But what to do when you’d like to head out of town for a game? Go see the future Major Leaguers in Pawtucket, RI.
The PawSox have a roster filled with players who have seen time in Boston, and they just happen to be managed by Ron Johnson, who formerly was the head man in Portland. Pitcher Justin Masterson, who recently had a pair of masterful outings with the Red Sox, is now in Pawtucket, and so are former Red Sox reliever Kyle Snyder and David Pauley, who had a couple starts at Fenway last season. You can also get a glimpse of outfielders Joe Thurston and Jonathan Van Every, who have worn BoSox uniforms this year and Bobby Kielty, a member of the 2007 World Series Champions.
Check www.pawsox.com for the schedule. The PawSox are at McCoy Stadium for 15 home games this month. If you plan to make the trip in July, there’s no game on the 12th but there is a concert featuring the Dropkick Murphys and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones at 6 pm. Tickets are $39.
After you’ve gotten your fill of baseball, check out some of the many other sites in and around Pawtucket. For a bit of history visit the Slater Mill Historic Site (www.slatermill.org) where there’s a 19th century machine shop and a reconstructed 16,000-pound water wheel in operation. There’s also Modern Diner, a sterling Streamliner and the first diner to be accepted on the National Register for Historic Places. It’s located at 364 East Ave.
If you’re looking to get out and be active, head to Slater Memorial Park, which has recreational facilities, tennis courts and picnic sites. There’s also a Looff Carousel, which was built in 1894 and restored in 1978. It’s been in the park since 1910. Active visitors can also take advantage of the Rhode Island Rock Climbing Gym at “ Weeden St. and bring boats to the Pawtucket Town Boat Landing Ramp on Taft Street.
If you’d rather sit back and relax on the water, check into a cruise with Spirit of the Blackstone River Valley (401-724-–0), which offers narrated tours on a 10-passenger riverboat. There are also a variety of cruise opportunities through Water Cruises of Rhode Island (401-725-8200), which brings patrons aboard European-style tour boats.
— Karen Beaudoin