As Worcester became an industrial powerhouse in the late 19th and early 20th century and its population began to grow, residents began to seek out new forms of activities and leisure.
Initially, Worcester’s parks, ponds and lakes provided the perfect escape. The “Dummy Railroad” would transport residents to the banks of Quinsigamond Lake where they could enjoy a steamboat cruise or competitive rowing. In the early 20th century, White City on Lake Quinsigamond provided plenty of amusement with attractions and rides. Residents could also enjoy an afternoon boat ride at Institute Park or Elm Park or picnic in Green Hill Park.
Residents also began to join social clubs like the Worcester Club and various sports clubs. In 1907, the Worcester Tennis Club was founded on Sever Street and expanded over the next 10 years with a new clubhouse and grandstand, which would attract nationally ranked players. With golf’s rise in popularity in the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th century, two new country clubs were founded in Worcester – Tatnuck Country Club, a charming nine-hole golf course on Worcester’s west side, and Worcester Country Club, which was the site of the inaugural Ryder Cup in 1927. These historic clubs and Worcester’s municipal- owned Green Hill Golf Course continue to provide serene respites from the city life.
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.
Despite the many sports and leisure options available to Worcester residents over the last 300 years, one thing is certain – Worcester is a baseball city. In the 1800’s, Worcester citizens had the pleasure of enjoying a Worcester Ruby Legs baseball game at the Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds, where J. Lee Richmond pitched the first perfect game in major league history. The College of the Holy Cross is home to Fitton Field, which was the site of Ted Williams’ first home run in a Red Sox uniform in 1939 and the home of Worcester’s collegiate league teams Worcester Tornadoes (2005-2012) and the Worcester Bravehearts (2014 to present). In 2002, Worcester’s Jesse Burkett Little League All-Stars captured our hearts and minds when they represented Worcester in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Worcester’s love for baseball reached a new level when the Pawtucket Red Sox decided to ship up Route 146 to the Canal District and become the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox). The WooSox’s new home at Polar Park has further accelerated the vitality of the Canal District and become a destination for baseball lovers in Worcester and all-over New England.
