An Open Letter to Fenway Park on Red Sox Opening Day

Dear Fenway Park,

I didn’t think we would see the day, but it is really here: Opening Day for the Boston Red Sox. I had my doubts after spring training, and I had my doubts as the summer progressed, but the moment is here. The season may look a little different, but the Boston boys get their moment to hit the field in 2020, starting with the Baltimore Orioles at one of my favorite places in the world.

It’s just a shame to hear you will be empty.

There is just something about you that hits differently. The buzz in the air as we walk down Lansdowne Street is contagious. It’s that anticipation of what’s to come on the ball field as we pregame in the adjacent pubs that pumps us up and fills us with excitement. The smell of hot dogs at the stands on the street corners is comforting and enticing. The street performers banging on the trash cans in between memorabilia stands puts a pep in our step as we head toward your hallowed ground.

For me, it’s so much more than just the game. It’s the culture of the park. It’s that feeling of “we’re all in this together.” We’re all here to spend time with loved ones, eat Fenway Franks, and watch the Sox get a "W." It’s about the roar of the crowd when that clutch hitter hits a home run over the Green Monster. It’s about the comradery we feel with the stranger next to us as we both high-five after a good play.

I’m devastated to not experience opening day at you, Fenway Park, but it’s encouraging to see the Red Sox take the field and embark on their 2020 season. I look at it as a step in the right direction for the future. For now, I’ll be rooting for the home team from my couch, reminiscing on my times in your stands.

Go Sox!

Love, Maddie