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Party-Poopers Mike DiPatri 4/20/12
Today was the 100th anniversary of the first game at Fenway Park. On that day in 1912, the Red Sox played the then Highlanders (now the Yankees). The Red Sox won that day. This year, of course there was a huge production before the game. There were about 200 former players on hand. I’m sure it was intentional, but the Yankees were in town for this anniversary game. Both teams wore period uniforms. It was quite a production. Though a Yankees fan, I have to say I was impressed. But then, Boston knows how to put on a good show. Remember the 1999 All-Star game?
Yea, it was a really good production, but---as they say, every party needs a pooper, so they invited the Yankees. The birthday party was going great; then the game started. Things were ok in the first inning, but come the second the Yankees got fired up. Nick Swisher hit the first of what turned out to be five solo home runs. Eric Chavez hit two batting in the 8th spot. Really the only really good spot offensively was a David Ortiz home run in the second. Defensively, though, the Red Sox center fielder Jason Repko made an unbelievable catch on a gapper that Martin hit right after the second homer by Chavez. So five of the six runs the Yankees scored came off home runs.
While the Red Sox had a great party planned for Fenway’s 100th birthday, the Yankees came in and pooped on the party. Things worked out differently today than on this day in 1912. They beat the Yankees that day then went on to win the Series that year. Baseball can be really funny. In 1923 the Yankees beat the Red Sox on the first day in Yankee Stadium. They went on to win the Series that year. Also, in 1912, the opening of Fenway Park was a really good thing to happen, considering that earlier that same week, the Titanic sank. The world needed some good news. Boston provided it. Now the capitol of the Red Sox Nation turns 100 years old. Happy Birthday Fenway! Here’s to many more. And that’s from a Yankees fan. I really mean it! |
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Mike’s Take on Sports |
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Fenway Park—Capitol of Red Sox Nation. 100 years old today. Fenway and Wrigley are the only old parks left |
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Both teams wore 1912 period uniforms to mark 100th birthday of Fenway Park. Yankees wore old 1912 Highlanders uniforms. Both teams’ uniforms were really authentic. They even had no numbers on the jerseys |