From the North Fork to the World Series: Richie Palacios Reaches Baseball’s Biggest Stage

Former North Fork Osprey Richie Palacios is headed to the World Series with the Tampa Bay Rays, continuing a professional baseball journey that began in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League during the summer of 2016.

Palacios, who played for the Ospreys while attending Towson University, made an immediate impact in the HCBL, establishing himself as one of the most productive hitters in franchise history. Now, a decade after his summer on the North Fork, he is preparing to compete for a championship on Major League Baseball’s biggest stage.

During the 2016 season, Palacios put together a remarkable campaign for North Fork, collecting a franchise single-season record 60 hits in 173 at-bats while batting .347. He also hit eight home runs, drove in 24 runs, and stole 26 bases in 29 attempts, showcasing the combination of power, speed, and contact hitting that would become a hallmark of his game.

His performance earned him selection as an HCBL All-Star. Palacios was also chosen by the fans to participate in the 2016 HCBL Home Run Derby. At season’s end, Palacios was recognized for his outstanding summer by being named the 2016 HCBL MVP.

Palacios’ record-setting season remains an important part of the Ospreys’ history, and his success in the league provided an early glimpse of the player he would become.

Following his summer with the Ospreys, Palacios continued his development the following year with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Back at Towson for his final collegiate season, he hit .301 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs, further strengthening his professional prospects.

In the 2018 MLB Draft, the then-Cleveland Indians selected Palacios in Round 3, beginning his journey through professional baseball. He would make his Major League debut with the Cleveland Guardians during the 2022 season before his contract was purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals in mid-2023.

Following the 2023 season, Palacios was traded to Tampa Bay, where he has continued his major league career with the Rays.

Palacios also represented the Netherlands in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, playing alongside his brother, Josh Palacios, on the international stage.

Palacios contributed to the Rays’ 2026 campaign, appearing in 124 games and finishing the regular season with 10 home runs and 57 RBI.

His biggest moment came in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against Cleveland. Palacios delivered a two-run double in the bottom of the second inning to give Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead, helping propel the Rays to a 7-3 victory and clinch the American League pennant.

Palacios and the Rays will now play in the 2026 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, with Game 1 scheduled for Friday, October 23rd, in Milwaukee.