Red Sox owner John Henry, citing racist past, wants to change name of Yawkey Way

Red Sox owner John Henry, citing racist past, wants to change name of Yawkey Way

Henry told the Boston Herald in an email that he's “haunted” by the street’s name and would be in favor of changing it to Big Papi Way as a tribute to former Red Sox slugger David Ortiz. Any change would have to be approved by Boston city officials.

EndFragment

Red Sox owner John Henry, citing racist past, wants to change name of Yawkey Way

The Red Sox, under owner Tom Yawkey, were the final major league team to add a black player in 1959, although the club still has still been linked to racial issues of late. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones said he was the target of racial taunts during a game in May. Red Sox starter David Price told The Boston Globe he had been the target of racial slurs while warming up for games in the bullpen last season.

“We ought to be able to lead the effort and if others in the community favor a change, we would welcome it - particularly in light of the country’s current leadership stance with regard to intolerance,” Henry said.

Henry’s push to change the name of Yawkey Way comes in the aftermath of a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., last weekend that left one counter-protester dead and resulted in more scrutiny of Confederate symbols around the nation.

EndFragment

#RedSox #JohnHenry #YawkeyWay