On July 31, the Red Sox traded shortstop Nomar Garciaparra to the Chicago Cubs, and it was a sad day in Red Sox nation.

It was an even sadder day in ice cream nation.

Though Garciaparra now wears the Cubs blue instead of Sox red, he fortunately still makes his presence known at J.P. Licks – the local chain of ice cream parlors – in a very sweet way.

“Cherry Garciaparra,” J.P. Licks’ play on Ben and Jerry’s “Cherry Garcia,” has been a favorite among customers since the beginning of the popular player’s major league baseball career in Boston. Although Nomar is gone, his flavor, comprised of delicious cherry ice cream, chocolate chips and chunks of cherries, will not be leaving any time soon.

The flavor was removed from the menu after he was traded and changed to Cherry Chip. However, the Cherry Garciappara label still remains on the menu since most customers will still stubbornly identify it with their beloved former shortstop.

According to shift supervisor, Alice Tam, people still buy the flavor regardless of the fact that Garciaparra was traded. It certainly goes to show the strength of Red Sox loyalty in this city of ardent baseball fans.

The store is currently taking suggestions from customers on what the new name should be.

Perhaps Cherry Vinatieri?