Drake Maye is quickly becoming more than just the Patriots’ quarterback - he’s emerging as one of the new faces of Boston sports. And on Monday, he took a moment to play recruiter, making a heartfelt pitch for why MLB stars like Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso should consider calling Fenway Park home.
During an interview on WEEI Afternoons, Maye was asked to sell Boston to the pair of power-hitting free agents, both of whom have been linked to the Red Sox this offseason. His answer wasn’t scripted or flashy - just genuine, and rooted in what makes Boston such a unique sports town.
“I think just the way this city and the New England area kind of embraces sports, sports players and professional sports players is one of the coolest things I’ve been a part of,” Maye said.
That’s coming from a 23-year-old who’s still in his early days with the Patriots, but already feels the weight - and the warmth - of the region’s passionate fan base. Maye pointed to legends like David Ortiz, and current stars like Jayson Tatum and David Pastrnak, as examples of how Boston rallies around its athletes. It’s not just about winning - it’s about belonging to something bigger.
“Watching them embrace me and embrace my teammates and some of the other athletes, and how beloved some of the famous guys [are] - Big Papi and some of the greats, Tatum right now and Pasta with the Bruins - has been really cool for me,” Maye added. “And it’s one of, I think, the greatest sports cities in the country.”
There’s no doubt Boston’s sports pedigree speaks for itself. Championships across all four major leagues.
Hall of Famers. Iconic venues.
Generational moments. But Maye’s comments highlight something you don’t always see in the stat sheets - the culture, the connection, the way the city wraps its arms around its teams.
Schwarber, of course, has already had a taste of that. He spent the back half of the 2021 season with the Red Sox and made an immediate impact, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Alonso, on the other hand, has spent his career in New York - another historic sports market - but one that offers a different kind of energy.
Maye didn’t sugarcoat what it’s like to play in New England. The expectations are high, and the spotlight is always on. But for those who thrive in that environment, the rewards are unmatched.
“I know in New England, in this area, it’s 24/7 you’re caring about the teams,” Maye said. “And it’s us, the Bruins, the Pats, the Celtics and the Red Sox. It’s us four, and they care a great deal about us.”
That’s the heart of it. In Boston, every game matters.
Every player matters. And when you deliver, the city doesn’t just cheer - it remembers.
“I think it’s the City of Champions,” Maye said. “I mean, that’s what they say, and I think that’s what we try to prove and give them [something] to cheer about. And these fans take it well.”
So whether it’s Schwarber returning for another run or Alonso making the leap from Queens to Kenmore Square, the message from Maye is clear: Boston isn’t just a place to play - it’s a place to be part of something special.