In 2020, the Pawtucket Red Sox and their fans were to celebrate the team’s 50th and final season.
But, because of the pandemic, that never occurred.
Now, as the team begins a new era in Worcester, 12 News wanted to give you look back at the history, the magic, and the myriad of memories made at McCoy Stadium.
In this 12 on 12 Digital Original, join us on a trip down memory lane, meet the artist who created the murals featured throughout the stadium, and find out what the ballpark’s future might hold. Plus – share with us your own memories of McCoy using the form below.
In this 12 on 12: Memories of McCoy | Photos: McCoy Stadium Through the Years | Big Leaguers in Pawtucket | Share Your Memories of McCoy
Memories of McCoy
Photos: McCoy Stadium Through the Years
Construction on Pawtucket Stadium was completed in 1942 and a few years later, it was named in honor of the late Mayor Thomas McCoy. A variety of teams played there on-and-off until 1970, when the Boston Red Sox relocated their affiliate from Pittsfield.
Fans bundled up during the longest game in professional baseball history at McCoy Stadium. 
PawSox first baseman Dave Koza, who would go on to get the game-winning hit two months later, in the 33rd inning. 
PawSox first baseman Dave Koza gets a pat on the head from teammate Mike Smithson after driving in the winning run in the bottom of the 33rd inning, capping off the longest game in professional baseball history. (AP Photo/Paul R. Benoit, File) 
Providence College’s Tom Allard reacts after being tagged out at home by UConn catcher Paul Tinkham during ECAC Tournament action at McCoy Stadium on May 18, 1984. (AP Photo/Ted Gartland) 
Players from the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Syracuse Chiefs listen to the National Anthem at McCoy on opening day 1996. (AP Photo/Ed Nessen) 
Grammy nominee Billy Gilman, 12, of Hope Valley, R.I., sings the national anthem during the PawSox home opener on April 9, 2001. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra chats with PawSox owner Ben Mondor prior to the start of a game on June 8, 2004. (AP Photo/Joe Giblin) 
George Chaffee of Warwick writes down the starting lineups for the home opener on April 8, 2004. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
Daniel Karlin, 5, from Providence, hopes to catch a ball hit into the outfield picnic area during batting practice in April 2004. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
Outfielder Jeremy Owens, pitcher Anastacio Martinez, infielder Kevin Youkilis and catcher Kelly Shoppach pose for a photo during media day. (AP Photo/Victoria Arocho) 
Fans cheer as slugger David Ortiz hits a solo home run against the Toledo Mud Hens on July 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
Fans fish for autographs from David Ortiz as he begins a rehabilitation assignment in Pawtucket. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
The Fourth of July fireworks at McCoy were an annual tradition for many families. 
Cal Ripken Jr. accepts a pewter plate for his part in baseball’s longest game from PawSox owner Ben Mondor and GM Lou Schwechheimer during a ceremony at McCoy Stadium. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
From left, former PawSox second baseman Marty Barrett, broadcaster Don Orsillo, third baseman Wade Boggs and pitcher Bruce Hurst discuss the longest game in pro baseball history during a luncheon celebrating the 25th anniversary of the game. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
Former Pawtucket Red Sox third baseman and hall of famer Wade Boggs chats about the 33-inning game played at McCoy Stadium in 1981. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
In this 2008 file photo, Pawtucket Red Sox manager Ron Johnson welcomes outfielder Bobby Kielty to the field ahead of the team’s home opener. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) 
A statue of PawSox mascot “Paws” stands outside McCoy Stadium in 2010. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) 
The PawSox honor longtime Vice President and General Manager Lou Schwechheimer before the final game of their 2015 as he prepared to step down after 37 years with the organization. 
NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson throws a pitch during the 2015 Jeffrey Osbourne Charity Classic celebrity softball game 
WPRI 12’s Michaela Johnson and Yianni Kourakis take part in the 2015 Jeffrey Osbourne Charity Classic celebrity softball game 
12 Sports Director Yianni Kourakis plays in the 2015 Jeffrey Osbourne Charity Classic celebrity softball game 
Red Sox great Dwight Evans meets with fans in 2018 to help raise money for the PawSox Scholarship Fund. 
The final “truck day” at McCoy in February 2020. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) 
A bronze statue of longtime owner Ben Mondor outside the stadium. 
In this May 27, 2020, file photo, menu boards and tables occupy the third base infield dirt in preparation for “Dining on the Diamond.” (AP Photo/Jimmy Golen, File)
Photos: Big Leaguers in Pawtucket
Many big-name stars spent time playing at McCoy Stadium, whether they were coming up through the Red Sox farm system or on a rehab assignment.
Jason Varitek rehabs with Pawtucket in September 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
David Ortiz awaits his turn to bat in July 2008. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) 
Red Sox center fielder Fred Lynn takes a mighty swing at the ball and grimaces when he misses during Aug. 9, 1977, game against the International League All-Stars at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket. (AP Photo) 
Curt Schilling makes a rehab start in June 2005. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) 
Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia begins a rehab assignment in June 2019. (WPRI-TV) 
Jon Lester on the hill in April 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) 
Wade Boggs 
Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra gets a hit as he rehabs with the PawSox in June 2004. (AP Photo/Daniel Miller) 
Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk in 1970. (AP Photo/PS) 
Rafael Devers warms up before his debut in 2017. 
