‘To be able to come back here was really special’: Chad Tracy inducted into WooSox Hall of Fame

Chad Tracy was promoted to interim manager of the Red Sox, led the team to a historic 15-game win streak, and now he’s a Hall of Famer for Triple-A Worcester. No kidding.

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With the sun fading into foul territory at Polar Park, Tracy; longtime WooSox president Dr. Charles Steinberg; Northborough native and former Tigers pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych; and local civic leader Gene Zabinski, whose postcard campaign helped woo the team to Worcester from Rhode Island, were introduced as the third WooSox Hall of Fame class Thursday evening. Fidrych and Zabinski were inducted posthumously.

Tracy was told about the honor during spring training. Upon landing in Boston, he said he was worried about being able to attend the ceremony. Luckily, Thursday was an offday.

“It means a lot,” Tracy said following the ceremony. “It’s four-plus years that I’ve spent here … my family became a big part of this community, so like for me to be able to come back here was really special.”

Donning a navy blue suit paired with a light blue, faintly striped shirt, Tracy received a true homecoming.

He shook many hands, took many pictures, and attracted plenty of media attention. He also brought company, including Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, Worcester native and Red Sox staple Rich Gedman, and assistant director of player development Brian Abraham.

And then there was the congratulatory reel displayed on the video board. Pitcher Payton Tolle, Abraham, and interim bench coach José David Flores were among the many Boston mates who delivered a message.

None drew tears from Tracy like those from his family, though, especially since his father, Jim, is a former major league manager.

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“From one manager to another, and from a father to a son, I can’t tell you how proud I am when asked to tell people you’re my son,” Jim said in the video.

Tracy used his speech to thank everyone, including Steinberg. Steinberg, sporting a similar suit with a green tie, did the same for his speech.

However, his seemed to last as long as the Sox’ win streak.

“Now I know you’re worried I’m going to take you on a journey of my entire life. No, I’m going to start at age 7,” Steinberg joked.

Steinberg has been president of the Triple-A franchise for 11 years. It’s a brief part of his career as he celebrates his 50th anniversary in professional baseball, notably leading community programs with the Orioles and Dodgers and serving as a senior adviser to the late Larry Lucchino with the Red Sox.

He also received a video. Legendary Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer, Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy, and members of music group The Cowsills were some of his notable well-wishers.

No tears were shed, as Steinberg had assured the crowd at the beginning of his speech. His past few months may not have been as eventful as Tracy’s, but the love he received from the crowd and those he’s crossed paths with was apparent.

“It’s pretty overwhelming, but it is the greatest of honors to go into WooSox Hall of Fame with those who are accompanying me,” Steinberg said.

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