Latest news with #Fenway
Boston Globe
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Ownership can't let Alex Bregman be a one-and-done Red Sox like Adrian Beltré in 2010
The Red Sox cannot let Alex Bregman become the Adrian Beltré of this decade, a perfect fit (at third base, no less) who doesn't stick around, a what-could-have-been one-and-done in Boston. They need to get him signed, even if the terms sting a little, and even if the length of the deal brings pause. Bregman, the rock-solid Astros star, left Houston after eight seasons, two World Series titles, and, uh, one noisy scandal, to sign a three-year, $120 million dollar contract with the Red Sox in February. But anyone who paid attention to the details — and the leverage Bregman and his agent, the renowned Scott Boras, secured — recognized that it was only Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Alex Bregman has historically had good numbers at Fenway Park, including a 1.029 OPS. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Advertisement The contract included opt outs after this season as well as 2026. So if he proved to be a good fit with the Red Sox and produced at his usual reliable-to-excellent rate, he could go back on the market, and at the very least try to wring even better terms out of the Red Sox. Well, you know what has happened. He's in position to do some wringin'. Save for a quad injury that cost him 43 games from May 23 until his July 11 return, Bregman has been exactly what the Red Sox need on the field and off. Advertisement Alex Bregman (top) missed about six weeks with a quad injury, returning shortly before the All-Star break. Barry Chin/Globe Staff A Gold Glove winner for the first time last season, Bregman has played his usual stellar defense at third base, which has helped stabilize a Red Sox infield that was held hostage to some degree by current Giants invisible man Rafael Devers's defensive shortcomings in recent seasons. He has a righthanded swing tailor-made for Fenway, and has mashed there to a .314/.423/.605 slash line in 222 career plate appearances, which is getting into Fred Lynn, This-Guy-Was-Born-To-Hit-Here territory. (Lynn slashed .347/.420/.601 in 1,833 plate appearances at Fenway, and this is where you say 'He'd be in Cooperstown if he'd stayed here his whole career' and I nod in agreement.) Yet Bregman has hit even better on the road in his first year with the Red Sox, with a .950 OPS and eight homers on the road, compared to .866 and four homers so far at Fenway. His three-run bomb as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning Sunday at Wrigley Field – which turned a tenuous 2-1 lead into a 5-1 advantage and a chance to exhale against a very talented Cubs team – ranks as one of the more memorable moments of a season that has stacked up more than a few highlights recently. (It should be noted that the homer came off former Red Sox lefty Drew Pomeranz, who is the lefthanded reliever on the Wait, That Guy Is Still In The Majors? team.) Alex Bregman (right) was excited to extend the Red Sox' lead with a pinch-hit three-run homer Sunday at Wrigley Field. Paul Beaty/Associated Press Fenway suits Bregman, and Bregman suits the Red Sox in ways that extend beyond his palpable value on the field. I'll admit, I've always thought clubhouse leadership — particularly in how veteran players set an example for younger ones — is a bit exaggerated, and sometimes a lot exaggerated. Advertisement Young ballplayers do need to be shown the ropes, to learn the protocols and logistics and do's and don'ts of being a big leaguer, but I also believe their character as human beings, for better or worse, is developed before they get that dream-come-true message that they're headed to the big leagues. But I'll concede that the extremes do matter. I'm sure beyond a doubt that — to offer a specific example — Carl Everett poised the well with some young players on the 2000-01 Red Sox. They learned exactly how not to behave, and mimicked it. And I have come to believe that a player like Bregman — who makes a conscious effort to do everything right within the confines of a ballgame, who makes himself available and shares his knowledge with younger players, and who has the kind of experience, including 99 career playoff games, that demands respect — has great value beyond the numbers on his No, Bregman wasn't chief baseball officer Craig Breslow's most impactful pickup in the offseason. That designation belongs to But Bregman makes for a heck of a runner-up. In many ways, he fills what has been missing from this team since Dustin Pedroia had to retire before his time. Advertisement He's exactly what the Red Sox need now, and at 31 years old, he's the perfect complement going forward as Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer