Fenway Park History
The Red Sox won their first game ever in Fenway Park , against non other than the New York Highlanders (now known as the Yankees) by a score of 7-6. This would have made the front page in the paper, but coincidentally the Titanic sunk on the same day. The 1912 Red Sox went on to go 105-47, a mark which still stands today. They also beat the New York Giants that year in the World Series. So Fenway started off on an up note.
The Red Sox continued this success in Fenway Park , winning four world series titles from 1912 to 1918. Left field, now known for the Green Monster , was known for "Duffy's Cliff". Duffy's Cliff was a steep 10-foot inclined plabe that ran in front of the wall where fans sat. Duffy Lewis was so good at playing that ledge there that they named it "Duffy's Cliff."
On May 8, 1926 , Fenway Park caught fire, destroying bleacher seats down the left field line. Yet nothing was done until Tom Yawkey bought the Red Sox in 1933. Yawkey, a rich man devoted to getting the Red Sox a championship, re-did the stadium in 1934. He put concrete bleachers in center to replace the old wood ones, "Duffy's Cliff" was leveled off (not completely), and the 37' wooden left field wall was replaced by a more durable, 37' sheet metal structure. This would later be known as the "Green Monster."
In 1940, bullpens were constructed in right field bringing the fence 23' closer to home plate. This was done for second year player Ted Williams, a natural left-handed pull hitter. Sky-view seats were put in during 1946, followed by lights in 1947, and Diamond Vision over the center field bleachers in 1976. Private suites were added to the roof in 1983, and a glassed-in seating section called the 600 Club was built behind home plate in 1988. Scientists and studies have showed that the installation on the 600 Club has affected the wind currents in Fenway, creating swirling winds around the field instead of a direct wind towards the outfield often times.
Since 1988, Fenway hasn't been dramatically changed. Other than a couple more pennant banners on the walls, Fenway looks about the same. Fenway's odd shape, old-school style, and other peculiarities of the park that will always stay the same is what makes Fenway so great.
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