Outfielder Trot Nixon tracks down a fly ball in 2006. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) 
Roger Clemens in 1984 (AP Photo) 
Kevin Youkilis makes the play at first during a rehab stint in May 2009. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
John Smoltz gets ready for a rehab start in June 2009. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
Bartolo Colon fires in a pitch in April 2008. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File) 
Outfielder Jim Rice poses during spring training in 1975. (AP Photo) 
Big Papi at the plate in July 2008. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) 
Pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka rehabs in Pawtucket in May 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) 
Manager Joe Morgan and slugger Mo Vaughn were inducted into the PawSox Hall of Fame in 2017. 
Josh Beckett makes his second rehab start in July 2010. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli) 
Nomar makes a play in June 2004. (AP Photo/Daniel Miller) 
Clay Buchholz delivers a pitch against the Charlotte Knights in June 2009, at McCoy Stadium. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
Jason Varitek behind the plate in 2006. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
John Smoltz on the hill at McCoy Stadium in June 2009. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) 
Big Papi being Big Papi. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) 
David Ortiz smacks a home run for Pawtucket in July 2008. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
For decades, McCoy Stadium was a great place for families and friends to take in a game. But it wasn’t all baseball. From concerts and graduations to the annual Fourth of July fireworks, memories were made on that field in a variety of ways. Share yours using the form below, and check out our gallery so far.
Submitted by Cheryl Amantea: “Season ticket holder for 25 years. Lou Merloni and I at Pawsox Autograph Day. We are both graduates of Providence College.” 
Submitted by Mike Poppers: “Season ticket holder – first row section 10 – for 25 years. Liked seeing the young guys work on their skills and get called up to Boston. Saw many Major Leaguers rehabbing at McCoy” 
Submitted by Christopher Pawlyk: “A few years back I took my son Brody and my dad to McCoy for a Father’s Day game. We got to play catch on the field and meet Dwier Brown who played John Kinsella in Field of Dreams. Best Father’s Day ever. Just having a catch with my son and my dad. Unfortunately my dad passed of COVID last May but this picture hangs high in my living room. Thank you PawSox and McCoy Stadium! Also a huge thanks to Dwier Brown. Amazing father son moment.” 
Submitted by Betsy Grivers: “The incredibly beautiful sunsets!!” 
Submitted by Betsy Grivers: “The incredibly beautiful sunsets!!” 
Submitted by Ken Brightman: “My Dad and I went to hundreds upon hundreds of games there. From when I was a kid to an adult, we would always get there extra early and play catch in the football field next to the stadium until the gates opened. And we’d never miss a chance to play catch out in McCoy’s outfield any time they offered those promotions.” 
Submitted by Bob McCabe 
Submitted by Steve Atkinson: “My favorite memory was the Triple-A-All star game in 2004. Also, my grandfather Wilfred Atkinson worked there from 1990-2000 as the clubhouse security guard. I would always get to meet some players after the games. He’d always get tickets on Section 7 behind home plate. Those were some fun times and many memories.” 
Submitted by Joe McGuire: “Star Wars night was great. Getting pics with the characters, enjoying the game, food and finishing off with some nice fireworks.” 
Submitted by Anita Franco: “My husband, Joe Franco, owner of Gary’s Best Hot Dogs🌭 in New Bedford, was lucky enough to be able to throw out the first ball at a game on May 6, 2014. Our family was able to enjoy the memories placed on the walls of the stadium, a memory we will never forget!!My Facebook page has a photo album dedicated to that awesome day!Thanks to Ed Pereira all who made this day possible for my husband.” 
Submitted by Anita Franco: “My husband, Joe Franco, owner of Gary’s Best Hot Dogs🌭 in New Bedford, was lucky enough to be able to throw out the first ball at a game on May 6, 2014. Our family was able to enjoy the memories placed on the walls of the stadium, a memory we will never forget!!My Facebook page has a photo album dedicated to that awesome day!Thanks to Ed Pereira all who made this day possible for my husband.” 
Submitted by Anita Franco: “My husband, Joe Franco, owner of Gary’s Best Hot Dogs🌭 in New Bedford, was lucky enough to be able to throw out the first ball at a game on May 6, 2014. Our family was able to enjoy the memories placed on the walls of the stadium, a memory we will never forget!!My Facebook page has a photo album dedicated to that awesome day!Thanks to Ed Pereira all who made this day possible for my husband.” 
Submitted by Nicole Kopka 
Submitted by Dennis Torres 
Rusney Castillo (Submitted by Dennis Torres) 
Submitted by Lynda (Lee) Kane 
Submitted by Armand & Kimberly Ong
Credits
Reporters – Patrick Little, Karen Adams (archive)
Executive Producer – Shaun Towne
Photographers/Editors – J.P. Smollins, Nick Blair
Graphic Designer – Lisa Mandarini
Special Thanks – Jen Quinn, Lee Dooley, James Bartone, Susan Tracy-Durant, Karen Rezendes
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