Lucchino Plays Key Role in Red Sox Relocation to Worcester
Larry Lucchino, the former president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox, has been instrumental in the team’s success throughout the 2000s. Known for bringing a winning culture back to Boston’s baseball team, Lucchino played a crucial role in the decision to relocate the team to Worcester.
After serving as the chairman and co-owner of the Pawtucket Red Sox since 2015, Lucchino spearheaded the team’s move to Worcester and became the principal owner of the Triple-A club. However, after decades in the baseball industry, Lucchino has announced his intention to sell the Worcester Red Sox.
In an interview with Bob Lobel and Mike Lynch on their UnAnchored Boston podcast, Lucchino expressed his readiness to pass the keys of the Worcester team to someone else. “I’m now 78. I’ve been at this for over 40 years, so it’s time to sell this team and move on to a blissful retirement,” Lucchino stated.
Lucchino also revealed his preference for selling the team to a local buyer. The WooSox currently have a 35-year lease with Polar Park, ensuring that the team will remain in Worcester for the foreseeable future.
Confirming Lucchino’s decision, WooSox president Charles Steinberg informed WBZ’s Dan Roche that the team has received purchasing interest since their relocation to Worcester two years ago. “Ever since the summer of 2021, there have been potential suitors for the WooSox, and that interest continues,” Steinberg said.
In January 2022, The Boston Globe reported that Endeavor, a California-based company, made a $50 million offer to acquire the team. However, Lucchino and his team reportedly turned down the offer.
Back in March, Lucchino had previously stated to Telegram & Gazette that he anticipated remaining as the principal owner for the foreseeable future. “Probably a couple more years,” Lucchino said. “I’ve always been kind of a hard charger, and if I’m not a hard charger, what will I be? I don’t know.”
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