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.
There wasn't much success to be found at Fenway Park for the Red Sox and Patriots in 1965 as both Boston teams finished with losing records.
The Sox stayed in contention with a .500 record through May but went 17-42 in June and July to rapidly descend down the American League standings. Boston finished with a final record of 62-100, a full 40 games behind the AL champion Minnesota Twins. It was the first time the local nine dropped 100 games since 1932.
The Twins dominated the Sox during the regular season, going 17-1 against Boston en route to a 102-win season. Aside from their struggles against Minnesota, the Sox' downfall proved to be the club's inability to win close games. Boston was 14-28 in one-run games, a product of the team's youth and inexperience. Thirteen players on Boston's 1965 roster were 25 years old or younger, including 18-year-old Jerry Moses, who made his MLB debut with the Sox.
Things weren't any better for the Patriots, Boston's AFL franchise. The Pats finished 4-8-2 and won only a single game at home while playing at Fenway. It was a disappointing setback for a Patriots team that won 10 games in 1964.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
