Fentennial: Fenway Park Looking Good at 100

Joe Mock from BaseballParks.com has put together a great photo essay of Fenway Park at 100 years.  Read essay and view photos here.

Spaceman Talks About Baseball in Montreal (and Lots of Other Stuff)

Former Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee yaks it up about a number of issues while in Regina (SK) working with the summer collegiate Regina Red Sox (Western Major Baseball League), including the team, preserving the current CFL football stadium (using Fenway Park as an example), the return of baseball to Montreal, and (egads, no!), politics.   Read more here.

Ballpark Namings Right$ in the Grapefruit League

As the Minnesota Twins continue negotiations with Lee County (FL) for substantial upgrades to Hammond Stadium and control of the spring-training facility’s naming rights, Sabina Bhasin from NaplesNews.com takes a look at ballpark naming-rights deals in the Grapefruit League.  Read more here.

Wally Disappears But Found Alive and Well

One of the Boston Red Sox employees who is authorized to play Wally the Green Monster mascot took Wally on an unauthorized excursion around the Back Bay Friday.  The costume was reported stolen, before the employee was reached on his cell phone while doing a little window shopping and flirting with the ladies.  Read more and view photo here.

Freaky ‘Zim Bears’ in High Demand

Remember when then-72-year-old New York Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer was taken to the ground by Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez during Game 3 of the 2003 ALCS?  Well, Zim, a senior baseball advisor for the Tampa Bay Rays, is now more popular than ever — or at least his “cute” or “creepy” bear doll is.  The Rays recently gave away 10,000 “Zim Bears,” which have become very hot commodities.  Watch Len Berman video report here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the link.

Remembering Carl Beane

As most of you probably heard yesterday, Carl Beane, the PA annnouncer for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park for nearly decade, died in a car accident Wednesday after suffering a heart attack while driving.  ESPNBoston.com’s Gordon Edes shares his memories of Beane here.

Be a Part of Fenway Park’s History!

The Boston Red Sox have created a nifty way for fans to be a part of Fenway Park’s history by allowing them to upload photos into a Fenway Park 100th Anniversary Mosaic.   Check out the mosaic online tool here.

Reviving Wrigley Field: Modeling Fenway Park

Can D’AIQ Architects do for Wrigley Field what they did for Fenway Park to bring the facility into the modern era without destroying its character, history and all things that make this park great?  Blair Kamin from the Chicago Tribue’s Cityscapes journal explores this fundamental question.  Read more here.

Happy 100th, Fenway Park!

Today marked the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park’s opening on April 20, 1912, and over 200 former Boston Red Sox players and coaches showed up for the celebration this afternoon.  Read more and view photos here.  View special Fenway section in the Boston Globe.

Celebrating 100th Anniversary with 100Mbps

NetworkWorld’s Brad Reed recently interviewed Steve Conley, director of IT for the Boston Red Sox for the past 11 years, to talk about building a high-tech network at Fenway Park.  Read more here.  Meanwhile, the Red Sox prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fenway’s opening on April 20, 1912, when they play the New York Yankees.  Read more here.

Hall of Famer Jim Rice Promotes ‘At Fenway’ Song

This is not new news for some of you, but Boston Red Sox legend and Hall of Famer Jim Rice shot a TV commercial with Brian Evans to promote his new CD single “At Fenway” for the 100th annivesary of Fenway Park.  Click here to watch the commercial.  Click below to learn more and order:

Composer, Boston Pops Celebrate Fenway’s 100th

PRESS RELEASE – In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Fenway Park, legendary composer and conductor John Williams has composed “Fanfare for Fenway,” the maestro’s special tribute to America’s Most Beloved Ballpark during its centennial.

PBS to Air Fenway Park Documentary

PBS plans to air a documentary on Tuesday, March 27, at 9 p.m. about Fenway Park called Inside Fenway Park: An Icon at 100, to celebrate the stadium’s 100th anniversary.  Narrating the one-hour program will be actor and Red Sox fan Matt Damon.  Check your local listings.  Read more here.

