PawSox Fans to Get One More Look at Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium
It was a bitter pill for many Pawtucket, Rhode Island residents when the Boston Red Sox organization announced they were moving their Triple-A International League Pawtucket Red Sox to Worcester and from beloved McCoy Stadium, where they had played for decades , would be embarrassed.
The team was scheduled to play its final season at McCoy in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced that season’s cancellation.
Many fans felt they never had the chance to say goodbye to their team or the stadium.
PawSox fans get another look at Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium
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The PawSox became the Worcester Red Sox or Woo Sox in April 2021 with a new home, Polar Park.
Pawtucket Mayor Thomas McCoy laid the foundation stone for the stadium that would bear his name in 1940. Team records indicate that the stadium was first called Pawtucket Stadium but was renamed when Mayor McCoy died in 1945.
McCoy Stadium was home to the Boston Braves and Cleveland Indians before joining the Boston Red Sox in 1969.
PawSox fans get another look at Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium
Barry Richard/Townsquare Media
It wasn’t until Ben Mondor bought the club in 1977 that PawSox and McCoy Stadium took off. Beloved Mondor died in 2010. A statue of him stood in front of the stadium until it closed.
In November 2022, Pawtucket residents voted to demolish McCoy Stadium to build a new $300 million high school on the property.
PawSox fans get another look at Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium
Barry Richard/Townsquare Media
Before McCoy Stadium collapses, the administration of Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien wants to give residents and fans another chance to enjoy the stadium.
Administration spokesman Grace Voll told me there were plans for a graduation ceremony at McCoy’s.
“We plan to hold it around next July 4th and hope to make it a multi-day celebration,” Voll said.
PawSox fans get another look at Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium
Barry Richard/Townsquare Media
For many years, the PawSox and the city of Pawtucket have celebrated Independence Day with fireworks at the stadium.
“The goal is to tie it in with the fireworks, but I haven’t confirmed anything yet and that could change,” Voll said.
PawSox fans get another look at Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium
When we can expect McCoy Stadium to be demolished, Voll said nothing is definite yet.
“We still don’t have a schedule for the demolition. I would say it’s more likely to happen after the summer,” she said.
My wife and I were friends with Ben Mondor and other great people on the PawSox team. We spent many hours watching PawSox games. My youngest son and I were lucky enough to throw first place for a PawSox game.
We miss the PawSox and will miss McCoy Stadium.
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