Worcester celebrates winning over PawSox

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com 

@AmandaPittsTV

WORCESTER, Mass. (WLNE) — A night of joy and excitement in Worcester Monday night as the city celebrated winning over the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Walking the red carpet, city and state officials got the celebrity treatment for getting the deal done to bring the PawSox to Worcester.

Red Sox Hall of Famers and leaders from the PawSox and Red Sox joined in the celebration, wearing their new Worcester jerseys.

“This is the heart of the state, so I’m glad that they’re coming,” said Worcester native Carlos Davenport.

But not everyone is glad. Pawtucket is still reeling over the loss. PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino said he feels bad, but Worcester was the obvious choice.

“For every disappointed person there is in Pawtucket, there’s a happy and jubilant person in Central Mass,” said Lucchino.

Lucchino reiterated that Rhode Island’s leadership had a hand in why the team didn’t stay in Pawtucket after nearly 50 years at McCoy Stadium. Worcester was more than happy to step in with a sweet deal.

“Worcester wanted this in the worst way, and they’re very happy today,” said City Manager Edward Augustus.

Monday’s event came less than a week after Worcester’s City Council approved the $100 million deal that would include the new “Polar Park”, a redesign for Kelley Square, retail, parking, hotels, and housing.

The generous plan was something Rhode Island leaders couldn’t agree on here at home.

“It takes two to tango, in Rhode Island I guess three, the city, the state, and us, and we couldn’t ever put a dance team together,” said Lucchino.

The PawSox will stay in Pawtucket for two years. Lucchino said the team will “give it their all”, in hopes of wooing the fans to Worcester too.

(c) WLNE-TV 2018