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.
Fresh off their second World Series title in four years, the Red Sox had a rather busy season in 2008.
It started in Japan, where the Red Sox took on the Oakland A's to begin the year. It extended into May, when Jon Lester threw an unforgettable no-hitter against the Kansas City Royal. In July, Manny Ramirez was traded to the Dodgers in a move that some saw coming but nobody could truly believe until it was completed.
Amid it all, Dustin Pedroia, AL Rookie of the Year in 2007, put together an MVP campaign, eventually winning the award after the season. Teammate Kevin Youkilis finished third in the voting.
Though the Red Sox' season would end in a disappointing loss in Game 7 of the ALCS, there were other reasons to cheer at Fenway that year. The park was home to its first ever naturalization ceremony, while it also hosted a Neil Diamond concert, allowing fans to sing "Sweet Caroline" with the man who wrote it.
For more information on Fenway Park, visit Fenway Park 100.
