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.
After suffering through arguably the worst collapse in World Series history the year prior, the 1987 Red Sox continued that downward spiral.
The team's struggles started early — spring training, in fact — when Roger Clemens decided to hold out for more money. The two sides eventually came to an agreement, but not before the reigning Cy Young winner had lost a lot of support from Red Sox Nation (he actually heard some boos at Fenway Park after getting removed from his first start of the season).
Clemens would bounce back to have a good season, however, as the Rocket went 20-9 with a 2.97 ERA en route to winning his second straight Cy Young award. Wade Boggs captured his third consecutive (and fourth overall) batting title with a .363 average, and outfielder Dwight Evans anchored the middle of the lineup with career-high totals of 34 home runs and 123 RBIs.
That's pretty much where the bright spots ended. The Sox finished with just 78 wins, well short of a return spot in the postseason.
Despite the team's struggles, 1987 was an important year for Fenway Park, which celebrated its 75th anniversary. The ballpark also received multiple additions — most notably a new function facility that was built in the Jeano Building and a souvenir store called "The Lansdowne Shop" (they have since been turned into a restaurant and club, respectively).
In addition, the Cape Cod League All-Star team played a game at Fenway Park in mid-July.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
