Basebrawl at Fenway Park: Several slugfests that interrupted the game
Fenway Park has often become a boxing ring in the stands and on the field, especially when the Boston Red Sox play the New York Yankees.
By Rick McNair
An enjoyable evening at Fenway Park, and the weather is ideal; the bleachers are packed, the beer is flowing -- what could go wrong? Just about anything, especially if the Boston Red Sox opponent is the New York Yankees. I present just an anecdotal note on one such example.
The bleachers have been somewhat sanitized over the years to bring a mild level of civilized behavior, but eradicating rowdyism is a Sisyphean task. My favorite is Yankee and Mets fans brawling and Red Sox fans delightfully encouraging the participants.
The "bouts" usually resulted from a pitcher trying to emulate Early Wynn, Don Drysdale, or Bob Gibson, who were notorious for their ability to instill a fear factor. Today batters have enough armor to make a Templar Knight on a crusade to save Christendom jealous.
Boxing is familiar to Fenway Park, and the ancient art has an extensive history at the fabled ballyard. The first match goes back deep into the last century, but this is all about boys being boys, and for some strange reason, it percolates around the Yankees.