WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) The Latest on a plan to move the Pawtucket Red Sox from Rhode Island to Massachusetts (all times local):
2:30 p.m.
The Pawtucket Red Sox say they have signed a letter of intent to build a new ballpark in Worcester, Massachusetts.
The Triple-A affiliate of the of the Boston Red Sox made the announcement Friday, signaling an end to its effort to find a new stadium during the past three years. The team is leaving its aging park in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, for a city 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest.
PawSox Chairman Larry Lucchino says the team is ”eager to build an innovative, family-friendly ballpark” in central Massachusetts.
The move is subject to approval from the Worcester City Council and Minor League Baseball.
Rhode Island’s Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo told WPRI-TV that she will ask for another chance.
The PawSox say they will continue to play at 77-year-old McCoy Stadium for the next two years.
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noon
After spending more than a year trying to lure the Pawtucket Red Sox to their city, officials in Worcester are planning a ”major announcement.”
The announcement is scheduled for Friday.
The statement didn’t specifically mention the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate, but the PawSox emailed Worcester’s statement to reporters Friday.
PawSox officials said in July 2017 they would field offers from other cities interested in helping them build a new stadium after they failed to reach an agreement to remain in Pawtucket.
Days later, about 10,000 postcards signed by fans urging the PawSox to move to Worcester were delivered to team offices.
In June, Rhode Island’s governor signed legislation designed to keep the team in Pawtucket.
Worcester officials continued courting the team. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito plans to attend Friday’s announcement.
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