develop into the franchise cornerstones. Maybe it won't be easy to lock him up. While we sometimes forget that Boras works for his clients and not vice versa, players that hire him aren't looking to be someone's bargain. But it must be noted that Xander Bogaerts and Jason Varitek were among those who signed deals here despite Boras believing they could have received more money and/or years elsewhere. In 2010, his only season with the Red Sox, Adrian Beltré led the American League with 49 doubles and hit .321 with 28 home runs and 102 RBIs. Barry Chin Bregman and his family do seem to love Boston, and Fenway certainly has been friendly to him. The Red Sox blew it when they let Beltré — one of the finest third basemen of all time, a joy to watch, and a 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame inductee — get away 15 years ago. They can't make the same mistake with Bregman. The guy made his name, and all that implies for better and worse, in Houston. But he was born to play in Boston. Pay him like you know it. Chad Finn can be reached at
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Senator Bernie Sanders calls for Red Sox and Aramark to ‘immediately bargain in good faith' with unionized Fenway Park workers
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Represented by the UNITE HERE Local 26, the more than 1,000 cashiers, beer vendors, souvenir shop staff and other workers are pushing for higher wages— Advertisement Sanders said entry-level concession employees were earning 'poverty-level wages' for the Boston area while Fenway's 'aggressive' use of Advertisement 'These machines are not only harming your workers, they are undermining the experience of attending a game at historic Fenway Park,' wrote Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist who has built his career on advocating for worker rights. 'I have serious concerns about aggressive automation at the ballpark and what that means for the livelihoods of your workers and the fans they serve.' A spokesperson for Fenway Sports Group declined to comment on the letter. (John Henry, the principal owner of Fenway Sports Group, also owns The Boston Globe.) Spokespeople for Aramark did not respond to an emailed request for comment. Representatives of Aramark, which runs the concessions at Fenway and MGM Music Hall, and the union have had negotiating sessions, including one this week, but remain far apart on a contract, Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, told the Globe. 'We're dollars not cents apart on the wage issue and we've not reached I think any understanding on how to limit or be thoughtful about technology in the ballpark,' Aramayo said. 'It definitely feels like, unless something shifts quickly, I don't see how we're not in a strike situation.' Aramayo said Sanders' office reached out to the union about the dispute and held a Zoom meeting with some workers on Monday. 'We're not just fighting for our jobs, we're fighting for Fenway Park and we're fighting for baseball, and like the soul of the park is being sucked out with the AI,' Laura Crystal, an 18-year-concession stand worker, told Sanders in Sanders told them he attended a Red Sox game at Fenway last season and 'the workers who were there were really great.' Advertisement 'Fenway is an historical place and it's part of American history and we don't want to lose what it is,' Sanders said on the video. In his letter, Sanders highlighted the rising value of the Red Sox franchise— 'If you can afford to sign a $120 million three-year contract for your injured third baseman, you can afford to treat all of your hard-working and dedicated workers at Fenway Park with the dignity and respect they deserve,' Sanders wrote, referencing Jim Puzzanghera can be reached at
Axios
11-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Fenway Park workers are ready to strike
More than 700 Aramark concession workers at Fenway Park and MGM Music Hall are ready to walk off the job over disputes with the Red Sox concessions contractor over pay, tips and self-checkout kiosks. Why it matters: A union action would be the ballpark's first strike in its 113-year history. Fans would have to decide if they want their Fenway Frank handed to them by a temporary non-union worker. Driving the news: 95% of Unite Here Local 26 workers approved a strike authorization earlier this month and have been preparing to take action if negotiations with Aramark, the contractor that handles the Sox' food and beverage sales, fall through. Union leadership can call a strike at any time. The workers' contract expired at the end of last year and negotiators have been at the table ever since. The union says the dispute is about wage disparities at one of baseball's most expensive venues. They say workers earn significantly