Incredibly, this will mark the final year of a 10-year commitment that the Sox ownership group made of making annual major improvements to one of America’s most renowned structures, in an attempt to preserve its unique charm while adding to it. Simply put, they’re trying to take something that’s almost perfect and make it perfect.
To those of us who grew up in and around the Boston area and love the Red Sox more than some family members, Fenway has always been home. That home however, has gone from being a quaint little humble abode to a majestic colonial mansion. From being an Atari to a PS3!
But not only have the living quarters improved, the decor has also changed drastically — the most notable being two amazing World Series trophies. Basically, it’s become much easier to be a Red Sox fan, greatly because of the work that NESV has done, and I suspect the same kind of thoughts will be shared by our friends in Liverpool 10 years from now.
I can’t even pretend to be an expert in the Premier League nor the Liverpool Football Club, but after closely following the story of NESV’s purchase of the team and talking to New England Revolution head coach Steve Nicol (who was one of Liverpool’s biggest stars during the 1980s when the team dominated the league), it’s obvious that Liverpool fans are much like Red Sox fans. They love their team, want to win and are demanding. So speaking as a fan who has enjoyed watching this ownership take our team to the top, I’m almost envious of the Liverpool fans.
Though no one can predict the future, we can all take a look at the past and judge for ourselves. And while John Henry and Co. won’t make any unreasonable promises, the promises they made us Bostonians have been kept. Our ballpark is more beautiful than ever, our team is widely respected and we win.
After meeting with some Liverpool supporters on Monday, Henry said, “We’re here to listen and to learn from them.”
When I saw that, it sparked my memory. I recall having dinner four years ago in the media dining hall at Fenway prior to a game, when Lucchino sat next to me. He proceeded to dine with me while asking what I thought about the press box and the media floor as a whole — basically, what would make my job easier and more comfortable? To be honest, I don’t recall what I said, I just remember being nervous trying my best not to eat like a pig while wondering, “Why does he care what I think?”
The fact is that they do care, and they do listen, and they love to win. Liverpool fans should be very excited — I see great things coming their way. I just hope they help me out when I go visit and need a ticket to the game!
