The Gray Eagle Was Fenway’s First Hero
As survivors from the RMS Titanic reached New York, Boston’s Fenway Park would finally host its first professional baseball game after several days of rain cancellations.
Over 27,000 attended the first game, which was a good number considering the melancholy mood surrounding the Titanic disaster, that included 17 residents of Massachusetts who had perished aboard the Titanic.
In 1912, there wasn’t a Green Monster (made in 1934) towering over left field, but instead a Duffy’s Cliff, a mound that allowed fans to be right on top of the action. Patrolling the outfield for Boston was the “Million Dollar Outfield” or “Golden Outfield” that included Duffy Lewis, Tris Speaker, and Harry Hooper. They are considered one of the greatest outfields in the history of Major Leaque Baseball, playing together from 1910 through 1915.
The 1912 Boston Red Sox’s were not know for their braun, but for their speed, and were called “Speed Boys.” They had 185 stolen bases compared to 29 home runs in the 1912 season. Future Hall of Famer Tris Speaker had 52 stolen bases and 84 triples himself for the season. A figure that is mind-boggling. Note, this was in the dead ball era of baseball.
The mayor of Boston, John Fitzgerald (grandfather of Joe, John, Robert, Edward Kennedy…) threw out the first pitch. Fitzgerald, whose nickname was Honey Fitz, was a passionate baseball fan, who had followed baseball from almost its infancy. He was a member of the Royal Rooters, a fan club he joined around 1890 for the Boston Americans who changed their name to Red Sox in 1908. Fitzgerald felt great pride as he saw Boston’s first class baseball park fill up. Another achievement that signified Boston’s status as a leading city. He would later take his grandsons, Joe, Robert, John, and Ted to Fenway and share many happy moments there.
The steel and concrete Fenway park cost $650,000 and was predominantly designed by James McLaughlin.
The first professional game on April 20, 1912 was an exciting one. Boston came back several times to tie the New York Highlanders, who would later become the New York Yankees. In the 11th inning, Tris Speaker had a walk-off hit to give Boston a 7-6 victory and a proper christening of the new ball park.
Speakers 1912 season was a magical one. He was the American League MVP, winning the Chalmers award, and led Boston to the 1912 World Series title. He led the AL in on-base percentage at .464, doubles, home runs and was at the top in many other categories.
Nicknamed the “The Gray Eagle” —- Tris Speaker was the first hero in the 109 year old Fenway Park.
*Photograph for educational puroses only.