WooSox 'chief ambassador' on why he loves helping fans cheer on the team at Polar Park

Friday is opening day for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. But the Worcester Red Sox — or WooSox as they're known — get to go first, with their home opener taking place Tuesday.

It'll be the second season for the Triple-A minor league team at Polar Park in Worcester. The team was previously based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for nearly 50 years.

There will be 9,500 fans in the stands for this opening day — four times as many as last year, since pandemic restrictions have been lifted.

Lots of fans will be greeted by a man with a big grin, big mustache and big personality: Rick Medeiros.

Medeiros' official title with the WooSox is chief ambassador. He worked for the Pawtucket Red Sox for 21 years.

"The best part of my job is dealing with people. I just love dealing with people. I love it," he said. "You can never fake enthusiasm."

He also loves coming to work at a "newborn" ballpark.

"It's absolutely majestic," Medeiros said. "It's really like a work of art, and you can tell by the fans — how happy they are — you know, how it looks, how it feels. And, you know, the pulse of the excitement of the city of Worcester in general."