Back in Worcester, 45 Years Later with Chris Collins

Dialogue Miles

Apr 30

Last week, I was back in my hometown, Worcester, MA for Homecoming, an initiative bringing together Worcester-area expats. While the event had its own energy, a true highlight for me was an early-morning, 3-mile Dialogue Miles™ walk through the city with J. Christopher Collins.

Chris and I first met in Worcester more than 45 years ago—we were students and soccer teammates at College of the Holy Cross. Starting that morning walk with him at 6:00 AM, as the sun was just rising over Worcester, felt like a full-circle moment. We began downtown, on the site of the former Galleria Mall, where I once worked at Gap while in graduate school. The memories of growing up in a city rich with history were emotional, given the depth of family/friendships that exist even now. The most unexpected discovery was my Dad’s childhood home sitting just across from the site of the first perfect baseball game ever recorded.

"On June 12, 1880, the first perfect game in professional baseball history was pitched on this site (the former Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds) by J. Lee Richmond of Worcester against Cleveland in a National League game."

Moments like these remind me why revisiting your roots is so powerful.

Beyond the nostalgia, walking with Chris meant shared stories, laughter, and insights that carried forward:

A Few Things That Stayed with Me

Your history is worth revisiting.
Perspective comes from understanding where you started.
Surround yourself with people who care.
Meaningful conversations happen with those invested in each other.
Heritage reveals itself in pieces.
Connections often show up where you least expect them.
Walking your hometown changes how you see it.
It brings back old memories while creating new ones.
Common values carry forward.
Long-standing friendships stand the test of time.
Good people matter.
They shape your life in ways that stay with you.

As we wrapped up, one thing was clear: there are so many gems within our community, and reconnecting is worth the time and effort.

The biggest takeaway? Seeing an old friend, sharing a laugh, exchanging a hug. That’s the start of a great day!