Photos: Here’s what fanless Fenway Park looked like during the Red Sox season opener
“We’re going to have to be our best cheerleaders."
The Boston Red Sox got off to a hot start in their season opener Friday night, beating the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 13-2.
It was largest Opening Day margin of victory in Red Sox history. But the game was remarkable for much larger reasons.
Like every other MLB team that begun the delayed and shortened 60-game season this week, the Red Sox and Orioles played in an otherwise empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Save for those who peaked the field from Bleacher Bar under the centerfield seats, the closest thing to fans inside Fenway Park were the cardboard cutouts placed in the Green Monster seats.
“We’re going to have to be our best cheerleaders,” said shortstop Xander Bogaerts, according to The Boston Globe. “It’s new for us. It’s challenging.”
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown from the outfield bleachers, while the players’ new socially-distanced dugout sprawled out into the infield stands.
Here’s a look at what will become a customary scene in this unique 2020 season of baseball, from the photographers who were there:
The Red Sox take on the Baltimore Orioles during the most unusual of home season openers.
Cardboard cut outs of fans sitting in the Green Monster were sold to fans who made a $500 donation to the Red Sox foundation.
The personalized cut outs sitting in the Green Monster.
An empty Fenway Park ahead of the start of the game.
Orioles and Red Sox players and staff gather along the baselines before the national anthem.
Among the cut outs, staff held the flag from the Green Monster
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, activist Robert Lewis Jr., and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker threw out the first pitch from the centerfield bleachers.
Boston Red Sox players practice social distancing in an expanded dugout during the first inning.
Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander is unable to reach a long fly hit by J.D. Martinez to right field that bounced into the stands for a ground rule double.
Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom watches the game.
While fans were not allowed inside Fenway Park, many gathered at restaurants during the game along Landsdowne Street.
Fans toast the start of season from inside Bleacher Bar, as Jackie Bradley Jr. runs out to centerfield.
The Boston Red Sox scored four runs during the third inning.
The view from Loretta’s on Landsdowne during the game.
NESN reporter Guerin Austin watches from the Green Monster seats with the cutout pictures of fans.
Baltimore Orioles players leave the field through the empty stands after the game.
Red Sox players celebrate by bumping elbows after the season’s first win.
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