NAME-CHANGER
PawSox unveil new Spanish-language uniforms, moniker
CENTRAL FALLS – In an effort to make further inroads with the Spanish-speaking population that resides in the areas near McCoy Stadium, the Pawtucket Red Sox in partnership with Minor League Baseball, announced yesterday that they will be referenced by a different name for every Tuesday home game this season. Only on those days, the PawSox will be known as “Osos Polares de Pawtucket” – Spanish for “Polar Bears of Pawtucket.”
“The approach taken today will not only connect them to the game but to the aspect of having fun and enjoying the game, but also being part of it,” said Central Falls Mayor James Diossa after a press conference held at Ella Risk Elementary School. “It’s right down the street. I’m excited about the whole initiative.”
The PawSox were approved as one of 33 clubs among the 160 in Minor League Baseball that will engage in a season-long outreach program called “Copa de la Diversion,” which in English means “Fun Cup.” The program falls under MiLB’s umbrella that’s named, “Es Divertido Ser Un Fan” – “It’s Fun to be A Fan.”
With the calendar quickly filling up with home games accompanied by a specific theme (Thirsty Thursdays, giveaways every Friday, fireworks on Saturdays, family fun day on Sundays, etc.), the PawSox deemed Tuesdays as the best fit to unleash a Spanish alter ego. The Pawtucket players and coaches will wear white jerseys with metallic sleeves – an ode to what soccer players don – and gray caps with a blue brim. (The PawSox team store is now selling Osos Polares merchandise.)
During the Tuesday games, Spanish music will be played, the lineups will be announced in Spanish, and Mondor Way will come alive before the game with the presence of food trucks focused on Latin cuisine. During the game, the video board will feature Spanish-language interviews with players, and Hispanic-focused non-profits will be recognized for their work in the community. PawSox staff members who speak Spanish will be identified by a special pin and will be available in case of questions.
“The PawSox really are a community partner by making this program accessible in another language,” Diossa told a school that has about a 78 percent Hispanic student population. “As you know, Central Falls is 70 percent Latino, but you don’t have to be Latino to enjoy all the great food and music. This is a great cultural event that’s going to be offered to all of Rhode Island.”
In his address to the Ella Risk students, PawSox broadcaster Will Flemming noted that last year, Pawtucket’s roster featured ballplayers from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. A loud cheer would sound after Flemming announced each country.
“The game of baseball isn’t just about rules and structure,” said Flemming.
“It’s about fun.”
PawSox Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing Rob Crain may have been the hero of the occasion after informing the Ella Risk students that they would receive free tickets to the inaugural Osos Polares contest at McCoy on Tuesday, April 10, against Buffalo. As an added bonus, the students will be allowed to bring a guest free of charge.
“We can’t wait to welcome you to McCoy!” said Crain.
“The fact that these kids are afforded the opportunity to go a game – the first game – with a family member, it immediately incorporates the ball club into their lives to the point where it becomes a personal relationship,” said Diossa afterwards.
Besides Diossa and several members of the PawSox front office, the guest list at Ella Risk included Carlos Tobon, State Representative from Pawtucket; Dylan Zelazo, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien’s Chief of Staff; Oscar Mejias, Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber President; and Frankin Solano, Central Falls Councilman.
As the program drew to a close, the Ella Risk students were asked to stand up and recite “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” The youngsters raised their fingers when it came time to sing, “for it’s one, two, three strikes you’re out at the old ball game.” Besides free tickets, the kids received Osos Polares stickers and a pocket schedule printed in Spanish.
“We want to engage the interest of young students in the game of baseball,” said Diossa. “What better way than to have this organization show they can identify with their culture?”