Editor’s note: Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912. NESN.com will be celebrating Fenway’s 100-year anniversary with unique content from now until April 20, 2012.
The 1966 Boston Red Sox could reflect on their season with a glass half-full or a glass half-empty mentality. The Red Sox managed to improve their 1965 record by ten games, placing them ahead of the New York Yankees in the standings. Still, the Red Sox finished 18 games under .500, landing the team in ninth place.
A 21-year-old Tony Conigliaro anchored a young offense with 28 home runs. Joe Foy, George Scott and September call-up Reggie Smith also added some pop to the lineup, and for the first time in team history, the Sox relied on a core of African-American players.
Northeastern baseball was a bright spot at Fenway, as the Huskies won the NCAA District I Playoffs at the ballpark before advancing to the College World Series. The Boston Patriots football team also played at Fenway, defeating the Buffalo Bills in their last regular-season home game. The Pats would lose the next week, though, and finished a half-game behind Buffalo for a playoff spot.
During the winter, Fenway hosted the Junior Goodwill Dinner. The event, started by Red Sox legend Joe Cronin, brought hundreds of local high school students to the ballpark.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
