When the Boston Red Sox play their Opening Day at Fenway Park each year, it’s a cause for celebration. So let’s celebrate!
Am I fixating on the Red Sox rosy past because, let’s face it, they’re not a very promising team at the start of this season? You bet I am! Which isn’t to say there aren’t reasons to get out to Fenway this year. The old ballyard added a new slate of concessions, as they do every season, and this year’s edition has some pretty tasty-looking selections. Dig into those here. It’s not just concessions, though. Fenway Park has had its fair share of updates as of late. See what’s new here.
I haven’t been to an Opening Day at Fenway Park for quite a few years, but I certainly have fond memories. Back in the day when I was hosting middays at the late, legendary Rock of Boston, WBCN, I’d get off the air at 3 p.m. The BCN studios were at 1265 Boylston St., so Fenway Park was literally in our backyard. I’d leave my car in the parking garage, stroll over to Lansdowne St., grab myself a sausagepeppersonions from one of the street vendors, and just soak in the Opening Day atmosphere.
Opening Day at Fenway Park, Through the Years
I’m putting a fine point on the last two decades of Opening Day memories, seeing as we’ve had quite a few World Series banner unveilings and ring ceremonies in recent years. Say what you will about the Red Sox and their current ownership and leadership: they always come correct with the pomp and circumstance when they’re opening the season at home. So take a trip down memory lane to brighter times and a better squad. It remains to be seen what this year’s team will do. Maybe they’ll live up to the history.
Red Sox play Blue Jays
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 9: Pokey Reese of the Boston Red Sox makes a sign after his double against the Toronto Blue Jays the home opener at Fenway Park April 9, 2004 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Douglas McFadd/Getty Images)
Celebs At Opening Day For The Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: Red Sox DH David Ortiz waves to the crowd April 11, 2005 while receiving his championship ring at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox also raised the championship banner in their home opener against the New York Yankees. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Celebs At Opening Day For The Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: Former Red Sox pinch runner Dave Roberts waves to the crowd April 11, 2005 while receiving his championship ring at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox also raised the championship banner in their home opener against the New York Yankees. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Celebs At Opening Day For The Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: Red Sox left fielder Manney Ramirez warms up April 11, 2005 prior to the home opener against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox were given their championship rings and also raised the championship banner in their home opener. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
Celebs At Opening Day For The Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: The Boston Red Sox stand in front of their championship banner April 11, 2005 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox kicked off their home opener against the New York Yankees. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 11: The Boston Red Sox listen to the national anthem before their home opener against the New York Yankees on April 11, 2005 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: (L-R) Boston sports champions Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Bill Russell, and Bobby Orr walk to the mound to make a ceremonial first pitch before the Boston Red Sox home opener against the New York Yankees on April 11, 2005 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: Fans walk along Yawkey Way outside of Fenway Park before the Boston Red Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays before the Red Sox home opener on April 11, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Travis Lindquist/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: A fan writes a message on "Pesky Poll" before the Boston Red Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jay in the Red Sox home opener on April 11, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston red Sox grounds into a fielder's choice in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during the Red Sox home opener on April 11, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: The Boston Red Sox line the first baseline during the National Anthem before taking on the Toronto Blue Jays in their home opener on April 11, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Travis Lindquist/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: Pitcher Josh Beckett #19 of the Boston Red Sox delivers the first pitch of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays during the Red Sox home opener on April 11, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Travis Lindquist/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: Johnny Pesky (2nd R) along with other members of the 1946 Red Sox, acknowledge the crowd before the Red Sox take on the Toronto Blue Jays in their Red Sox home opener on April 11, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 11: Mike Lowell #25 of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated after scoring against the Toronto Blue Jays during the Red Sox home opener on April 11, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 10: The Boston Red Sox and the Seattle Mariners stand on the foul lines during the playing of 'God Bless America' by Harry Connick Jr. during the home opener at Fenway Park on April 10, 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 10: Members of the 1967 Boston Red Sox throw out the ceremonial first pitches to members of this year's team before playing the Seattle Mariners during the home opener at Fenway Park on April 10, 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 10: Daisuke Matsuzaka #18 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout during the Fenway Park home opener against the Seattle Mariners April 10, 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Detroit Tigers v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 08: Former Boston Red Sox Bill Buckner is warmly received by the crowd as he steps on to the mound to throw the ceremonial first pitch of the team's season home opener against the Detroit Tigers on April 8, 2008 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steven Senne-Pool/Getty Images)
Detroit Tigers v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON - APRIL 8: Manny Ramirez #24 of the Boston Red Sox congratulates teammate Julio Lugo # 23 after scoring against the Detroit Tigers on April 8, 2008 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won their home opener, 5-0. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Fans hold up a sign before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays during the home opener on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: The Fenway Park 100 Years logo is painted on the field before the home opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: The Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays line up for the national anthem during the home opener on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Former Boston Red Sox players Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the home opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Former Boston Red Sox Johnny Pesky greets the fans before the home opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Darnell McDonald #54 of the Boston Red Sox reaches for the ball in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the home opener on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: A view of the Green Monster before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays during the home opener on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 11: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox enters the dugout after batting practice before the Red Sox home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 11, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 11: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox takes the field as he is introduced prior to the home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 11, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 11: (L-R) Former New England Patriots player Ty Law, David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox, former Boston Celtics player Bill Russell, and former Boston Bruins player Bobby Orr walk onto the field to throw a ceremonial first pitch prior to the home opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 11, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 11: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout during the sixth inning of the Red Sox home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 11, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 11: The Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles stand for the national anthem before the Red Sox home opener at Fenway Park on April 11, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Orioles defeat the Red Sox 9-7. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 11: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during the ninth inning of the Red Sox home opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 11, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 05: Members of the Boston Red Sox watch a flyover from the 134th Fighter Squadron from Burlington, Vermont before their home opening game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on April 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 05: Former Red Sox player David Ortiz with American Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman before the Red Sox home opening game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on April 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 05: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox takes the field before the Red Sox home opening game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on April 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MA - APRIL 05: From left, Gold medalist hockey players Amanda Pelkey, Kacey Bellamy, Brianna Decker, and Meghan Duggan, Silver Medalist in Luge Chris Mazdzer, paralympic cross country skier Jake Adicoff, and 6 time paralympic medalist Lieutenant Commander Dan Cnossen throw out the first pitch before the Red Sox home opening game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on April 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 09: A view of the manual scoreboard before the home opener between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox will unveil the 2018 Championship banner and present World Series rings to players and staff during a pre-game ceremony. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 09: Former MLB player Pedro Martinez walks on the field with the 2018 World Series Championship trophy before the home opener at Fenway Park on April 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 09: Former NFL player, Rob Gronkowski, holds the Vince Lombardi trophy while hugging former MLB player, David Ortiz before the home opener game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v Boston Red Sox
ShareBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 09: The Boston Red Sox unveil the 2018 World Series Championship banner before the home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on April 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)