Print      
Affiliate of Sox eyeing Worcester
By Jim O’Sullivan
Globe Staff

Worcester officials have launched a full-scale push to persuade the Pawtucket Red Sox to relocate there, enlisting assistance from Governor Charlie Baker’s administration.

Top officials from the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate visited Worcester Friday and said they have not explored any other options, despite other Massachusetts cities hoping to land the team.

“It doesn’t mean others haven’t expressed any interest, and in due time we’ll respond to those,’’ PawSox spokesman Bill Wanless said.

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce president Timothy P. Murray called the visit part of “a preliminary conversation.’’

“There’s tremendous economic development momentum underway in the city, and the fact that there’s this level of interest speaks to that,’’ Murray said.

After an invitation from Worcester officials, PawSox chairman Larry Lucchino led a contingent to Worcester. They met with City Manager Edward Augustus, Mayor Joe Petty, Murray, and others, Wanless said.

Any relocation deal would probably involve a blend of public and private funds.

“The administration is always willing to assist partners like the City of Worcester in exploring potential economic development initiatives,’’ Baker press secretary Billy Pitman said in an e-mail.

A state economic development official said later that Baker administration members had met with PawSox representatives “to discuss a number of different communities across Massachusetts for potential options should they chose to pursue a new location.’’

Jim O’Sullivan can be reached at jim.osullivan@globe.com.