Boston Red Sox Trade For OF Marlon Byrd

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Fenway Park 100th Anniversary: Fans Remain Optimistic Despite Slow Start

BOSTON - You wouldn't be able to tell that the Boston Red Sox were off to a 4-8 start by walking around Fenway Park just a few hours prior to first pitch on Friday.

No, today isn't about this year's struggles. It's about the storied history of the Red Sox, and more importantly, the 100th birthday of America's Most Beloved Ballpark, Fenway.

Brushing aside the poor start, Red Sox fans are pouring onto Yawkey Way and Lansdowne Street as they prepare to celebrate the centennial birthday of the magical ballpark.

Sure, the team's record so far isn't ideal, but some Red Sox fans are remaining optimistic.

"Its been disappointing so far, with their slow start, but who knows what's going to happen," said Jim Curran of Quincy, MA. "It's a great day here in Boston, good weather, you've got the celebration going on. I decided to come in and take my chances at getting a ticket."

Topping things off, the Red Sox will face the rival New York Yankees at 3:05 p.m. EST -- the same team they faced one hundred years ago at the same time in the inaugural game at Fenway. Could it be any better than that?

"It's perfect," said Curran. "I mean, who better to play than the Yankees, our biggest rival."

The Sox have a handful of special events planned for Friday's birthday bash, including two performances from the Boston Pops, a flyover and an attempt to break a world record.

I will be reporting live from Fenway Park throughout today's game. Check back for updates and follow me @GethinCoolbaugh on Twitter.

For more coverage of Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary, follow our StoryStream.

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Fenway Park 100th Anniversary: One Hundred Years, One Million Memories

One hundred years, one million memories. Fenway Park hits the century mark on Friday, and a plethora of festivities will commemorate the centennial of one the greatest gifts the sporting world has to offer.

Fenway Park 100th Anniversary Celebration: Happy Birthday, Fenway

Happy birthday, Fenway Park. America's Most Beloved Ballpark turned 100 years old on Friday, and the Boston Red Sox are throwing a big birthday bash for their magical ballpark.

The gates will open at 12:30 p.m. EST, with the festivities set to begin at 2 p.m. Oh, and did we mention that they're playing the New York Yankees at 3:05 p.m.? Not only is it the biggest rivalry in all of sports, but the Yanks' were the Red Sox' first opponent at Fenway one century ago with the same start time. Talk about special. Can it get any better?

Yes, it can. All living members of the Red Sox have been invited back to Fenway for an on field celebration before the game. In addition, Oscar-winning composer John Williams will be conducting the Boston Pops as they debut "Fanfare for Fenway," which is Williams' newest composition. Keith Lockhart will then conduct the Pops for the National Anthem and "Hymn to New England," followed by a flyby from the Air Force's Heritage Flight team.

Finally, the Red Sox will attempt to break a world record with a toast to Fenway Park. Fans will find grape juice drinks and cups beneath their seats (so you might not want to wear white), and will be asked to participate in a toast after the pregame ceremonies in effort to set the new world record for the largest toast at a single venue.

Gethin Coolbaugh, the editor of SB Nation Boston (otherwise known as myself), will be live at Fenway Park to cover all the fun. Follow @GethinCoolbaugh on Twitter for updates.

For more coverage of Fenway Park's 100th Anniversary, follow our StoryStream.

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