BOSTON — Terry Francona was not with the Red Sox when the team’s consecutive sellout streak at Fenway Park began. But he joined them soon thereafter and has seen the run reach incredible heights. For that, and for the energy that packed house brings night after night, he is grateful.
"I actually think it's real cool," Francona said prior to what is slated to be the 700th straight sellout at the park, a streak which began May 15, 2003. "Maybe more cool than most people. I've been to places where there’s been empathy, and there's nothing worse than that."
The streak became a major league record in 2008 when it reached 456. To go so far beyond that and hit a number like 700 simply speaks to the passion of fans in Boston, Francona said.
"It’s nice to play in front of people who care so much," he added.
The great thing, in the mind of the manager, is that Fenway doesn't need all the histrionics one might find in other parks that are used to draw in fans. It’s as pure a venue as there is in sports.
"I kid a lot about the hot dog race and all that stuff, we don't do that here. Baseball's good enough, and I really like that," Francona said. "I think this is one of the truly special things about being here. I hope this streak goes on for a while. It’s really cool."
