For these Worcester Red Sox, life in this city has been enjoyable

WORCESTER — The players’ parking lot at Polar Park is lined with typical cars and trucks of professional athletes. Upscale makes and models with tinted windows and out-of-state license plates fill the spaces between the ballpark and the railroad tracks.

Not every player, however, drives to work.

Most of the players’ apartments are close enough to walk, or even Uber, but for the WooSox’ Ryan Fitzgerald, there’s an easier method of transportation.

“I scooter to the park every day, so it’s a nice five-minute commute,” he said.

As a fan favorite, Fitzgerald loves living and working in Worcester, so like many of the players, he has learned to enjoy the city outside of Polar Park.

“The city is great. Honestly, it’s incredible,” he said. “There are a lot of places to eat. There’s not much crime that I’ve seen and everyone seems to be nice. I enjoy it. It’s a great place.”

The WooSox begin their final six-game homestand against the Syracuse Mets on Sept. 20, and this was the first season major league clubs were responsible for housing minor league players. It made a big difference for these players in Worcester, and they enjoyed the upgraded living arrangements.

“Everything is better,” said Abraham Almonte, who has nine years of big-league service time. “It’s cleaner than Pawtucket. This is the big leagues.”

Even though it’s likely Triston Casas will never play for the WooSox again (barring maybe a rehab assignment), he really enjoyed his time in Worcester. The 22-year-old spent seven months living and working here.

“I love it,” he said before his recent promotion to the Red Sox. “I always love coming back home (after a road trip). Playing in other cities is cool, too, but there’s nothing like coming home to Worcester.”

Casas showcased his ability and passion during every game the fans appreciated him for those talents. He hit many tape-measure homers at Polar Park and even thrilled fans with his athleticism at first base, which is impressive for a 6-foot-5, 250-pounder.

“There’s a packed crowd here almost every night and makes it exciting to play,” Casas said. “In and around the park there are a lot of activities, a lot of construction going on. They’re building around the pack and the city is up-and-coming as well.”

Casas is a self-proclaimed foodie, so he’s enjoyed many restaurants and dive spots around the city this season. He said he likes to explore the city as much as he can on days off.

If a WooSox game finished in a decent amount of time (most games averaged 2 hours, 20 minutes this season thanks to the pitch clock), Casas and some of his teammates would eat at The Mercantile.

“It’s a throwing-the-ball distance from the ballpark, and it’s a great spot,” he said.

Casas also is a big fan of sushi, so one of his go-to places is Baba Sushi on Park Avenue.

“That’s my favorite spot in Worcester,” he said. “Willy’s Steak House and Sushi Bar is really good, and they just opened a Ruth’s Chris across from The Mercantile. I like to cook a lot, too, so whenever I have the opportunity I do, but those (restaurants) are my go-to spots.”

Casas is finally enjoying the perks of the big-league lifestyle, but he’s thankful for his time in the Canal District.

“I love it here in Worcester,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and it makes it a joy to come to the field each day, knowing we’re going to get a good crowd.”

It’s never easy to move a young family to an unfamiliar place, especially when it’s halfway across the country. WooSox manager Chad Tracy, his wife, Emily and their two children loved their first summer in Worcester.

“I love it here,” he said. “It’s great. Obviously Polar Park speaks for itself, and you won’t find a better place in Minor League Baseball to come to work every day, but the living accommodations were awesome. My family loved it out here, and there’s a lot to do.”

The Tracy family also made sure to enjoy many parts of New England this summer, including Boston, Salem, Cape Cod and a few area golf courses when time permitted. They loved the weather, too.

“Everything,” Tracy said. “It’s been a nice year in all aspects — on and off the field. We’ve been treated well and it’s a great place to work.”

—Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Life in this city has been enjoyable for these Worcester RedSox