Boston's iconic ballpark opened its doors to all comers one day before its blockbuster 100th anniversary celebration.
Fans stalk the scoreboard section of the Green Monster during "open house" at Fenway Park Thursday in Boston.By MIKE JOHNSON
BOSTON – A cavalcade of ardent fans and Red Sox supporters flocked in droves to historic Fenway Park’s 100th Anniversary open house Thursday.
Every nook and cranny of the park was available for exploration, aside from the lush playing surface itself.
Despite that minor limitation, fans were still allowed beyond the lower barriers, finding themselves roped off and confined to the dirt warning track that encircles the field.
From there, guests were able to gander inside the iconic Green Monster scoreboard as well as the lawn-mower entryway located in dead-center field.
Onlookers were also able to amble about and explore all seating areas, from the perches of the 37-foot Monster, to the pristine seats behind home plate often occupied by Dennis Drinkwater.
For those interested in playing media member for the day, the press box was also open to the public, though unfortunately not the precise seats of Don Orsillo and Jerry “Remdawg” Remy.
The walls of the press area were adorned with newspaper clippings and photos from the 2004 and 2007 World Series, bringing a sense of comfort to those dismayed by the current state of the Sox.
Donnie Doherty, a rookie member of the Fenway Tour staff, kindly greeted everyone to the press area, answering any and all questions thrown his way.
“This is the second-largest press box in major-league baseball,” Doherty said with pride. “Unfortunately, the largest is Yankee Stadium.”
Though Doherty is in his 60s, he has taken on the new gig simply because of his love for the park.
“This is my retirement job,” a smiling Doherty said. “I still work as a police officer in the area, but I love this park so much, I knew I had to be here.”
Various Sox uniforms from throughout the years line the sumptuous club levels, though the simplistic stylings have largely remained the same – much like the park they inhibit.
Another main attraction was the Pesky Pole area, where flocks of fans stood in awe at the historical structure in right field.
Arthur Carthas, another member of the park staff, stood guard, just in case anyone thought of vandalizing the towering yellow foul marker. Sadly, he was too late, as countless names had already been inscribed up and down the pole.
“This thing was repainted and cleaned up about a week ago,” Carthas said. “Take a look at it now.”
The afternoon was filled with a rich appreciation for the park that has managed to stand for exactly 100 years, a feat matched by just a handful of stadiums in history.
Even those from the dark side came to experience the cathedral shared by the endearingly labeled “Fenway faithful.”
Andrew Tressler, a Yankees fan, and Mike Fillyaw, a Red Sox fan, came together.
Though from polar opposite ends of fandom, the two seemed to see eye to eye on one thing.
“Fenway really is one of the most historic venues in all of sports,” Tressler said. “It creates such a unique atmosphere for both the players and fans.
“Although, as a Yankees fan, I feel obligated to say that this park is really a stinky old dump.”
Fillyaw put things a little more eloquently.
“Fenway is a place of nostalgia and nuance. I hope it never goes anywhere in my lifetime.”