less than their counterparts at other stadiums while serving some of the priciest hot dogs and beer in the majors. Fenway cashiers earn $18.52 an hour. Cashiers at Miami's Marlins Park take in $21.25 an hour, according to the union. A Fenway beer costs more than double what it does in Miami. If a strike happens, the union will picket around the park, but won't prevent fans from getting to the game. According to Fenway workers, a strike would mean longer concession lines, slower service and potential delivery disruptions at the park. Striking workers will ask fans not to purchase food or beverages inside the ballpark. Fans "should be prepared for very long lines and inadequate service," Gail Bonica, a premium seating area attendant, told Axios. Zoom in: Workers' biggest concern is automated self-service kiosks and reduced tipping opportunities. What they're saying: "I personally made half as much as I made the first year, and then this year, I'm on track to make half of what I made last year," Amanda Savage, an 18-year veteran Fenway vendor, told Axios. The other side: Aramark says it has contingency plans to maintain services at Fenway. "We intend to keep working with the union toward a settlement that works for everyone," a company spokesperson told Axios. As for the Red Sox organization, which owns the team and the ballpark, they're staying out of the public fray.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Sox's Roman Anthony hits career milestone with Fenway Park homer
The post Red Sox's Roman Anthony hits career milestone with Fenway Park homer appeared first on ClutchPoints. Boston Red Sox fans had plenty to cheer about Monday night, as top prospect Roman Anthony smashed his first career home run at Fenway Park, marking a major MLB rookie milestone in his young career. The 21-year-old's blast came during the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies, helping the Red Sox extend the lead to 5-1. Advertisement 'Roman Anthony hits his first home run at Fenway Park!' The crowd's roar and celebration underscored the significance of this homer for Anthony — not just for the scoreboard, but for the young star's confidence. After hitting his first career MLB home run on June 16 vs. the Seattle Mariners, connecting at Fenway adds an emotional layer. This milestone links Anthony with the ballpark's iconic history and shows he's settling into big-league life. As Red Sox fans know, few achievements resonate like the first Fenway homer. The stadium's Green Monster and historic dimensions make it a unique proving ground for power hitters. At 21 years and 34 days old, Anthony became the youngest Red Sox player to homer at Fenway since Rafael Devers in 2017. That puts him in strong company and validates his status as the game's No. 1 prospect. Advertisement Drafted 79th overall in 2022, Anthony has quickly climbed the ranks. He hit 18 homers across three minor league levels in 2023 and launched a 497-foot grand slam for Triple-A Worcester earlier this year — the longest shot of the Statcast season. Since being called up on June 9th, Anthony has shown flashes of brilliance despite a slow start. His plate discipline and consistent hard contact hint at long-term success. As of Monday, Anthony has appeared in 24 games for Boston, posting a .229 batting average with 9 RBIs and 2 home runs — now including his first at home. While his numbers are still developing, his swing at Fenway showcased the poise that has made him a fan favorite and a key part of the Red Sox lineup this season and beyond. Boston currently holds a 46-45 record, sitting in fourth place in the ultra-competitive AL East behind the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay Rays. In a division this tight, emerging talent like Anthony could prove to be a difference-maker down the stretch. As they lead the Rockies 7-3 in the top of the eight inning, the Red Sox are aiming to move two games above .500 — a small but meaningful step in their pursuit of postseason contention. Anthony's milestone doesn't just energize the fanbase — it signals that the next generation may be ready to carry the franchise forward. Related: Red Sox's Alex Bregman offers optimistic return timeline ahead of MLB All-Star break Advertisement Related: Roman Anthony swats 1st Fenway Park home run
Boston Globe
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Red Sox prepare Roman Anthony for Fenway Park debut in left field Wednesday
