Red Sox Nation

Seeing baseball played at Fenway is an experience like no other for Red Sox fans and rivals alike because the park reminds us of what baseball used to be. Fenway may not offer fans the best seats or even adequate parking, but when game-goers walk through the park's gate, the smell of hotdogs and roasted peanuts, the sight of Fenway's brilliant green grass and the roar of the Fenway faithful overwhelms the most jaded of baseball enthusiasts, even Yankee fans. At Fenway celebrates the rich history of Fenway Park home to the Boston Red Sox. Told through the wit and perceptions of Dan Shaughnessy, sports columnist for the Boston Globe and one of New England's most admired sportswriters, At Fenway is the writer's hometown tribute to the park how growing up with Fenway and the Red Sox affected his life and the lives of the many die-hard fans living in "Red Sox Nation." Author of The Curse of the Bambino, Shaughnessy takes readers on a walking tour of the fabled park itself, exploring every nook and cranny that makes Fenway unique. He traces the early history of Fenway from the day owner John I. Taylor broke ground for its construction in 1911 to the building material that went into the making of Fenway's "Green Monster" wall. In addition, Shaughnessy introduces readers to some of the unrecognized figures who keep Fenway's cherished traditions alive, including Helen Robinson, who has operated the park's switchboard for more than half a century, and head groundskeeper Joe Mooney, who "protects and defends the green, green grass of Fenway Park." A book that uniquely captures the spirit of Fenway Park and what it means to be a Boston Red Sox fan, At Fenway also explores the "good, bad, and ugly" moments that have nurtured Fenway's love-hate relationship with fans. From the dark day of January 5, 1920, when Babe Ruth left the Red Sox to play for the Yankees, to the Red Sox's 1967 Cinderella-story pennant victory; from Carlton Fisk's 1975 World Series home run to the crowd-silencing homer Bucky Dent hit that clinched the Yankees' 1978 playoff birth, At Fenway recalls the park's greatest and worst moments and talks with the players who created them. Rumors that the Red Sox will close Fenway in a few years have already provoked outrage among the faithful. Closing Fenway will mark the end of an era, and Dan Shaughnessy captures this era in all its tragic glory. At Fenway will be read and cherished by Red Sox fans and all fans of baseball as it ought to be.

Revised edition of: Fenway. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, c1992.

Red Sox Nation is a term meant to encapsulate all those people who make up and are connected to the world of Red Sox baseball, from the owner to the fan in the grandstands. In dedicated pursuit of this concept, Interviews from Red Sox Nationprovides over 100 interviews with a wide range of people associated with Red Sox baseball past and present. This revised and updated paperback edition gives a complete picture of what makes up the Red Sox phenomenon, unlike anything else available. While some of the names are familiar, their stories and opinions are not. Insight is provided from players such as Curt Schilling, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, and Kevin Youkilis; front office personnel Ben Cherington and Dan Duquette; statisticians Bill James and Pete Palmer; PA announcer Carl Beane and official scorer Charles Scoggins; writers Bob Ryan and Bob Hohler; announcers Don Orsillo and Joe Castiglione; former players Rico Petrocelli, Johnny Pesky, Bernie Carbo, and Lou Merloni; prospects Clay Buchholz and Michael Bowden; and fans such as 40-year season ticket holder Anne Quinn. After reading Interviews from Red Sox Nation, fans will have a deeper understanding and greater appreciation for all things Red Sox.

Short biographies and statistical career summaries for every Boston Americans (Pilgrims) and Boston Red Sox player from 1901 through 2007

There is no more loyal fan base then those who follow the Boston Red Sox. And since the Red Sox Nation—and it is a nation, as the Sox draw bigger and bigger crowds across America—is made up of people who pride themselves on their knowledge of Boston names, stats, and history, they’ll love showing off their smarts with these fun crosswords. Why is seat number 21, in row 37 of section 42, painted red? What was Ted Williams’s career batting average? Filled with clues about the Red Sox, players past and present, legends and facts, and even Fenway Park itself, this is a great gift for anyone dedicated to New England’s hometown team.

Happy 100th Birthday, Fenway Park! "Stats" Pagano may have been born with a heart defect, but he lives for three things: his family's hot dog stand right outside fabled Fenway Park, his beloved Red Sox, and any baseball statistic imaginable. When the family can no longer make ends meet with the hot dog stand, life becomes worrisome for Stats. Then the Sox go on a long losing streak and the team's ace pitcher--and Stats's idol--becomes convinced the famed Curse of the Bambino has returned. Stats just has to help . . . but how? As the Sox faithful sour on their team, Stats forms a plan that ultimately unifies an entire city and proves that true loyalty has a magic all its own. In honor of Fenway Park's 100th birthday, baseball novelist John H. Ritter delivers an inspiring tale for the sports fan in each of us, regardless of team allegiance.