Friday night will be a special one for Athol and Franklin Tech baseball players. 

The Bears and Eagles are playing their first of two Bi-County League North contest in Hartford, Conn. The contest will commence at Dunkin’ Park, the home to the Hartford Yard Goats, the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Dunkin’ Park seats 6,121 people. 

“It’s going to be a great experience for the kids,” Athol coach Josh Talbot said. “The kids are all excited, the coaches are all excited. Our guys went down and watched a game there on Sunday so they got to see the field and where they will be playing. It’s a unique and cool opportunity for them.” 

Talbot organized the event after talking to Ware athletic director Thomas Shamgochian, whose team has played at Dunkin' Park in the past. Once Talbot knew what needed to be done to set it up, he contacted Franklin Tech coach Dan Prasol to see if the Eagles would be interested.

“It came together pretty quickly,” Talbot said. “It’s nice getting to do it with the Tech school. We have football practices against them in the summer, our wrestling programs are close. The two schools seem to work really well together and I hope that’s something that continues. It’s great to be able to do this together.” 

It was a no-brainer for Prasol to get his team to Hartford, knowing how great the experience of playing in a minor league stadium will be for his team.

“I really appreciate Talbot getting this going, reaching out and inviting us,” Prasol said. “It’s going to be a great experience for the kids. I’m glad these seniors will get to do this. It’s a once and a lifetime opportunity. Hopefully it can become a tradition.” 

While both teams are looking forward to the opportunity to play in the home of the Yard Goats, it doesn’t take away the importance of the game. 

Both Athol and Franklin Tech have their eyes set on capturing a league title this year. Athol, which was one game away from winning the Bi-County North last year, is off to a 2-0 start to the season while the Eagles are currently 3-0. 

“We’ve had competitive games with them the last few years,” Prasol said. “This game featuring the only two teams that are still undefeated shows that it could have major implications down the road. What better place to have a big game than at a big park? Athol is a great team. If everyone wins the games they’re supposed to, whoever wins this game is going to be in the driver’s seat for a league title.”

Talbot agreed, noting how his team lost an early-season game to Turners Falls last year that proved to be the difference between first and second in the title chase. 

“We spent all last year playing catch-up chasing Turners,” Talbot said. “We don’t want that to happen again this year. There’s a lot at stake for a game on the second Friday in April. It’s an opportunity to take control of the league.” 

First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday in Hartford, with the Eagles coming to bat first and Athol the designated home team. Admission to the game is free.