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 Red Sox celebrated the franchise's 50th year in existence and enjoyed a sixth consecutive winning season in 1951.
The golden anniversary saw the Sox pay tribute to the Boston Americans, who debuted in 1901, by holding a ceremony at Fenway Park in May. The Americans were one of eight teams in the startup American League, which sought to challenge the National League in popularity among baseball fans.
Led by perennial all-star Ted Williams, along with Bobby Doerr and Dom DiMaggio, the Red Sox finished above .500 for the sixth consecutive season with a final record of 87-67, 11 games back of the eventual World Series champion New York Yankees.
Boston fans were dazzled by future Sox first baseman Harry Agganis, who starred at Fenway that year in both baseball and football. Agganis, a member of the Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune (N.C.) team, came to Fenway in June to lead Lejeune over Boston College in an exhibition baseball game. That fall the "Golden Greek" returned to his alma mater, Boston University, and resumed his position at quarterback for the Terriers football squad. On Oct. 13 Agganis led BU to a 16-0 victory over his former teammates from Camp Lejeune.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
