27 July - Fenway Park Tour, Detroit Tigers vs Boston Red Sox

27 July
Ernie picked us up about 0645 hrs and we headed for Alewife Train Station to catch the red line into Park Station and then the green line to Fenway Park.

The train ride was pretty uneventful but crowded as we were traveling during "rush hour".

We arrived at the Fenway station and after a bit of a walk arrived at the ball park.  Fenway is the oldest ballpark, opening in 1912, the same day the Titanic sank.  The next oldest field is Wrigley Field opening in 1914.  Fenway holds 37,673 fans, has a grass surface and is tied with the Detroit Tigers Comerica Park with 420 ft to the center field wall.

Game time is not until 1:35 pm but our tour started at 9:00.  Ernie and I both thought the tour was a bit weak for the price, but we were both really glad we took the tour.  Doreen was with us of course as was Rich, a friend of Ernie's son.

We toured each of the levels but never made it out onto the field, in the press box, in the dugouts or under the stadium.  We did get to sit/see the Green Monster seats, an icon of the stadium.

We also saw the garden, a unique feature of Fenway.  They took some unused area of a rooftop and created a garden that produces over 5000 lbs of produce each year.  

After the tour we circled Fenway and took a few pictures and then headed to a local restaurant to grab a bite to eat and a cold beverage.

Wally and Doreen!

Four baseball teammates, Ted Williams, Johnny Pesky, Bobby Doerr and Don DiMaggio, and a couple Air Force teammates and great friends, Ernie Souther and Ed Schellhase

After lunch we processed security and headed into the park.  Doreen got her Ballpark Passport stamped and we headed for our seats.  

 

Awww, our Fenway selfie!

Doreen's view.  Not that bad.  Was nice being in the "front" row with a little extra leg room.

Great view of the field!

  Ernie, the retired Air National Guard First Sergeant, had packed in a couple of surprises for the ol' Chief!  First the Red Sox organization brought welcome bags to our seats which contained a year book and some other nice items.  Very much appreciated!

Then Ernie had contacted the Red Sox about me throwing out a first pitch, but they apparently already had some arranged.  Alternately they put my name up on the video screen!  Wow, what a surprise and greatly appreciated!!

So we had a great time at the ball game, even though the Red Sox lost 4-3.  What made the game even more special was we attended with Ernie Souther, great friend and Air Force compadre.  What a historic place to see if you are a baseball fan, no matter your team preference.  Fenway is an icon, like Wrigley Field.  We can only hope for a 2016 Red Sox-Cubs World Series.  Thanks, Ernie.  Was a memorable day!