Fenway Park Now Truly Historical

The Massachusetts secretary of state’s office announced today that century-old Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places.  Read more here.  Thanks to John Cerone for the story.

A Pricey Visit to the New JetBlue

If you are going to visit JetBlue Park, the new Spring Training home of the Boston Red Sox, bring plenty of cash (or plastic) for tickets, food, drinks, merchandise, and parking.  That said, we wouldn’t expect much less on the cost front from any other stadium in the Grapefruit League.  Read more here.

A Tour of the New JetBlue Park

The Boston Red Sox have posted a full video tour of JetBlue Park at Fenway South, the team’s new Spring Training home that is now open for business.  View tour here.

Views of the New JetBlue

The finishing touches are being put on JetBlue Park at Fenway South, the new Spring Training home for the Boston Red Sox.  Peter Abraham from the Boston Globe has posted a few photos online that are worth a click. We’re digging the seating area above the replica left-field wall.  Read more and view photos here.

The Boss Coming to Fenway?

Rumor has it that Bruce Springsteen might be appearing for a concert at Fenway Park on August 11 and/or August 12.  There has also been a long-time rumor floating around that the Boss could be playing at Wrigley Field in September.  Read more here.

Red Sox, Twins Heat Up Business in Southwest Florida

Spring training is almost here, as the Minnesota Twins report to camp Saturday, February 18, and the Boston Red Sox report to camp on Sunday, February 19, in Fort Myers (FL).  The Twins return to Hammond Stadium, while the Red Sox take up residence at the new JetBlue Park, which has already energized commerce in the area.  Some are saying

Lee County Courting Washington Nationals

The Boston Red Sox have moved their spring training operations to the new JetBlue Park in Fort Myers (FL), leaving City of Palms Park without a MLB team.  Lee County is now in discussions with the Washington Nationals to try and fill the void.  Read more here.

You Stay Classy, Fenway Park!

A little too Ron Burgundy, maybe?  As described Mark McGuire from the TimeUnion.com, Fenway Park remains a “class act” after 100 years of existence.  Read more here.  How about trying a little Fenway trivia quiz to close out a Friday?  Click here for 10 questions.  Thanks to John Cerone for the links.

City of Palms Park Needs New Roof

The Boston Red Sox have departed City of Palms Park for the new JetBlue Park at Fenway South as the team’s Spring Training home, which is one reason some folks in Lee County are not too keen on the idea of spending $300,000 for a new roof needed to maintain the 20-year-old trade in.  Read more and view news clip here.

Red Sox Announce Plans for Celebrating Fenway’s 100th

The Boston Red Sox have unveiled a year-long festival of special events and programs to commemorate the upcoming 100th anniversary of Fenway Park.  Read more here.

Fenway South Nearing Completion

Construction on JetBlue Park at Fenway South, the new spring training home for the Boston Red Sox in Lee County (Fort Myers, FL), is nearing completion.  The facility is scheduled to host its first Red Sox game on March 3.  Read more and view photos here.

Red Sox Revenue From Public Streets

According to a study by individuals from the Initiative for Investigative Reporting at Northeastern University, the Boston Red Sox are reaping a very healthy return on their investment for leasing Yawkey Way and Lansdowne Street, which surround Fenway Park.  Read more here.  View methodology here.

New Book Covers Fenway’s Inaugural Championship Season

As the holiday season fast approaches, it’s time to start thinking about gifts for the true baseball fan in your life.  Author Glenn Stout makes Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox (duh!), the main character in his new book, Fenway 1912: The Birth of a Ballpark, a Championship Season, and Fenway’s Remarkable First Year.  Read more here.  Buy here on Amazon.  Thanks to John Cerone for the book news.

Halloween Fright at Fenway Park

The late season collapse, the loss of field manager Terry Francona, and the departure of GM Theo Epstein are not the only nightmares for Boston Red Sox fans this fall.  Spooky World has set up shop at historic Fenway Park for the Halloween season.  Read more and watch video here.

