Auburn residents turned out in force on June 14 for a special Auburn Town Takeover Game at Polar Park, giving the community the lead in the Town Takeover competition with seven towns left to make an appearance, according to Alexis Dill, public relations coordinator for the Worcester Red Sox.

The town producing the largest attendance receives a trophy and other forms of recognition later in the season, Ms. Dill said.

It was also Rich Gedman Bobblehead Night, and 2008 Boston Celtics NBA champion Glen “Big Baby” Davis made an appearance and threw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Fallen Auburn and Leicester Police Officer Ronald Tarentino, whose selflessness and compassion inspired his family to start a charity in his honor in 2018, was remembered. Officer Tarentino’s son Spencer threw out a ceremonial first pitch. Five dollars of every ticket purchased using the Town Takeovers link went directly to this fund, for a total of $855.

More than three hundred seventy five students and staff from the Auburn Public Schools were present.

Four of Auburn’s Hometown Heroes, who helped guide the town through the pandemic were honored: Auburn Fire Chief Stephen Coleman, Auburn Assistant Health Director Eileen Alexander, Auburn Public Schools Nurse Leah Gauthier and Auburn Police Officer Jon O’Brien.

Auburn High School sophomore Kweku Akese performed the National Anthem.

Auburn resident Amalia Zorena presented the game ball to the mound.

The night of June 14 belonged to town of Auburn residents, at Polar Park.

Photos courtesy of the WooSox