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Official Red Sox Press Release
September 9, 2008
Dear Red Sox Nation,
When a young fan shouted "Play Ball" on May 15, 2003, to start the Red Sox game against the Texas Rangers who could have dreamed that those two words would mark the start of something extraordinary, indeed unprecedented? That auspicious day was the first of 456 consecutive regular season sellouts. You -- the most loyal, passionate, and knowledgeable fans in all of baseball -- filled Fenway Park and, ultimately, set a new, all-time Major League Baseball sellout streak record. On behalf of the Red Sox players, partners and the entire organization, we want to thank you for the unwavering constancy of your faith and support.
This is not a record set by the Red Sox team or by Red Sox players. This is a historic record set by Red Sox fans. Today, we celebrate you -- the dedicated members of Red Sox Nation -- whose loyalty is the rock on which this franchise is built.
Every day, we look for ways to ensure that your trip to Fenway Park is filled with warmth and excitement. Our "little band box", to borrow a phrase from the author John Updike, has been a place where memories have been created for almost 100 years. During the last five years, our sellout crowds have witnessed some spectacular moments. Walk-off wins. The unfurling of two World Series banners. The miracle of two no-hitters. And, of course, countless personal memories that each fan created with family and friends.
It is September, and there is much work left to do to reach our goal of bringing home another championship for our fans. While everyone is focused on the important task at hand, we wanted to take this historic moment to sincerely thank you. We are able to embrace the myriad baseball challenges that lie ahead knowing your dedication and loyalty are with us. This kind of support is something we will never take for granted. We want to take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to finding ways every day to demonstrate our commitment and appreciation to you, our diehard loyal fans.
Thank you again for choosing to join us at Fenway Park, America's Most Beloved Ballpark. We look forward to continuing to see you here as we embark on the final weeks of what we hope will be another remarkable and successful Red Sox season. And, along the journey, we hope to perpetuate this magical Fenway Park sellout streak.
With respect and gratitude,
John W. Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino
-Darryl Houston Smith
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