In 2008, pitcher Brandon Workman arrived in Wareham to pitch for the Gatemen. In 2013, he is a World Series champion.

While Workman could not be reached for comment, those who knew and watched him in Wareham were happy to talk about him.

Winning the World Series “is everyone’s dream,” Gatemen manager Cooper Farris said. “It’s fun to see this kid fulfill his dream.”

“Watching him in the World Series was like Christmas,” Farris added.

Workman pitched the eighth inning of game six, setting up for closer Koji Uehara to usher in the Red Sox’ eighth World Series title. The outing capped a phenomenal season for Workman. He pitched in AA at the season’s start and was taking the mound for the Red Sox in July.

“He wanted to beat you,” Farris said.

However, the 2013 season was not the first time Workman pitched at Fenway.

Workman first pitched at Fenway while he was with the Wareham Gateman as a 2009 Cape Cod League all-star game. As the starting pitcher, he threw a no-hit inning including two strikeouts. He would end up getting the win.

“He does have a good mid-90s fastball,” Wareham Gatemen President Tom Gay said. “He’s also got a excellent curveball, breaking ball. But he’s also intelligent.”

“He knows hitters. He does his homework,” Gay added.

Farris was able to see firsthand just how much attention Workman gives to his profession.

“You knew you were going to get a good outing every time he took the mound,” Farris said.

“He and another kid from Texas, Cole Green, they competed like no other,” Farris said. “They would compete shagging balls, making diving catches, just being in the outfield.”

Workman and Green both attended the University of Texas. Green joined the Gatemen in 2009. The two formed a friendship in Alice Rivers’ household.

In 2009, Rivers and her husband, Raymond, hosted Workman at their summer home in Onset.

The Rivers’ grew so comfortable with Workman and Green that one summer night, Workman and Green gave Raymond a Mohawk on the porch.

“They were typical, real barbers,” Rivers said.

The Rivers have housed Gatemen players for the last 16 years, including Cleveland Indians’ first baseman Nick Swisher.

Workman “was a regular kid. He was looking for a little comfort,” Alice Rivers said. “He did not come in like a prima donna.”

“We treated him like a grandson,” Rivers added.

Gay, Rivers and Farris were all in agreement that Workman was an exceptional player and person.

“Brandon is a character and a nice kid,” Gay said. “He is an excellent example of the Cape Cod League, especially the Wareham Gatemen.”

Workman pitched for the Gatemen in 2008 and 2009. He was an all-star both years. In the June 2010, he was selected by the Red Sox in the second round of the draft.

From there, his career moved quickly- especially in 2013.

Workman began the season at AA in 2013 . He was called up to AAA in June. When he was called up to AAA, Rivers attempted to see him pitch, but he was called up in July.

“We really wanted to see him pitch, but the [Paw]sox games were in the middle of the Gatemen’s games,” Rivers said.

Gay hopes to catch up with Workman at some point this winter.

“He was our number one pitcher,” Gay said. “We wish him the best.”