzoF
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) December 7, 2024
“(He’s) a game-changing type of bat and whatever team he goes to is going to be pretty much a World Series favorite,” Casas said before adding: “I’m excited to see where he goes. If it’s Boston, it’s great.”
After cocktail hour and dinner, the WooSox honored Maura Mahoney (education), Julie Bowditch (social justice), Dr. Lee Nadler (conquering cancer) and Worcester City Councilor Luis Ojeda (diamond sports) for their various contributions to the community.
Then, guests made their way down to the WooSox clubhouse for dessert and a meet-and-greet with Casas.
The former WooSox and current Red Sox player has always enjoyed his time in the Canal District.
“I love it here in Worcester,” Casas said. “The people make me feel welcome, and (WooSox manager of clubhouse and baseball operations) Mario (Oliveira) and the rest of the staff, they do a great job to just make me feel like I’m part of a family almost. So, being back here in Worcester, that’s always something that I’m fond of, and all it takes is a call to get me back up here and you know we’ll make it happen.
“So, I really love the city and everything around it.”
