National Baseball Poetry Festival returns for a third year at Polar Park
By Charlene Arsenault
WORCESTER— Baseball and poetry might seem like an unlikely double play—more like peanuts and pancakes than peanuts and Cracker Jacks. But look closer, and you’ll see the game is filled with rhythm, drama, and the kind of lyrical moments that inspire great writing.
From the crack of the bat to the arc of a perfect pitch, baseball has long been a muse for storytellers. That connection takes center stage once again once again as the National Baseball Poetry Festival returns to Worcester for its third year. The festival, set for May 2-4 at Polar Park, brings together poets, baseball lovers, and fans of the arts for a weekend of performances, awards, and literary celebration.
Stephen Murray, Tracy Martino and Devon Kurtz as Casey (photo submitted)
A key feature of the event is its two poetry contests, free to enter and open to young writers in grades 4-12 as well as adults. Sixty students and 20 adult poets will be recognized, with winners earning the opportunity to present their work at the festival. The youth contest deadline is April 16, while adult submissions are due by March 28.
Festival organizers say Worcester’s rich baseball history makes it the perfect setting for this unique event. “Baseball is our national pastime and the sport through which we’ve told the American story for 149 years,” said Tim Murray, president & CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, in a press release. “With our deep baseball roots, Worcester is the perfect home for this Festival.”
Among the featured guests this year are acclaimed poet Ethelbert Miller, Worcester Poet Laureate Oliver de la Paz, and Bill Littlefield, longtime host of NPR’s “It’s Only a Game.” Their presence highlights the festival’s broader mission to celebrate baseball’s impact on literature, music, theater, and film.
Worcester Poet Laureate Oscar de la Paz and Youth Poet Laureate Serenity Jackson (photo submitted)
“We so admire this Festival, one we believe to be the only one uniting our National Pastime and the fine arts in this manner,” Worcester Red Sox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg said in the announcement. “We also relish this opportunity to inspire children to express their thoughts and emotions through this elegant art form.”
With its blend of sports and the arts, the National Baseball Poetry Festival continues to establish itself as a one-of-a-kind celebration. More information, including contest guidelines and event details, can be found at baseballpoetryfest.org.
