For the third summer in a row, the Westfield Starfires will bring Bullens Magic to the City of Homes, as the Starfires announced the Third Annual Starfires Summer Classic, presented by Wellpoint, to be played at the historic Walker Memorial Grandstand in Forest Park on Sunday, June 22.

Among those in attendance at the announcement was former Springfield Mayor and current U.S. Representative Richard Neal, who played a significant role in obtaining $3 million in grant funding for the improvements to the ballpark that have occurred since the Starfires began playing at the park two summers ago.

“There is not a more beautiful park than Forest Park,” said Neal during the event, adding “What a great tribute this is to the citizens of Springfield. Thanks from the United States of America.”

The upgrades include restoration and renovation to the grandstand itself and the seating area, restrooms, and a concession area as well as a permanent fence and a new scoreboard that was dedicated to longtime local sportswriter Garry Brown.

Current Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who noted that he played many games at the field in his own youth baseball career, said “Green spaces are so invaluable…youth sports builds camaraderie, mutual respect, and lifelong relationships.”

“Thank you to Mayor Sarno, thank you Congressman Neal, thank you Wellpoint,” said Team Owner Chris Thompson. “The Walker Memorial Grandstand at beautiful Forest Park is a treasure here in the City of Springfield and the Westfield Starfires are more than proud to be a partner with the City of Springfield.”

The event will feature a free youth baseball clinic beginning at 2:30 p.m., led by Starfires players. The Frank Manzi Band will perform prior to the game, and local vendors will be on site as well.

“It will be a carnival atmosphere,” Thompson said.

The game will feature the Starfires facing their in-state rival, the Worcester Bravehearts, at 4:00 p.m. Admission to the game is also free.

In the 2024 iteration of the event, the Starfires defeated the Bravehearts 9-4. Third-year Starfire Josh Frometa, a native of Holyoke who plays his collegiate ball in Springfield at American International College, drove in four during the game, including hitting a three-run home run.