matthewweaver.com | mlb ballparks

Ballpark:
Opened on April 20, 1914, Fenway Park is the oldest Major League ballpark still in use...and it may be the most historic as well. It is the home of many memorable moments, like Carlton Fisk's home run in the 1975 World Series, and provides fans with the quirkiest dimensions in baseball. The 37-foot "Green Monster" wall in left field presents an imposing obstacle for hitters and a huge challenge for fielders. The wall is also probably the most famous ballpark structure ever created. The center and right field dimensions are filled with weird angles and routine hits can turn into nightmares for fielders.

Though the park is historic, it is badly showing its age. The seats are so cramped that I didn't even try to leave my seat during the entire game. There is basically no leg room and vendors literally walk over people to get through the rows. The concourses are drab, dingy, tiny and lack the modern conveniences and attractions of today's ballparks. The sightlines are poor in many of the seating sections and there is no room to significantly expand or renovate due to the way the park is tucked into the neighborhood. Club seating and a press box facility were added above home plate in the mid-1990's and seating above the Green Monster was added in 2003. However, the park still has the smallest capacity in baseball at just under 34,000 people.

New parks have been proposed recently, but it looks like a renovation is the most viable option. Though a new park would bring more seats and conveniences, the baseball purists in Boston have successfully fought the new facility. I personally would like to see a new park.

Partly because of the cramped seats and partly because of the heavy-drinking fans, there are constant brawls in the right field bleachers. Fenway is notorious for this. The first few fights during my visit were funny, but it became really old after a while.

All in all, the history and uniqueness of Fenway Park overcome some of the undesirable qualities of the ancient ballpark. After considering all the intangibles, I gave it a "B-" rating. I know that's not popular with some, but I have to look at the baseball experience...it's just not as good as at other parks.

How to get there:
From Logan International Airport, take Route 1A South through the Sumner Tunnel to Interstate 93 South. Follow I-93 and exit onto Interstate 90 West. Take the Fenway Park exit and follow the signs. Good luck. The streets in Boston are confusing and quirky, as they were designed well before cars were invented.

City:
Boston is a city of parks, history and colleges. The history of America is everywhere, from Boston Harbor - the site of the Boston Tea Party - to the gravesite of patriot Sam Adams to the old churches and buildings. There are parks all over, especially along the Charles River. The population of Boston is younger than most cities due to the over 100 colleges within the city limits. You see people from all over the world running or strolling on a beautiful summer day. The food is wonderful and the famous Boston accent is fun to hear, though hard to understand. :)

Stuff to do while there:
There are endless historical sites and museums in Boston. If you get hungry, check out a local seafood joint and down a lobster or two (the larger the better, as far as I'm concerned). The Central Market is a popular shopping, eating and nightlife destination. Just try to walk or take the "T" trains, as driving in the city is quite frustrating and time consuming.

Story:
I caught a game in Fenway during a visit to see my cousin Jennifer. She was studying publishing at a college in Boston while her boyfriend (now husband) Tylor was studying at the prestigious Boston School of Music.

Fun facts:
With the closing of Tiger Stadium in 2000, Fenway Park became the oldest Major League Ballpark still in use. Tiger Stadium was exactly 2 years older than Fenway.

Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, was opened just three days after Fenway.

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3-photo mosaic of Fenway Park
April 25, 1999

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The infield from right field
April 25, 1999

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Matt from his right field seats
April 25, 1999

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The 37-foot tall Green Monster
April 25, 1999