Local fans react to Yawkey Way name change

April 26, 2018 10:53 pm

By John Krinjak

Email: jkrinjak@abc6.com

Twitter: @johnkrinjakABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WNLE) — Boston’s Public Improvement Commission voted Thursday morning to re-name Yawkey Way–the street outside Fenway Park–to original name, Jersey Street.

The team had requested the change, due to the history of racism associated with former Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey.

"Yawkey Way is such a tradition, as a Red Sox fan growing up in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Yawkey Way always just stuck with me. I’m surprised they changed the name, but I guess changes have to happen," said Ben Garvin of Providence.

The push started last summer when Sox owner John Henry said he wanted to promote inclusiveness by changing the name.

"A lot of mixed emotions. If we’re looking for a new beginning then yeah, I would be for that," said Laura Harmon of Woonsocket.

Many fans in Providence say changing the name goes too far.

"A little sad. I just feel like it’s taking away the history of the whole area," said Steven Scott of Cumberland.

"I’m still going to refer to it as Yawkey Way. I’m a die-hard Red Sox fan, been going to games since I was six years old, will be hopefully going when I’m 96," said Justin Mercier of Warwick.

"I think the reason why they’re changing it is probably politically correct in today’s world," said Alan Penney of Cranston.

Others say it’s about time.

"It sounds like the responsible thing to do. I’m all for change myself//I think that’s more important than tradition," said Debra Garvin of Providence.

"I think a tradition is not a good one if there is some racism behind it. We might as well change it," said Cameron Brown of Providence.

Still others tell me they just wish it was anything besides "Jersey."

"Jersey Street is a little closer to New York Yankees, so who wants to be close to the New York Yankees when you’re a Boston fan," said Sox fan Larry Lazowski.

"Jersey Street? New York and New Jersey? Why would I want to be affiliated with that?" said Ben Garvin.

The Yawkey Foundation, which has donated more than $00 million to charities, released a statement saying:

"This a sad day for all of us. Tom Yawkey deserved to have his name live on at Fenway Park. We can’t change today’s decision, but we remain hopeful that he will be remembered as the good and decent man he truly was."

But the Red Sox said in a statement: