Before they played for the World Series-champion Boston Red Sox, Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Jackie Bradley Jr. were among several Red Sox players to play for the Portland Sea Dogs in Portland, Maine.

Eleven former Sea Dogs players were on the Red Sox World Series roster this year, and throughout the entire season, 27 former Sea Dogs contributed to the team.

“It’s really neat to see the tie from here to Fenway, and it’s great for our fans, too,” said Geoff Iacuessa, General Manager of the Sea Dogs.

The Double-A affiliate is a farm team for the Red Sox. It gives baseball fans in Maine the opportunity to see some of the best compete at Hadlock Field before they get called up to the big leagues.

“We are one of the smaller markets in the league, but we’re one of the top three or four for attendance,” said Iacuessa. “That says a lot about our community.”

Sea Dogs Assistant General Manager Chris Cameron said he is proud to see the quality of players who come out of Portland – and even more proud to witness their character and commitment to the community.

“For me, the most memorable moment of the World Series didn’t happen on the field. It was what Mookie Betts did off the field, by delivering food to the homeless after Game 2,” said Cameron. “It just speaks to the character of the people playing for the Sea Dogs and Red Sox. Truly a special person.”

Both Cameron and Iacuessa said enthusiasm for the Red Sox translates to excitement for its minor league teams.

The World Series win comes at the perfect time for Portland baseball fans. Tickets for the Sea Dogs' upcoming season go on sale this Saturday.