Muskrats Offer Managerial Contract to Terry Francona

PRESS RELEASE – The Laconia Muskrats have formally offered Terry Francona their managerial position for the 2012 season (see contract below). Francona was released from his contract with the Boston Red Sox today after eight seasons and 2 World Series titles.

Special Games at Fenway Cater to Allergy Sufferers

The Boston Red Sox and nearly half of the teams in MLB are now holding special games with peanut allergy-friendly seating areas to accommodate those kids with serious peanut allergies.  Read more here.

New Spring Home for Red Sox Taking Shape

JetBlue Park, the new spring home under construction in Lee County (FL) for the Boston Red Sox, is coming together nicely, according to Lee County government construction manager Bob Taylor.  “Fenway South,” which will have approximately 11,000 seats, a replica “Big Green Monster,” and five nearby practice fields, is expected to be completed in time for the 2012 Grapefruit League

Mavs Prez Live on Friday Night Fenway

PRESS RELEASE – Red Sox legend Bob Stanley will be on the Yawkey Way stage as a guest of Tom Caron Friday April 29^th at 5:30 pm before the Red Sox host the Seattle Mariners.  Caron, who hosts the Red Sox pre-game show Friday Night Fenway, will be speaking with Stanley about his current role as President of the Seacoast Mavericks (Rochester, NH) of the newly formed

Preparations Underway for Celebrating Fenway Park’s 100th Anniversary

Boston Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino announced plans for celebrating the 100th anniversity of Fenway Park at a news conference on Wednesday.  To kick-off preparations for the 2012 milestone, the Sox unveiled a new Fenway Park anniversary logo, launched a new website at www.fenwaypark100.com, and announced a Buy a Brick program and seat sale.  Read more here.

Turbo Beer Stations Coming to Fenway

Just when you thought you could not get your brews fast enough at a baseball game, foodservice operator Aramark signs a deal to bring in two Bottoms Up beer stations to Fenway Park.  The record-breaking bottom-to-top dispensing system (56 barley pops in one minute!) should keep beer lines short and Red Sox fans boisterous.  Thank goodness for the “T“!  Read more here.  Watch dispensing video here.

Lee County, Red Sox Celebrate Commencement of Construction at New Spring Training Site

PRESS RELEASE – The Lee County Board of County Commissioners, along with the Boston Red Sox, today gathered at the site of the new Red Sox Spring Training Ballpark and Player Development Complex to commemorate the start of construction activities. The highlight of the commencement celebration was the ceremonial laying of home plate by members of the Board of County

Fenway to Stay Put for Next 30-50 Years

After $285 million in renovations to Fenway Park since 2002, Boston Red Sox team president Larry Lucchino stated over the weekend during his State of the Red Sox address that the old park should live on for the next 30-50 years.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that the team will continue to play at Fenway until 2061, but it’s apparently the life expectancy of the nearly 100-year-old

Fenway Nearing 99th Opening with New Upgrades

Historic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox (duh!), is eight weeks away from its 99th Opening Day with $40 million in off season improvements, including a new 100-feet by 38-feet high-tech video display scoreboard.  Read more here.  Watch video here.

Chiefs vs. Paw Sox at Fenway Park

PRESS RELEASE – The Syracuse Chiefs, Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, announced today that the team’s game with the Pawtucket Red Sox on Saturday, August 20, 2011 will be played at Fenway Park, the home of Major League

Sea Dogs, Red Sox Extend PDC

PRESS RELEASE – The Boston Red Sox and Portland (ME) Sea Dogs today announced the extension of their Player Development Contract (PDC) for an additional two years. The extension keeps the Red Sox Eastern League Double-A affiliate in Portland through the 2014 season.

Big Celebration Being Organized for Fenway’s 100th Birthday

The Boston Red Sox are in the process of organizing a big bash celebration for the 100th birthday of Fenway Park in 2012.  To determine the type of celebration, team executives took a five-state listening tour to get feedback from fans.  New logos, fan activities, and hosted gala events have been topics of discussion.  Read more here.