By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien confirms to the WPRO Morning News the Pawtucket Red Sox would be leaving the city after a sale to Boston Red Sox ownership and local partners. The Mayor said he was briefed by the team Sunday evening.
“From Pawtucket’s perspective it’s very disappointing,” said Grebien.
The Boston Globe reported Sunday night the sale of Pawtucket’s Triple A ball club had been completed.
“Poor Ben Mondor is probably rolling over in his grave today,” said Grebien.
The Red Sox ownership along with local partners will be purchasing the team from Madelaine Mondor, widow of longtime owner Ben Mondor who owned the team since 1977 until his death in 2010.
“We want to keep this family oriented business here in Pawtucket, they basically told they are looking at other options, but that they’d at least listen to us and have those conversations,” continued Grebien.
The ten-member ownership group will be chaired by President of the Boston Red Sox Larry Lucchino and attorney James Skeffington will serve as president, according to a statement from the group.
There is no word on where in Providence the Triple A ball club would set up shop, however Valicenti says the water front and areas along Allens Avenue are strong contenders.
Several of the state’s elected officials have released statements in the wake of the news. Mayor Jorge Elorza said he is excited to have a team potentially move to his city.
“The prospect of moving the team to Providence represents a significant and exciting development opportunity for our capital city. I look forward to working with the new ownership team and all stakeholders to explore this possibility.”
Likewise, Governor Gina Raimondo she looks forward to working with the new ownership saying, “my main goal is keeping them in the state.”
House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello also weighed in saying he is disappointed the team would be leaving Pawtucket, but said the opportunity is an exciting one.
“This riverfront stadium will serve as a catalyst for an area that holds great potential for development and it will boost the morale of our citizens.”
The sale will officially be announced on Monday.
