My Trip to Fenway Park
At 11:30 on Friday morning September 20, I received a text that lights up any day. “Red Sox-Twins tonight at Fenway Park! 7:10 pm first pitch. Student9s U available now.”
Tickets to that night’s game at “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” were only $9! Tufts students can sign up for the Student 9s program with their school email to receive alerts when Student 9s are available. “9s” are discounted tickets to select Red Sox games available to students at all of the schools in the Boston area.
But, I had to act fast to secure my spot! Within minutes, I had purchased a ticket in straight-away center field to see the Red Sox play the Twins.
The Red Sox are my favorite baseball team, and I watch most games on television. Still, the novelty of attending a game in person at Fenway Park has yet to wear off. The slanted ceilings, omnipresent green paint, and wooden seats transport visitors back decades. Even when the Red Sox are outside of the playoffs, as they were again this year, a festive atmosphere permeates throughout the park, from the sausage vendors to the fans in the upper decks.
Though the weather was chilly and the sky appeared to be beckoning for rain, I left my room in Harleston Hall at 5:00 pm to begin my journey to the ballpark. First, though, I stopped at Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center to eat some dinner. You can’t go to a baseball game on an empty stomach!
Once I finished eating, I made my way over to the Medford/Tufts Green Line Station. The station is located just outside the Joyce Cummings Center, an easy walk from any part of the Tufts campus.
After waiting for a few moments, I hopped on the Green Line towards Heath Street. Decked out in my Red Sox cap and Rafael Devers jersey, I watched Boston’s landmarks pass by as the “T” chugged along. We passed by the Museum of Science and TD Garden before going underground. The train started to fill with Red Sox fanatics, who were still passionate despite the unsuccessful season and the few remaining games. Eventually, I jumped off at Government Center station to transfer to the “C” line, which goes to the Kenmore station. Pro tip, get off the train at Kenmore instead of at Fenway, as it is easier to walk to the Park!
Exiting the Green Line, I made my way across the David Ortiz Bridge and onto Landsdowne Street, the familiar sounds of Fenway Park molding my face into a smile. Programs here, caps there, popcorn all over, I felt immersed in America’s pastime.
I hustled to Gate B, the Student 9s entrance, and met up with my friends Brian and Thomas. We made our way to our seats in Section 36, where we gazed a mere 400 feet across green grass toward home plate.
For the next 12 innings, we watched the Red Sox and Minnesota Twins battle it out. A true pitcher’s duel, the contest was knotted at 1-1 for most of the evening. In the middle of the seventh inning, we belted out “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and in the eighth “Sweet Caroline.” Fenway’s time-honored traditions were alive and well! As the game progressed into extra innings, the crowd became more tense, fearful of a heartbreaking loss. Eventually, the Twins scored three runs in the top of the twelfth inning, gaining a 3 run advantage that they would not relinquish.
As the rain picked up, I soaked in my surroundings as I left Fenway for the last time in the 2023 season. Despite the poor season, I will return next spring, endowed with hope anew. We walked past the statue of Ted Williams and headed back to the Green Line. Though the result was not as I had hoped, being able to attend a game at such a historic venue with ease is truly one of the best parts of attending Tufts. Until next year, Green Monster!
Photo Credit: Max Druckman