In a move that surprises absolutely no one, the relocating Pawtucket Red Sox (Class AAA; International League) will become the Worcester Red Sox–or WooSox for short–in 2021 upon arrival at Polar Park.
That the Red Sox name could be dropped is pretty inconceivable in this situation–Worcester is a pretty natural extension of Red Sox Nation. And transitioning from PawSox to WooSox will be a pretty easy move for all involved: a Worcester team is free to keep the traditional Red Sox graphic elements while adding some new twists. Witness the traditional work marks:
compared to other main team marks:
Of course, in this day and age you need to have graphics to explain the logos. Here’s the explainer from the WooSox and design firm Brandiose:
Anatomy of the Logo #GoWooSox pic.twitter.com/VhfyWgq7p0
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) November 26, 2019
There is a pretty cool story behind the smiley face, which will be remembered by boomers as a blast from the past and everyone else as a central graphic in The Watchmen comic and movies, worn in a sardonic fashion by The Comedian. It was created by Worcester native Harvey Ball in 1963 as a way to boost morale at State Mutual Life Assurance Company. It worked to the extent it took off nationwide, and it brought plenty of recognition to Worcester over the years.
The PawSox will return to Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium for 2020, before making the move to Worcester. When Polar Park does open, it will be the International League’s first new facility since the Charlotte Knights opened BB&T Ballpark in 2014.
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