HOLYOKE – Mayor Alex Morse has something most sports fans covet: a championship ring.

On May 28, Valley Blue Sox Manager John Raiola presented Morse with one of the rings the Blue Sox players received for winning the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) championship last season.

Members of the press crowded into the mayor’s office not just to see the presentation of the large game ring but also the leagues Championship Cup.

The 2018 Blue Sox were named “Summer Team of the Year” by Perfect Game following a season in which they finished with a league-best 30-12 record. The team won four straight games during an undefeated postseason and a second consecutive New England Collegiate Baseball League Championship.

Morse told Reminder Publishing that besides providing an entertainment option, the Blue Sox are an economic engine for the city in the summer.

“Throughout the summer it brings thousands of people, not just residents, to celebrate the games. They often times have fireworks on Friday night at the games, I’ve been working with them on that. Those kind of activities add to tourism to Holyoke, make Holyoke a destination the nights they have games because they are our regional team. You don’t have to drive to Boston or go to a MLB game to get the small town baseball experience. You can eat, you can spend time with family and friends and community members,” the mayor said.

Morse noted the Blue Sox collaborate with the city’s schools and the Boys  & Girls Club to provide tickets to students  

“It really is a community team. A lot of the players go out and go to classrooms to talk about athletics and pursuing an athletic career,” Morse added. “They serve as really good role models to the kids as well.”

Because host families take the players into their homes for the season, Morse said they become part of the community.    

The Blue Sox will kick off the season on June 8 at 6:35 p.m., as the 2018 NECBL Championship Banner will be raised.  The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a limited edition 2018 NECBL Championship Pennant.

The Valley Blue Sox has also announced its promotional schedule for the 2019 season.  

“The organization is really excited about the upcoming promotional schedule,” Blue Sox General Manager Chris Weyant said. “We’ve introduced some fresh promotions such as Wrestling Night and our Water Bottle Giveaway, while keeping staples such as Military Appreciation Night, Seat Cushion Giveaway Night, and more.”

June 29 will feature a Blue Sox Hat Giveaway, presented by Westfield Bank.  The Blue Sox will also honor those who have served and continue to serve our country as part of Military Appreciation Night, presented by Veteran’s Affairs, on July 14.

“Star Wars” Night takes place on July 20 at 6:35 p.m., including an appearance by Stormtroopers.  The first 200 fans 12 and under will receive a free lightsaber.

On July 25, the Blue Sox will welcome UMass Athletics to Mackenzie Stadium. In attendance will be the UMass men’s hockey team, who reached its first National Championship in the program’s history.  Also in attendance will be the UMass football team, and new head coach Walt Bell.  The athletes will be signing autographs on the concourse during the game.

Ticket prices will remain the same as the 2018 season.  Admission will be $7 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under), seniors (55+), and military personnel with valid ID.

For more information, go to www.valleybluesox.com.