Fenway traditions explained: Sweet Caroline, Pesky’s Pole, and Sox fan rituals

For over 113 years, one of the most consistent things in baseball, America’s Pastime, has been Fenway Park. The stadium in Boston, which can hold over 37,000 passionate fans, is a true iconic landmark.

It’s not just a statement, but a fact. Fenway was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

With the ballpark comes traditions. From sitting on the Green Monster to belting out “Sweet Caroline,” Red Sox fans have plenty of ways to entertain themselves. Honoring tradition is important, which makes attending games at Fenway Park that much more special.  

Here’s all you need to know about Fenway Park, from what do to before a game to the traditions that have made it a home for fans. 

The origins of Fenway traditions and how they evolved

“Sweet Caroline” is not just a great song, but a staple of Red Sox culture since 1997. How did it come to be an anthem for Boston’s faithful fans?

Amy Tobey, in charge of ballpark music in 1997, played the song to honor a friend who had a child named Caroline. Though it played often, primarily when the team was ahead, it wasn’t until Dr. Charles Steinberg became Executive Vice President of Public Affairs in 2002 that everything changed.  

“I said, ‘I think the song may have transformative powers and it may be able to lift the melancholy crowd and lift the spirits to being positive.’ We were talking about change in an organization that didn’t have any change,” Steinberg said via MLB.com.

“I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ Sometimes they were playing at the end of seven. Sometimes they were playing at the end of eight. Sometimes they were playing at the middle of the eighth. I wanted it to be the middle of the eighth, because you want your more festive songs to occur when the home team is coming up to bat. So we started playing it each day in 2002.”

That one time turned into years of tradition, with fans belting out “So good, so good, so good,” regardless of the score.    

After a win, fans will belt out lyrics from The Standells’ “Dirty Water.” The song first gained notoriety in Boston during hockey games. After a 1998 win and the hiring of the TD Garden’s production company, it became a tradition for the Red Sox.

Meanwhile, the “Patriots’ Day Game”, an 11 a.m. ET Red Sox game the same day as the Boston marathon, started in 1959.

Best moments for first-timers: when to show up and what to do

The best time to go to Fenway Park is about 90 minutes before first pitch. While the game won’t start, there’s still an opportunity to catch a ball or get an autograph during batting practice.

Outside the park, the area around Fenway is electric. There are local bars with baseball-themed drinks, while drink and food vendors, with street performers, surround the area. It’s fun for the whole family.

The rich history of Fenway is also something to admire. There are plaques and statues to take pictures of/with, while the Kids Concourse has games for all young children.

The little things that make Fenway feel like Boston’s living room

Fenway Park’s history has made going to games feel like you came out of a time machine.

Old seats make for a unique experience that brings you closer to those around you. The manual scorecard is fun to keep an eye on. Meanwhile, the ballpark is infused with the surrounding neighborhood. Houses and restaurants connected to Fenway make everyone feel like actual neighbors.

Meanwhile, fans have written messages on Pesky’s Pole, which offers a lone ticket in front of it.

Sitting above the Green Monster is a true experience for Boston fans. That’s especially true if given the opportunity to catch a home run.