30 City of Worcester: 300 Years
Worcester's sports history is full of inspirational and memorable
figures. One of Worcester's most iconic athletes, Marshall Walter
"Major" Taylor also known as the Worcester Whirlwind, was a world
cycling champion in 1899 and challenged racial prejudice on and off
the bicycle racetrack.
Worcester's favorite adopted son, Bob Cousy, also known as "Houdini
of the Hardwood," got his start playing basketball at Holy Cross and
was eventually drafted by the Boston Celtics where he would be a 13
time All-Star and help the Celtics will six NBA championships.
Worcester loves "hockey, hockey, hockey." From 1994 to 2005, Scratch
and the Worcester IceCats thrilled fans with American Hockey League
play at the Worcester Centrum Centre (later the DCU Center). From
2006 to 2015, Finz and the Worcester Sharks upheld the hockey
tradition and provided quality fun for Worcester families. When the
Sharks moved to San Jose to be closer to their parent club, Cliff Rucker
brought hockey back to Worcester by introducing us to Trax and the
Worcester Railers HC, which continue to thrill fans as we celebrate
the Tercentennial.
Today, Worcester residents regularly make use of the recreational
opportunities peppered throughout the city whether it be crew races on
Lake Quinsamond, skateboarding and roller-skating at skate parks, free
group fitness classes or ice skating on the oval at the City Common.
Worcester has something for everyone.
Agricultural society poster
source: Worcester Historical Museum
Worcester Brass Band
source: Worcester Historical
Museum
School children enjoy potato sack races during recess.
source: Worcester Historical Museum
Thomas Street Playground source: Worcester Historical Museum
Sports and Entertainment
