"The PawSox Lunch Box" to Give Kids a Chance to Meet a Baseball Player

The Pawtucket Red Sox will create a new program this year that invites children to have lunch in the McCoy Stadium Owners Box, then meet a member of the PawSox.

"The PawSox Lunch Box" includes an afternoon tour of McCoy Stadium, a homemade lunch from Chef Ken, and a brief chat with a PawSox player. Autographs, photographs, gifts, and tickets to a game are all part of the package, which is free.

Children aged 9 to 14 can send an essay via email explaining their desire to experience the PawSox Lunch Box, and one child-who can bring along one of his or her friends-will be selected each homestand starting in May.

The visit will typically take place at 1 p.m. on the day of a night game. After a 45-minute tour, the children (and the adults who accompany them) can dine in the PawSox Owners Box, then step out on the warning track, and meet a player who will be selected that day.

"The children can talk to the player about any topic they choose," said PawSox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, who announced the initiative. "The player will likely emphasize the importance of education, the avoidance of negative temptations, and the road to professional excellence. It's amazing what lessons can be imparted in the name of 'talking baseball.'"

Children can send their essays to [email protected].

The first visit will be scheduled for Saturday, May 7, the afternoon of the PawSox' night game against Rochester. The children do not need to attend that night's game; they can attend a game anytime thereafter on a mutually agreeable date. They are, however, welcome to attend that night's game.