Take Me Out to the Boston Ballgame: Fenway Traditions for Real Fans
Adam M. Young
| March 7, 2023
There is nothing quite like the experience of taking in a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, and a lot of it has to do with all the traditions and rituals that come with attending a game there. In addition to the rich history of the venue that was home to Carl Yastrzemski, Ted Williams, Wade Boggs and David Ortiz, fans’ quirky traditions make going to Fenway a memorable experience.
At Fenway, good times never seemed so good. Sure, all ballparks have the seventh inning stretch, but only Fenway has its own, Neil-Diamond-inspired tradition during the eighth inning. Before the bottom of the eighth, the whole crowd sings along to “Sweet Caroline,” calling out after each refrain (So good! So good!). The playing of the song became an official tradition in 2002 and has been played at every home game ever since. Neil Diamond himself has even been to the park to do the song live, a thrill for all the fans in attendance.
If you’re lucky enough to be at Fenway for a win, you’ll surely hear Standells song “Dirty Water,” the Red Sox victory song. Also, keep your ears out for "Tessie" by the Dropkick Murphys, and "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night, songs that are played on a regular basis at home games.
Everyone knows the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees have a hate/hate relationship, and the Sox defend their turf, even when the Yankees aren’t playing. Word to the wise for Yankee fans going to a game there: Don’t wear a Yankee shirt at Fenway Park. Ever. Even as a joke. They don’t think it’s funny. And if you attend a game against the Yankees and you happen to catch a home run off the bat of someone in pinstripes, throw that ball back onto the field, or you’ll face the wrath of the Fenway faithful.
A couple of traditions to note while you’re in the stands at Fenway: The right-field foul pole is known as Pesky’s Pole, named for infielder Johnny Pesky who played for the Red Sox in the 30s and 40s. Fans traditionally take a Sharpie and sign the pole when they are sitting in the outfield, so bring one along if you’re seated nearby.
When your seats are within touching distance of the Green Monster, the infamous, 37-foot-high left-field wall, you have to rub your hands across the metallic green surface. If it is your first visit to Fenway, this action is sure to bring both you and the team good luck.
The Red Sox have had a home game scheduled on Patriot’s Day almost every year since 1960. Traditionally, this game starts in the morning, usually at 11:05. As big of a deal as this is, it isn’t the biggest deal in Boston on the third Monday of April each year — that honor goes to the running of the Boston Marathon, widely known as the most famous marathon in the world. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly if you’re heading into the city that day. In a word: traffic.
When it comes to any game at Fenway, prepare to be in it for the long haul. Real fans do not leave before the end of a game, even if the score is a blowout either way. Boston Red Sox fans get really loud during the eighth inning.
There are several quirky traditions when it comes to fan behavior and concessions. Be prepared to stock up on beer as you approach the end of the game, because all beer vendors close up during the seventh inning. Also, it is a tradition to buy a bag of peanuts at Fenway. The vendor will throw them to you from a great distance and then somehow remember who you are when he comes around to collect the money. If you don’t catch the peanuts, be prepared to be booed.
You can’t leave Fenway without experiencing the Fenway Frank. This iconic ballpark hot dog is boiled, and then slightly grilled to make for the perfect crispy bite.
So grab your glove, put on your Red Sox shirt, and head on down to 4 Yawkey Way to catch a game with a real American team, the Boston Red Sox. This cozy gathering with 37,730 of your newest friends is an event you’ll never forget.
The Music
At Fenway, good times never seemed so good. Sure, all ballparks have the seventh inning stretch, but only Fenway has its own, Neil-Diamond-inspired tradition during the eighth inning. Before the bottom of the eighth, the whole crowd sings along to “Sweet Caroline,” calling out after each refrain (So good! So good!). The playing of the song became an official tradition in 2002 and has been played at every home game ever since. Neil Diamond himself has even been to the park to do the song live, a thrill for all the fans in attendance.
