Westfield Starfires

The Westfield Starfires are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Westfield, Massachusetts. They play in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL), a wood-bat league with a 56-game regular season comprising eight teams from northern Vermont to western Connecticut. The team, owned by Chris Thompson, plays its home games at Bullens Field in Westfield.[4]

Westfield Starfires
Information
LeagueFCBL (2019-present)
LocationWestfield, Massachusetts
BallparkBullens Field
Year founded2019
Colors    Blue, Yellow, Silver
MascotStella Starfire[1][2]
OwnershipChris Thompson
ManagementHunter Golden, Director Player Personnel; Evan Moorhouse, Director Operations
ManagerKyle Dembrowski[3]
WebsiteOfficial website

Founding

The Starfires entered the FCBL in 2019, replacing the Martha's Vineyard Sharks, who switched to the New England Collegiate Baseball League. The Starfires name was revealed at a media event in Westfield on February 20, 2019.[5] On March 12, 2019, the club announced that its first field manager would be Bill Sandillo, a native of West Springfield and a former player and captain at American International College.[6]

In 2020, the Futures Collegiate League was one of only two leagues nationally to play baseball during the COVID-19 pandemic; leaving Westfield and its fellow teams as prime destinations for some of College Baseball's best talents. The 2020 team featured future professionals such as Nick Dombkowski of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and highly rated prospect Reggie Crawford. In spite of its star-power, the Starfires finished one game outside the FCBL playoffs in 2020.

References
  1. Perri, Meredith (July 8, 2020). "As coronavirus cancels other baseball seasons, Westfield Starfires look for growth". MassLive.com. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  2. "Stella Starfire arrives". Westfield Starfires (Press release). April 20, 2020. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  3. Berry, Christopher (May 26, 2022). "Westfield Starfires aim to be 'more connected with community' during fourth season". MassLive.com. Retrieved June 26, 2022. Earlier this month, Kyle Dembrowski was promoted from bench and hitting coach to the team's newest manager.
  4. Putz, Chris (February 21, 2019). "New baseball franchise logo, roster unveiled". The Westfield News.
  5. Gore, Frederick J. (February 21, 2019). "New Futures Collegiate Baseball League team set for Westfield". The Republican.
  6. "Westfield Starfires name Bill Sandillo as field manager for inaugural season" (Press release). Futures League. March 12, 2019.
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