Snap…crackle…pop….home run.

How else can you describe the smashing success the Silver Knights and the city of Nashua enjoyed by having the first July 4 game played at Holman Stadium since 2001?

“Fourth of July at Holman Stadium, I hope it happens every year,” Nashua coach Brendan Martin, who was the acting manager in Monday’s 4-2 Silver Knights win over Worcester, while Knights skipper Kyle Jackson served his one-game suspension. “There was an electric atmosphere before the game, and it was really fun to be around the park today.”

Knights general manager Cam Cook, owner John Creedon, Jr. and the city officials who made it work should take a bow. Holman has been protected by the city for July 4 for decades; officials and residents savor the holiday celebration there that has kids games, mini-concerts, presentations, of course, a fireworks extravaganza.

Baseball? Baseball may be part of the American July 4 holiday tradition, but not so much in Nashua. Decades ago the Coffey Post Legion team would play the old Senior Babe Ruth Nashua Chiefs in a holiday exhibition, but that game may not have even been played at the Stadium. The Nashua Pride, in 2001,were allowed to have an afternoon game at Holman.

But that’s been it. Other minor league cities – even as close by as Manchester – have their fireworks show around the game to the tune of maybe as much as 7,000 fans, if not more. Even in the FCBL, Pittsfield usually draws well over 4,000 at old, broken down Wahconah Park. The Knights usually would go and play there, and see the show after.

Nashua Mayor James Donchess chats with Silver Knights’ Kyle Wolff after throwing out one of the ceremonial first pitches in Monday’s holiday game at Holman Stadium. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

Not Nashua, because it would go against tradition, and in many respects that was understandable. But, in a meeting with city officials during the winter, Cook floated the idea of perhaps a game early in the day, like 11 a.m.

And the city grabbed it. And Nashua fans loved it, as an announced crowd of 3,192 went through the gates, many of them milling all over the park, plenty in the kids area. Youths 12 and under were admitted free, and you got a sense it was going to work when the 500 tickets on line that would be free for fans of any age – the city picked up the cost – were scooped up in oh, about a day.

“I’m used to going to Pittsfield or somewhere like that far away,” Nashua closer George Welch said. “But it felt good being home. Glad it was a seven inning game, too, so we could still go out and do something with our families and friends.

“But it was awesome having the crowd here. Everyone was loud and electric and had our backs.”

And the kids? Kids under 12 were admitted free, and the post game Run The Bases took as long as an inning, it seemed.

“This was the longest high five line I’ve ever seen here for sure,” Welch said. “It feels amazing. I can’t thank everyone as much for coming out here. We play better when we have people behind us,and now that we’re winning we’re starting to see more fans, it feels amazing.”

Part of the announced crowd of over 3,000 enjoy the Kids Area during the Silver Knights July 4 game. (Telegraph photo by TOM KING)

Mother Nature did its part. So did Creedon, whose other team, the Bravehearts, were originally scheduled to host Nashua on the Fourth in a matinee when the slate came out in November, but the owner reversed it when Cook came up with his plan, which included the Knights running some of the kids events/games (dunk tank was popular, we heard) that the city would have.

The rest of the compromise? An early start, and reduce things to seven innings so the next phase of the celebration in the afternoon could go off without a hitch.

“We’d love to repeat it,” Creedon said. “It was nice of the city, and their support, to help make it happen.If we can make it into a new tradition of sorts for the Nashua community … I think it was well received. People are looking for something to do the morning of the Fourth of July.

“This was terrific. People were into it. There were a lot of new faces here today. … I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. Let’s keep building on it.”

Nashua DH Kyle Wolff said he had never played a game on July 4.

“I have not and this was a really fun experience,” he said. “It was crazy. It was a really fun atmosphere. The fans supported us really well, we got the crowd going a little bit, and it was a ton of fun.

“Thanks to the people of Nashua for coming out. We really appreciate it.”

How can you not want do this again, Nashua?

Tom King can be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com, or on twitter @Telegraph _TomK.