If you’re lucky enough to be at Fenway for a win, you’ll surely hear Standells song “Dirty Water,” the Red Sox victory song. Also, keep your ears out for "Tessie" by the Dropkick Murphys, and "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night, songs that are played on a regular basis at home games.
The Rivalry
Everyone knows the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees have a hate/hate relationship, and the Sox defend their turf, even when the Yankees aren’t playing. Word to the wise for Yankee fans going to a game there: Don’t wear a Yankee shirt at Fenway Park. Ever. Even as a joke. They don’t think it’s funny. And if you attend a game against the Yankees and you happen to catch a home run off the bat of someone in pinstripes, throw that ball back onto the field, or you’ll face the wrath of the Fenway faithful.
The Stands
A couple of traditions to note while you’re in the stands at Fenway: The right-field foul pole is known as Pesky’s Pole, named for infielder Johnny Pesky who played for the Red Sox in the 30s and 40s. Fans traditionally take a Sharpie and sign the pole when they are sitting in the outfield, so bring one along if you’re seated nearby.
When your seats are within touching distance of the Green Monster, the infamous, 37-foot-high left-field wall, you have to rub your hands across the metallic green surface. If it is your first visit to Fenway, this action is sure to bring both you and the team good luck.
The Schedule
The Red Sox have had a home game scheduled on Patriot’s Day almost every year since 1960. Traditionally, this game starts in the morning, usually at 11:05. As big of a deal as this is, it isn’t the biggest deal in Boston on the third Monday of April each year — that honor goes to the running of the Boston Marathon, widely known as the most famous marathon in the world. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly if you’re heading into the city that day. In a word: traffic.
When it comes to any game at Fenway, prepare to be in it for the long haul. Real fans do not leave before the end of a game, even if the score is a blowout either way. Boston Red Sox fans get really loud during the eighth inning.
The Food
There are several quirky traditions when it comes to fan behavior and concessions. Be prepared to stock up on beer as you approach the end of the game, because all beer vendors close up during the seventh inning. Also, it is a tradition to buy a bag of peanuts at Fenway. The vendor will throw them to you from a great distance and then somehow remember who you are when he comes around to collect the money. If you don’t catch the peanuts, be prepared to be booed.
You can’t leave Fenway without experiencing the Fenway Frank. This iconic ballpark hot dog is boiled, and then slightly grilled to make for the perfect crispy bite.
So grab your glove, put on your Red Sox shirt, and head on down to 4 Yawkey Way to catch a game with a real American team, the Boston Red Sox. This cozy gathering with 37,730 of your newest friends is an event you’ll never forget.
1-65-17
Dec 28
Sat • 11:00 AM
Sat
Dec 28
11:00 AM
Fenway Bowl
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 4
Fri • TBD
Fri
Apr 4
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals - Home Opener
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 5
Sat • TBD
Sat
Apr 5
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 6
Sun • TBD
Sun
Apr 6
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 7
Mon • TBD
Mon
Apr 7
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 8
Tue • TBD
Tue
Apr 8
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 9
Wed • TBD
Wed
Apr 9
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 10
Thu • TBD
Thu
Apr 10
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 18
Fri • TBD
Fri
Apr 18
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 19
Sat • TBD
Sat
Apr 19
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 20
Sun • TBD
Sun
Apr 20
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 21
Mon • TBD
Mon
Apr 21
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 22
Tue • TBD
Tue
Apr 22
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 23
Wed • TBD
Wed
Apr 23
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Apr 24
Thu • TBD
Thu
Apr 24
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 2
Fri • TBD
Fri
May 2
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 3
Sat • TBD
Sat
May 3
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 4
Sun • TBD
Sun
May 4
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 6
Tue • TBD
Tue
May 6
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 7
Wed • TBD
Wed
May 7
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 8
Thu • TBD
Thu
May 8
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 16
Fri • TBD
Fri
May 16
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 17
Sat • TBD
Sat
May 17
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 18
Sun • TBD
Sun
May 18
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Atlanta Braves
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 19
Mon • TBD
Mon
May 19
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Mets
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 20
Tue • TBD
Tue
May 20
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Mets
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 21
Wed • TBD
Wed
May 21
