Red Sox propose name change for Yawkey Way

In an effort to distance themselves from the legacy of former owner Tom Yawkey, the Boston Red Sox have filed a petition to have Yawkey Way returned to its original Jersey Street name.

The petition was submitted to the Boston Public Improvement Commission, with the change representing a symbol of inclusion, the team announced Wednesday. The Red Sox were the last major league team to integrate under Yawkey's ownership, not doing so until 1959.

The area of Jersey Street near Fenway Park was renamed in honor of Yawkey in 1977.

"Restoring the Jersey Street name is intended to reinforce that Fenway Park is inclusive and welcoming to all," the Red Sox said in a statement.

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh has said he supports the name change, and the Red Sox say they have the cooperation of all Yawkey Way abutters. However, the Yawkey Foundation said it intends to protest the change.

"We urge the commission to consider all the facts concerning Tom Yawkey's ownership of the Red Sox and the sweep of his life," the foundation said. "We are confident that if it does so, it will reject [team owner John] Henry's petition."

--Field Level Media