In the end, the Worcester Red Sox won out.
Team ownership opted for consistency and history over a trendy new nickname for the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate, which is moving from Pawtucket to Worcester beginning in 2021.
But what might have been? What if the club opted to get more creative?
More than 1,000 people sent in suggested team nicknames. Some pay homage to Worcester-based Polar Seltzer (Polar Bears, Polar Express, Polar Sox). Others pull inspiration from the city’s Canal District (Canal Diggers, Canal Sox, Canaligators). Fans pitched some classic New England imagery — Candlepins, Duck Boats, Beaneaters.