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.
New manager, same result.
Eddie Kasko took over at the helm for the Red Sox in 1970, but just like the previous season, the Sox finished third in the AL East after posting an identical 87-75 record.
Despite missing the playoffs for the third straight year, Fenway led the league in attendance, as fans flocked to the park to see Boston's high-powered offense.
Carl Yastrzemski blasted 40 home runs and 102 RBIs on the season, while leading the league in on-base percentage and slugging. His .329 average, however, fell just shy of what would have been his fourth career batting title.
Right fielder Tony Conigliaro continued his remarkable comeback from an eye injury with 36 homers and a team-best 116 RBIs. He and brother Billy teamed up to hit 54 home runs, the most in MLB history by two relatives playing on the same team.
The 1970 season also marked the first time the Sox started closing off a large portion of the center-field bleachers, thus improving batters' vision and their ability to see the pitcher's release point. This section was appropriately nicknamed "Conig's Corner" in honor of Tony Conigliaro.
In addition, the team enclosed the center-field flagpole, which until then was considered to be in play.
From July 9-12, some guests paid a visit to Fenway Park. The Jehovah's Witnesses hosted their "Men of Good Will Assembly," and about 20,000 people crowded into the ballpark for the event.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
