BOSTON — They call it “Futures at Fenway,” but the truth be told, it could have been called “Hadlock Field: Past and Present”.

Not only was the full Portland Sea Dogs squad on the hallowed green of Fenway Park, Saturday, a whole host of former Dogs, all having moved up the ladder (and down I-95) to Pawtucket, were in there in full force, too.

Both teams took part in annual event ”“ in its fourth year ”“ which gives fans from around New England a chance to see Sox minor leaguers playing in the biggest of big league settings.

And it gives those budding Sox hopefuls cause to remember why they’re playing baseball in the first place.

To get to the majors.

To get to Fenway.

“It’s really exciting,” said Pawtucket relief hurler T.J. Large, who began the season as a Sea Dog, “to be able to get a little of that Fenway dirt in your cleats. I’m glad they let us on to that field, and have a chance to play out here.”

Both Portland and Pawtucket were matched up against farm clubs of the Baltimore Orioles.

The Sea Dogs ”“ with Jason Place accounted for all their runs ”“ squeaked past the Bowie Baysox, 3-2, while Pawtucket ”“ which features 14 former Dogs ”“ was dumped by the Norfolk Tides, 7-3.

Both played in front of crowds of nearly 35,000 which streamed to Fenway from all corners of New England.

“It’s an exciting day, man,” said Portland infielder Iggy Suarez. “You can’t really beat playing at Fenway Park. You get out on the field, and look around. You know this is where you want to be.”

Place, Boston’s first round draft choice in 2007, was clearly inspired by the fabled surroundings.

He cracked a two-run homer in his first trip to the plate in the second inning, then later accounted for the game winning RBI when he took a pitch in the ribs with the bases-loaded.

“That was something that you dream about,” said Place, who had struggled since his promotion in July from Single-A Salem. “Getting an opportunity to play at Fenway, and come up in your first ‘AB’, you’ve got the jitters. You’re adrenalin’s pumping. Your heart’s pounding.”

Place’s heart rate went off the charts once he saw that his liner had cleared the fence in left center.

“Once I saw the umpire twirl his finger (signifying a home run),” Place said, “it was an unbelievable feeling. I can’t describe it.”

An even greater feeling for any ball player, is that day he gets called to the big leagues.

And one just has to look at the Boston roster and see the 13 former Sea Dogs listed on it to see that there is a fast lane on that road that runs from Hadlock to Fenway.

So while treading on the same outfield grass for a day that Yaz and Ted did, Bubba ”“ as in Bell ”“ is still intent on getting more than just a brief Fenway taste.

“This day’s all about coming and having a good time,” said Bell, another Sea Dog turned PawSox. “It’s nice to be out on the field. But you want to have the real thing. This is where you (always) want to be.”