GOOD NEWS: Connor Wong Becomes an Unlikely Hero at Boston Nursing Homes
By joyce | July 14, 2025
BOSTON — On any given off-day, you might expect Red Sox catcher Connor Wong to be resting, reviewing scouting reports, or working quietly on his swing. But over the past year, Wong has been making unannounced visits to a place few professional athletes frequent: a nursing home tucked a few blocks away from Fenway Park.
For the residents of the Beacon Hill Elder Care Center, he’s not just a baseball player — he’s family.
“I didn’t even believe it at first,” said Salvatore Leone, an 82-year-old lifelong Red Sox fan. “One moment, I’m watching highlights of the 2004 World Series on the rec room TV. Next, there he is — Connor Wong, walking through the door with a signed baseball and a smile.”
According to staff, Wong has quietly visited the facility nearly every month since last summer, never alerting media, never posting online. He usually arrives with Red Sox caps, signed balls, or simply conversation. But to residents like Leone, one particular visit meant more than words could express.
“I’ll Hit One for You, Sir”
Salvatore, a retired dockworker from East Boston, had been battling congestive heart failure and had recently lost his wife of 51 years. His spirits were low, according to nurses, until the day Wong walked in. The two sat for over an hour, talking about the glory days of Carlton Fisk, Yaz, and Pedro.
Before leaving, Wong placed his hand on Leone’s shoulder, handed him a signed baseball, and said something that still brings the old man to tears:
“Next time I step up to the plate, I’ll be swinging for you.”
Two nights later, Wong hit a double off the Green Monster. His point to the crowd afterward? Some believe it wasn’t just celebration — it was a promise kept.
From Catcher to Caregiver
While not flashy on the field, Wong has earned praise from teammates and coaches for his quiet consistency, work ethic, and maturity beyond his years. But what’s emerging off the field is an even deeper kind of legacy — one built not on stats, but on connection.
Last week, when Salvatore was hospitalized due to complications from his heart condition, Wong found out from a staff member at Beacon Hill. Within hours, he had coordinated with the Red Sox Community Relations team to send new smartphones to the entire wing of the hospital floor — preloaded with the MLB app and a group subscription to Red Sox live streams.
“He didn’t want Sal or anyone else to miss a game,” said nurse manager Emily Tran. “We saw patients who hadn’t smiled in days watching first pitch with joy.”
A Grandson to All
Connor Wong’s acts of kindness have sparked a quiet movement across Red Sox nation. Fans began sharing stories online under the hashtag #WongForTheElders, from stories of elderly fans receiving signed letters in the mail to families being invited to pregame batting practice.
One elderly woman at Beacon Hill, 90-year-old Ruth Weissman, described Wong as “the grandson everyone wishes they had.”
“He listens. He doesn’t talk at you. He remembers your name and asks about your grandkids,” Weissman said. “He’s a baseball player, sure — but more than that, he’s a good person.”
Not Just a PR Move
Of course, in the age of cynicism and constant social media branding, some have asked whether Wong’s gestures are part of a crafted image campaign. But those closest to him say otherwise.
“Connor doesn’t even have a personal PR rep,” said teammate Alex Verdugo. “He just shows up. Doesn’t tell anyone. Half the time we don’t even know until someone posts a photo. That’s just who he is.”
Manager Alex Cora added, “He’s old-school — in the best way. He plays hard, stays quiet, and genuinely cares.”
Red Sox Plan “Connor’s Corner” Tribute Night
In light of the growing buzz around Wong’s impact, the Red Sox have announced a tribute night in early September, tentatively titled “Connor’s Corner,” where elderly fans from local nursing homes will be honored at Fenway Park. A portion of ticket proceeds will go to elderly care foundations and hospital elder outreach programs across Massachusetts.
Wong himself remains characteristically humble.
“I’m just visiting people who love baseball as much as I do,” he said in a rare interview. “If a few moments of my time can bring someone joy, especially in their later years, then that’s worth more than any stat I put up this season.”
More Than the Game
As Wong continues to build his resume in Boston — both as a solid catcher and an unlikely community hero — fans are starting to see him through a different lens.
“I used to root for Connor because he played good defense,” said Red Sox fan Tony Ramos. “Now I root for him because he makes me proud to wear this cap.”
For Salvatore, who is expected to be discharged next week, one wish remains: to see Connor Wong play live again.
“I don’t know how many games I’ve got left,” he said, “but if I can get to Fenway one more time and see him step into the box… that’ll be enough.”