Red Sox: When Fenway Park Was Nearly Torn Down

Seventeen years ago today, former Boston Red Sox CEO John Harrington shockingly announced that Fenway Park would be torn down.

Harrington’s plan called for the obliteration of “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” in favor of an replica called New Fenway Park.

The history of the structure at Yawkey Way is complicated and undeniable. Fenway Park was opened in April of 1912, the very same week that the Titanic sunk in the northern Atlantic. In 1914, a nineteen-year-old pitcher named Babe Ruth debuted at Fenway; Boston’s new crown jewel would unveil four World Series banners through 1918.

Over time, the Boston Red Sox tenancy at Fenway Park has been a microcosm of American society. For 86 years, Bostonians cheerily packed the stands at Fenway during a cursed era; if the passion of fans were the sole measure of success, no one would have known.

Entering the 21st century, the fate of Fenway Park was dire. Boston Red Sox leadership wanted to take a similar route to that of the New York Yankees and “New Yankee Stadium.” At the time, the Red Sox were prepared to offer over $400 million for a new stadium to be built on the current property.

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In the blueprints for “New Fenway Park,” all but the Green Monster and third baseline were to be destroyed. Then, the Monster, third baseline seats, and one section of outfield seats would be converted into various museums and homages to “old Fenway.” Yuck.

When the Red Sox were sold to the current ownership group, now ironically known as ‘Fenway Sports Group,’ the fate of Fenway Park was a major point of contention at the time of purchase. Fenway Sports Group, led by John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino, would eventually invest $285 million to renovate our national treasure.

Many other groups attempting to acquire the Red Sox in the early 2000’s did not have similar plans for Fenway. Proposals included a new ballpark built in South Boston, which would accompany a new Patriots stadium (which also was never built); as well as a failed plan for a complete obliteration of the stadium with a replica built over it.

Fenway Park’s first step to modernization took place in 2003 when the team added it’s now famed seats atop the Green Monster. After winning the championship in 2004, the Budweiser roof in Right Field was built; John Henry and the Red Sox management would soon assure fans that Fenway would remain the Red Sox home after an extensive renovation process.

Fenway Park’s current size and newly reinforced structure is estimated by engineers to be useable by the team until about 2061.

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Although the Red Sox will have a decision to make in about 40 years, 2062 marks the 150th anniversary of Fenway Park. At one time, the Fenway Park had been declared all but deceased before it’s 100th year of use.

Thank goodness for the non-existence of “New Fenway Park.” Gross.

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