Less than two months after winning a state championship at Polar Park, the Millbury High baseball team was honored on the very same field ahead of the WooSox game.
WORCESTER — Bryson McCarthy made the most of his pitching opportunities this year.
On May 20, McCarthy struck out the lone batter he faced this season during Millbury’s 7-0 victory over visiting Douglas on Senior Night.
McCarthy then found himself watching from his natural position of third base as teammate Ryan Nikiforow dazzled on the hill and helped the Woolies secure a Division 4 state championship at Polar Park less than a month later.
“The best feeling ever,” said McCarthy of Millbury claiming its first state title since 1984.
On Tuesday, however, McCarthy was asked to pitch again.
The recent Millbury High grad was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch as Millbury baseball coaches and players were honored ahead of the WooSox game on the same field they won a state championship.
“Awesome. Sick,” McCarthy said. “I thought I threw it good, honestly, and my arm doesn’t hurt. That’s the best thing.”
The Millbury High baseball team, fresh off winning a Division 4 state championship at the home of the Worcester Red Sox, were honored pregame at Polar Park ahead of the WooSox game.
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) August 5, 2025
Here are sights and sounds, including thoughts from players Bryson McCarthy and Ryan Nikiforow. pic.twitter.com/LQFYNDEiX3
What a magical few months it’s been for McCarthy and the Millbury High baseball team.
On June 14, the fifth-seeded Woolies held on to defeat second-seeded Lynnfield, 3-2, in the Division 4 state final at Polar Park. Shortly after Millbury was presented with the Div. 4 state championship trophy, McCarthy collected the prize and celebrated like it was 1984.
“Ending (my high school athletic career) literally with all my best friends, I couldn’t ask for anything better,” McCarthy said. “From freshmen to seniors, I love them all.”
The feeling is mutual in Millbury.
“It’s something I’ll never forget,” said Nikiforow, a freshman who pitched a complete game and picked up the win on the mound for Millbury in the state finale. “It will stay with me for the rest of my life, for the rest of all our lives.”
And for longtime Millbury baseball coach Ron Silvestri, coming down from Cloud Nine hasn’t been easy the past 52 days. Nor rushed.
Especially on night’s like Tuesday when the Millbury High baseball team, and town of Millbury, were recognized at Polar Park.
“It’s been quite a ride,” Silvestri said. “When you win in a small town, it’s so much better. They just want to go on and on and on, and these kids have been through a whirlwind of stuff, and the town loves it.
“I mean, the town is so excited that we did this, and I’m really proud of the kids.”
—Contact Tommy Cassell at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Millbury baseball team honored at Polar Park for winning state title
Category: General Sports
