| Professional baseball finally returned to one of the largest cities without a team in 2005 when the Can-Am League granted a franchise to Worcester. Despite having a rich history of baseball (including a National League team from 1880-82), no pro baseball had been played in the city since 1934. This was probably due to the lack of an adequate facility. But when the Tornadoes were born, it was decided that a park would be built on the site of Fitton Field, which has been used for Holy Cross baseball since 1905. Despite a very short time period (about 3 months) to get the park built, they did an admirable job in constructing a serviceable, if unspectacular facility. Fitton Field is built into a hill, so fans enter onto a wide, completely uncovered concourse which overlooks the field. Seating is made up of mostly fold-down chairs, though there are also a few sections of benches (with backs). The floor of the grandstand is metal (like in Lowell and Brockton), which can make for a noisy (when fans start stomping) or sweltering (when the weather is warm) experience. With little foul territory, almost all the seats are right on top of the action. Two large concession stands are available, one on the main concourse behind first base, and one down the 3rd base line on the field level. Concessions are pretty basic, which is typical of a ballpark in the northeast. The prices and quality were both about average. The atmosphere is laid back with almost no sound effects and only a few between inning games. For the most part, fans really seemed into the game - apparently going to Red Sox games have taught them well. Because of the short time to get the park ready, it is still has a somewhat unfinished feel to it. There are no permanent bathrooms yet, the scoreboard only shows the essential information (score, count, inning), and the souvenirs are sold from a table on the concourse. Also, having been early in the season, it is clear that the team is still working out some kinks. The ticket office and concessions stand personnel both seemed a bit overwhelmed and were slow in servicing customers. But I'm sure this will improve over time. Parking is available on-street for free or in a large parking garage next to the park for $3. Overall, I had a positive first impression of Fitton Field. The problems with the park and the slow service are understandable due to limited time the team had to prepare, so presumably will be fixed as the season goes on. But right now, fans just seem to be excited to have professional baseball back in Worcester. Unfortunately the excitement did not last too long. With attendance taking a hit, the Tornadoes folded after the 2012 season.
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