He prepared for that task Tuesday afternoon — under a sweltering sun, more than four hours before first pitch — by doing defensive drills with and receiving instruction from outfield coach Kyle Hudson . Hudson and Jarren Duran , the Red Sox' primary left fielder, have been instrumental in helping Anthony learn the 37-foot Monster, Anthony said. Through his first month in the majors, Anthony has split time mostly between right field and designated hitter. He played left once, but that came in San Francisco, not Boston. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The key, in Duran's view, is to get as much practice as possible, via early work like Anthony did or during batting practice, when hitters routinely slam balls off the wall. That is the only way to learn the 'craziest things,' like how balls come off the kooky nooks and crannies, Duran said. Advertisement 'Honestly, it's just instincts. You've got to trust your instincts. It's weird,' Duran said. 'To the right of the ladder, the ball is always going to kick to center. Balls at the ladder and to the left are going to kick straight or almost even toward the line. Learning things like that — from playing it and seeing it and watching video and seeing how stuff bounces off — [is important]. Advertisement Duran suggested watching video of Andrew Benintendi playing Fenway's left field 'back in the day.' 'He played the Monster like an absolute stud,' Duran said. The piece of advice that has most resonated with Anthony: Keep the ball in front of you. If it bounces off the wall and then trickles by, back toward the infield, the chance of throwing out the runner at second base evaporates — and he might even get to third. 'How to keep it in front of me is the biggest thing and the biggest thing for anyone playing the Monster,' Anthony said. 'Always having that angle to just get somebody out at second base I think is important.' Duran said: 'The tricky ones are the ones that are high. You're like, is this going to hit the wall? Is it not? Those are the ones that nick the wall and get past you. But those are also the ones where you're like, all right, he's already going to get a double, so why not try to make a play on it? As long as you can hold him from a triple, it's OK.' Anthony has played in front of the Red Sox' Monster facsimiles at Double A Portland's Hadlock Field (the Maine Monster) and at JetBlue Park at the team's spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla. But there is nothing quite like the real deal. 'You can't really replicate Fenway, as much as they do a great job at other places,' Anthony said. 'It's kind of its own thing. Let's see how it works.' Advertisement Mum on Mayer Cora was coy regarding Marcelo Mayer's role upon the return of Alex Bregman (strained right quad), perhaps as soon as late this week. 'We have to wait,' Cora said. 'We have to wait to make decisions. I can answer that question later.' Mayer, who was called up to the majors for the first time in late May, when Bregman got hurt, has mostly played third base in that stint. The Red Sox have used David Hamilton and Romy Gonzalez in a platoon at second base. On the bench for a fourth consecutive game Tuesday (as the Sox faced a fourth lefthanded starter in a row), Mayer owned a .214 average and .665 OPS. Hendriks hurt again Liam Hendriks suffered a setback with his injured right hip, causing him to likely seek a second opinion, Cora said. The team transferred Hendriks to the 60-day injured list, delaying his eligibility to return until late July, but that sounds like a longshot. 'It wasn't good [Monday],' Cora said. 'He said the harder he pushed, he felt it. I don't want to say we're back to square one, but they'll talk and seek other opinions and see what happens.' Call to arms A day after righthander Richard Fitts nabbed his first major league win, the Red Sox sent him down to Triple A Worcester in a bit of pre-All-Star break roster maximizing. Righthanded reliever Isaiah Campbell was called up to take Fitts's place. Cora said they wanted the extra bullpen arm temporarily because of others' recent workloads. Hunter Dobbins (right elbow strain) has a 'good chance' to return to the rotation this week, probably Friday, replacing Fitts. Garrett Crochet is penciled in for Saturday (with an extra day of rest), Cora said. Advertisement Campbell, 27, had a 16.20 ERA in eight appearances for the Sox last year. He was much better — 3.89 ERA — with Worcester this season. He said he added a sinker to help him against righthanded batters and a curveball against lefties. 'Obviously, last year wasn't great, wasn't what I wanted,' Campbell said. 'But I'm excited for a new, clean slate. The team is rolling right now, so whatever I can do to help, that's what my goal is.' Rafaela up to sixth Ceddanne Rafaela moving up to sixth in the batting order was a result of Carlos Narváez having the day off, Cora said. In general, the Sox like Rafaela at or near the bottom of the lineup, despite his hot hitting. 'The numbers are the numbers. I get it,' Cora said. 'He's one of our best hitters. But him hitting eighth, ninth is great for this team.' Tim Healey can be reached at
