Worcester Business Journal

4 Worcester Business Journal | December 11, 2023 | wbjournal.com C E N T R A L M A S S I N B R I E F V E R B AT I M LGBTQ+ friendly "For innovation to thrive at Waters, we must continue to nurture an inclusive workplace where our LGBTQIA+ colleagues feel valued and encouraged to bring their whole selves to work." Udit Batra, president and CEO of Milford medical device manufacturer Waters Corp., on being one of three Central Massachusetts companies – along with Hanover Insurance of Worcester and Boston Scientific of Marlborough – to receive a perfect score on Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index, which gauges practices related to LQBTQ+ employees Small business advisor "I have the greatest job ever. I get to coach entrepreneurs and students daily and help them develop their version of the American Dream." Thomas Herald, on being named the new regional director of the Small Business Development Center at Clark University CCC leadership saga "The Treasurer takes these allegations very seriously, which is why she wants to provide Chair O'Brien with the opportunity to address them without further delay, and with a fair process that provides an opportunity for her to do that. In October, Chair O'Brien was so adamant about having this meeting that she went to court to demand it. Now, despite knowing about the allegations since September, she is asking to delay the meeting again." Andrew Napolitano, communications director for State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, on a judge delaying a hearing where Goldberg could fire Shannon O'Brien, the suspended chair of the Cannabis Control Commission. Pictured is Goldberg. BY ERIC CASEY WBJ Staff Writer T he Worcester Red Sox on Dec. 5 officially announced the team will be sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings, a corporation based in New York City with close to 30 minor league baseball teams across the country, confirming previous reports made by the Boston Globe. Ralph Crowley, Jr., president and CEO of Worcester manufacturer Polar Beverages, will be retained as part of the ownership group, along with Jim Skeffington Jr., president and CEO of Red Beam Partners, and Larry Lucchino, chairperson and current principal owner of the WooSox, according to a press release issued by the team on Dec. 5. e release did not give specific details regarding each individual's ownership stake following the completion of the transaction. Financial terms were not disclosed. When Lucchino and the rest of the ownership group bought the then Pawtucket Red Sox in 2015, the reported purchase price was $25 million. "Spearheaded by Red Sox Hall of Famer Larry Lucchino, who has and will continue to have a massive impact on the baseball world and particularly in this city, the WooSox ownership group is proud of what we've set in motion and thrilled to now give DBH the reins," Crowley said in the release. e WooSox will remain a Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and will continue to play their home games at Polar Park following completion of the deal, according to the release. e team's executive suite will remain in place as well, including President Charles Steinberg and General Manager Dan Rea. Diamond is buying out the majority of shares from the ownership group, which includes six people other than Crowley, Lucchino, and Skeffington: • Sam Kennedy, president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox and CEO of Fenway Sports Group in Boston • William Egan, founder and general partner at Boston-based Alta Communications • Habib Gorg, managing director of Providence private equity firm Nautic Partners • Terry Murray, the former CEO of Fleet Bank in Boston • omas Ryan, former chairman and CEO of Rhode Island healthcare firm CVS • Frank Resnek, a partner of Fenway Sports Group • Paul Salem, principal of Providence Equity Partners • Mike Tamburro, former vice chairman of the Pawtucket Red Sox "At 78, and aer 44 years in baseball, I believe it's time to have a succession plan, one that assures a commitment to baseball and a commitment to Worcester," Lucchino said in the release. "Jim Skeffington's late father and I set out to keep the Boston Red Sox' Triple-A club in New England, and in good hands, and I trust that Pat and Peter will be excellent stewards." Diamond Park Holdings owns about 30 Minor League Baseball teams, including the Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox based in Maine, which it purchased in December 2022. e WooSox will be the third Red Sox minor league team owned by Diamond, along with the Salem Red Sox in Virginia. e transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2023, subject to approval from the league. WooSox officially announce sale to Diamond, local owners to remain part of ownership The Worcester Red Sox started playing in Worcester's Polar Park in 2021. W PHOTO | MATT WRIGHT

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