Red Sox Can’t Make it Back-to-Back Playoff Appearances, Fall Short of Postseason Berth at Fenway Park in 1996

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.

Hoping to build off an AL East title in 1995, the Red Sox fell short of back-to-back playoff appearances in 1996, finishing third in the division and three games back in the wild card standings.

Mo Vaughn again had a strong season for the BoSox after winning the AL MVP the season prior. The "Hit Dog" posted a career-high 207 hits, 143 RBI and 44 home runs in his follow-up campaign and played in all but one game. Shortstop John Valentin also had a good season at the dish, batting .296 with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs despite missing 31 games.

Pitching is what ultimately doomed the Sox in 1996. Starters Roger Clemens, Tim Wakefield, Tom Gordon and Aaron Sele combined to go 43-46 and all but Clemens owning ERAs above 5.10.

Without strong pitching on the mound, the Sox got off to a horrid April start, winning only three of their first 18 games and sporting a sub-.500 record until the end of August. Boston ultimately finished third in its division with a record of 85-77, sevan games back of the eventual World Series champion Yankees. The disappointing finish cost manager Kevin Kennedy his job after the season.

In other baseball action at Fenway Park, the University of Massachusetts made its first appearance in the Baseball Beanpot and won the championship by defeating Northeastern University 1-0 in the championship game.

For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.