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.
Following a disappointing 1987 campaign, the ’88 Red Sox followed suit and played inconsistently through the first half of the season.
Despite a 14-6 record to start the season, John McNamara saw his club fall to 43-42 at the All-Star break, prompting his firing. Third base coach Joe Morgan took over the club and added some much needed “Morgan Magic” immediately following his promotion.
The team won Morgan’s first 12 games and 19 of his first 20 games. On Aug. 13, the Red Sox set a major league record with their 24th straight home victory. The Sox finished the season with an 89-73 record and faced off against the Oakland A’s in the ALCS. Dennis Eckersley and the Athletics set down the Sox in four, though, resulting in another year of disappointment.
Wade Boggs won his fourth consecutive batting crown, hitting .366 with 128 runs scored. Mike Greenwell led the team with 22 home runs and 119 RBI, and contributed an AL-record 23 game-winning hits. Roger Clemens and Bruce Hurst each compiled 18 wins on the mound.
Fenway Park also saw a few renovations. The electronic message board in center-field was replaced with a multicolored board. Bobby Doerr‘s No. 1 was retired and construction began on new premium seating and new press boxes.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