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Mets
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 22
Thu • TBD
Thu
May 22
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 23
Fri • TBD
Fri
May 23
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 24
Sat • TBD
Sat
May 24
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
May 25
Sun • TBD
Sun
May 25
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
2-73-25
May 29
Thu • 7:30 PM
Thu
May 29
7:30 PM
Shakira
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 2
Mon • TBD
Mon
Jun 2
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 3
Tue • TBD
Tue
Jun 3
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 4
Wed • TBD
Wed
Jun 4
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 9
Mon • TBD
Mon
Jun 9
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 10
Tue • TBD
Tue
Jun 10
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 11
Wed • TBD
Wed
Jun 11
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 13
Fri • TBD
Fri
Jun 13
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 14
Sat • TBD
Sat
Jun 14
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 15
Sun • TBD
Sun
Jun 15
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 27
Fri • TBD
Fri
Jun 27
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 28
Sat • TBD
Sat
Jun 28
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 29
Sun • TBD
Sun
Jun 29
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jun 30
Mon • TBD
Mon
Jun 30
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 1
Tue • TBD
Tue
Jul 1
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 2
Wed • TBD
Wed
Jul 2
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Cincinnati Reds
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-29
Jul 5
Sat • TBD
Sat
Jul 5
TBD
Savannah Bananas
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-29
Jul 6
Sun • TBD
Sun
Jul 6
TBD
Savannah Bananas
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 7
Mon • TBD
Mon
Jul 7
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Colorado Rockies
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 8
Tue • TBD
Tue
Jul 8
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Colorado Rockies
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 9
Wed • TBD
Wed
Jul 9
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Colorado Rockies
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 10
Thu • TBD
Thu
Jul 10
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 11
Fri • TBD
Fri
Jul 11
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 12
Sat • TBD
Sat
Jul 12
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 13
Sun • TBD
Sun
Jul 13
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 25
Fri • TBD
Fri
Jul 25
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 26
Sat • TBD
Sat
Jul 26
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Jul 27
Sun • TBD
Sun
Jul 27
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 1
Fri • TBD
Fri
Aug 1
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 2
Sat • TBD
Sat
Aug 2
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 3
Sun • TBD
Sun
Aug 3
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 4
Mon • TBD
Mon
Aug 4
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 5
Tue • TBD
Tue
Aug 5
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 6
Wed • TBD
Wed
Aug 6
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 15
Fri • TBD
Fri
Aug 15
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 16
Sat • TBD
Sat
Aug 16
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 17
Sun • TBD
Sun
Aug 17
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Miami Marlins
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 18
Mon • TBD
Mon
Aug 18
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 19
Tue • TBD
Tue
Aug 19
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 29
Fri • TBD
Fri
Aug 29
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 30
Sat • TBD
Sat
Aug 30
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Aug 31
Sun • TBD
Sun
Aug 31
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 1
Mon • TBD
Mon
Sep 1
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 2
Tue • TBD
Tue
Sep 2
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 3
Wed • TBD
Wed
Sep 3
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
2-22-25
Sep 7
Sun • 6:00 PM
Sun
Sep 7
6:00 PM
My Chemical Romance
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 12
Fri • TBD
Fri
Sep 12
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 13
Sat • TBD
Sat
Sep 13
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 14
Sun • TBD
Sun
Sep 14
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 16
Tue • TBD
Tue
Sep 16
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. The Athletics
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 17
Wed • TBD
Wed
Sep 17
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. The Athletics
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 18
Thu • TBD
Thu
Sep 18
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. The Athletics
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 26
Fri • TBD
Fri
Sep 26
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 27
Sat • TBD
Sat
Sep 27
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA
1-63-16
Sep 28
Sun • TBD
Sun
Sep 28
TBD
Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers
Fenway Park
Boston, MA