Worcester Red Sox Pay Tribute to Cherished Usher Who Passed Away

The Worcester Red Sox are saying goodbye to one of their own. The organization posted a tribute to cherished usher Chris Gates, who sadly passed away after an illness on October 6, 2026.

"His enthusiasm for baseball, kind and inclusive spirit, and commitment to service and community made a real and lasting impact on the fan experience at Polar Park," the WooSox said in the post.

Fulfilling One Final Wish at Polar Park

"Chris’s dying wish was to visit his favorite ballpark just one more time, which he did on the final day of the season on Sunday, September 20," the WooSox wrote. "It meant the world to Chris – and to his WooSox family – that he was able to enjoy our end-of-year staff party surrounded by friends and colleagues who adored him."

Baseball fans know how special a day at Polar Park can be. The entire staff goes above and beyond to make your gameday experience a memorable one and Gates was a big part of that.

Why the Polar Park Staff Means So Much to Families

As a parent, it means a lot to have a kind staff that treats my kids with kindness, and that goes to that next level to turn a trip to Polar Park into something they still talk about months and years later. If you haven't had a chance to visit the Worcester Red Sox, it's a fantastic experience for fans of all ages.

They truly did a fantastic job with the overall aesthetic of the park, the concessions, the activities on the concourse, and yes, the amazing staff, who like Chris Gates are always greeting fans with a smile.

Carrying Chris’s Memory Into WooSox ’27 and Beyond

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chris’s loved ones, and we send our love to every member of our extraordinary Polar Park Ushers family. We will carry Chris’s memory with us into WooSox ‘27 and every season after that," the WooSox shared.

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Gallery Credit: Michaela Johnson

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