PawSox owners’ relocation plans on back-burner, focusing on McCoy

February 1, 2016 5:30 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

A joint letter released Monday signed by PawSox Chairman, Larry Lucchino and Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien, restored many fans’ faith in the future of the Pawtucket Red Sox.

The letter addressed the team’s partnership with the city after a year of uncertainty. No one is happier about the news than Pawtucket resident, David Norton, who founded the group, "Keep PawSox in Pawtucket."

"This is a fantastic statement for us, because it recommits the PawSox to the city of Pawtucket and staying at McCoy," says Norton.

Over the past year, there have been talks of the PawSox moving from McCoy Stadium to another location, following the selling of the franchise. However, the letter released Monday states, "as the second year of new ownership begins, the club has heard the people of Rhode Island loud and clear and has refocused itself."

"Having Mayor Grebien and Larry Lucchino put out a joint statement on this really anchors it, anchors them to staying in Pawtucket for the long term," adds Norton.

The letter says the main focus this year is on fans and the McCoy Stadium experience. It does recognize that there remains serious challenges to the PawSox, including the competitive advantages of newer facilities in the International league, and the decline in attendance McCoy has had over the past few years. But, the letter also says they are determined to reverse the trend.

Lucchino and Grebien ask fans join in making this a fresh start in the next era of Rhode Island PawSox baseball. Opening day at McCoy Stadium is April 7th against Buffalo.