Red Sox Give Jackie Robinson Tryout at Fenway Park in 1945, Two Years Before He Breaks MLB Color Barrier

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 1945 Boston Red Sox, similar to the team that preceded them, were still affected by World War II. All-Star Ted Williams was overseas, and the depleted Red Sox staggered to a 71-83 record, good for seventh in the American League.

Player-manager Joe Cronin broke his leg in April, promptly ending his playing career, but he stayed on to manage the Red Sox for a 12th season. Due to the lack of offense, 39-year-old Bob Johnson led the Sox with 12 home runs and 74 RBIs. A bright spot for the Red Sox was pitcher Dave "Boo" Ferriss, who after starting his career 6-0, finished with a 21-10 record and a 2.96 ERA.

The Red Sox had the opportunity to add some talent to the roster in early April, when City Councilor Isadore Muchnick claimed that he would file a motion to deny the Red Sox the ability to play on Sundays unless they pledged not to discriminate against African Americans. On April 16, the Red Sox gave Marvin Williams, Sam Jethroe, and Jackie Robinson a try out — although the team never followed up on any of the players.

Fenway Park was scheduled to host its first All-Star game, but due to travel restrictions, the game was cancelled. Instead, eight charity games were played, including a United War Fund Game at Fenway Park between the Red Sox and the Braves. The Red Sox won, 8-1.

Van Ness Street, the road that practically runs behind Fenway, was open to the public. The area close to the street was formed into a players' parking lot.

On Independence Day, Fenway Park hosted a "Here's Your Infantry" show featuring actress Helen Hayes. Men in uniform were admitted for free, while others could get in by purchasing a war bond. The crowd of 20,000 saw demonstrations on firing rifles and machine guns, hand-to-hand combat, and the use of flame throwers and bazookas.

For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.