BoSox confirm affiliates
Red Sox make Triple-A move to Worcester official
PawSox fans have been on the receiving of a few gut punches to the stomach since Aug. 2018 when the franchise officially severed its on-field ties to the city of Pawtucket and the state of Rhode Island.
Wednesday featured yet another cruel reminder that was once in place will cease to exist. In conjunction with Major League Baseball’s takeover of the minor-league system, the Red Sox handed out an invitation for Worcester to replace Pawtucket as their Triple-A affiliate beginning with the 2021 season.
The news itself doesn’t come as a shock, though seeing “Worcester Red Sox” in print around these parts is still going to take some getting used to.
The PawSox were planning to embark on a farewell tour that never got the chance to get off the ground after the pandemic wiped out the entire 2020 season. Despite the presence of no games, McCoy Stadium remained a beehive of activity during the summer and fall months. Members of the Red Sox taxi squad kept their skills sharp on the same McCoy playing surface that was transformed into a popular dining service that was open for business on weekends in the summer and early fall.
Those fortunate enough to participate in “Dining on the Diamond” were allowed to pay their final respects to a product that produced countless thrills and enjoyment during its near five-decade run as Boston’s top minor-league affiliate. Moving forward, the good times will be unfolding under Worcester’s watch.
Another example of Wednesday’s official changing of the guard was the title that accompanied a quote provided by Dr. Charles Steinberg. Per a Red Sox press release, Steinberg was referred to as “Worcester president” – not “Pawtucket president.”
“We are very pleased to be invited to enter into a long-term agreement with the Boston Red
Sox,” said Steinberg. “In this, the deep depths of December, we all long to see the next generation of Red Sox stars take the field and bring us joy.”
Additionally, the Red Sox are inviting Portland (Double-A), Greenville (Advanced A), and Salem (Low A). The new agreement between MLB and MiLB calls for four minor-league affiliates per MLB franchise.
“Our farm system is an essential component in our work to create a more consistent and efficient operation that helps us play October baseball each and every year. We thank our affiliates for the significant role they play in shaping our future stars, and look forward to continuing our relationship under MLB’s improved player development structure,” said Red Sox President & CEO Sam Kennedy.