[r2d2]

BostonNut Wrote:Getting autographs is tough at Fenway. Like a previous poster said, head to Gate D for cabs dropping off players or the corner of Ipswich and Landsdowne where the visiting team bus pulls in. Once in the ballpark head down to the right field corner by Pesky's Pole. Pitchers who shag balls often come over to the wall to sign. Okey is a big signer over there. The biggest mobs will be heading straight for the dugouts. If you want to see the players close up then that is where to go, however they rarely sign there.

The best place to get a batting practice ball is out in the right field bleachers, sections 40-43 (my territory! I won't be there for the games you are going to though.) Just make sure you get out there early to get a spot right on the fence. Also, if you have bleacher seats, right after the game ends get right behind the Red Sox bullpen and wait until the ball boy comes to clear out the bullpen. He often throws balls into the stands. (Sometimes Paps and Timlin throw candy )

I hope you find the time to explore Boston. It is such a beautiful, peaceful city, especially in the summertime. My favorite place in the world (other than Fenway) is the Public Garden located next to Boston Common. It is beautiful there and very peaceful. Another thing I highly recommend is a trip to the top of the Prudential Building. It is a little pricey but it is the best view of the city you will find. As mentioned, the Freedom Trail is nice, but it is a lot of walking. If you have the time and energy do it without the guide. They just slow you down even more.

If you have any questions about Fenway or the city feel free to ask! I hope you have a wonderful time!

Really, thanks a lot for your reply, I was hoping you would see this thread as I remember you are an usher in Fenway, right?
I read that Fenway opens its doors 2 hours before the game, like how much time remains of their batting practice?
Thanks for the Prudential Tower tip, that's an attraction I didn't have on my list of things to do.

[BostonNut]

Yes, Fenway opens 2 hours before first pitch. There will be lines to get in the ball park so get to the park extra early. Also, Yawkey Way closes to the public 30 minutes before the gates open so keep that in mind. Once the park does open I would say the Red Sox have about 20-30 minutes left of their batting practice. It varies game to game. The Diamondbacks will take BP right after the Red Sox and you will get to see it in its entirety.

r2d2 Wrote:Really, thanks a lot for your reply, I was hoping you would see this thread as I remember you are an usher in Fenway, right?
I read that Fenway opens its doors 2 hours before the game, like how much time remains of their batting practice?
Thanks for the Prudential Tower tip, that's an attraction I didn't have on my list of things to do.

[Legendary Sports Cards]

I'd recommend doing what most people said and go to the games, enjoy the games, then enjoy the history of Boston and the great surroundings. If you do find yourself in desperate need to go to a card shop, hop on the redline or green line and get off at the Park St. station. On one of the side streets right near the Park St. station is a sports card shop called JJ Tea Party. (sorry, dont have the street name for ya!). On that same street is another dealer that specializes in coins, but has lots of cards too (you should see the cards in the window). JJ Tea Party is a bit pricey, however he does have A LOT of really nice singles in there and has a great variety of packs. The other dealer on the street is a little cheaper as for the price of packs, however he has less of a selection. From the Park St. T-Station, you can also walk to the Boston Public Garden which BostonNut suggested. Make sure to enjoy your time there, it is a great city that I'm so fortunate to live close to! Hope this helps!

[AHoff]

I'll probably be back there Monday, when I have tickets. Red Sox are tough, I haven't seen Oki sign much, but BostonNut has a ton of expirience being at the park almost every game. Don't spend too much time graphing and take it all in, Boston is a great city. +1 on the Prudential Tower, there is a resturant called 'Top of the Hub' that is great, located right a floor above the 'SkyWalk', or the observatory deck of the Prudential. Right around there is Copley Square, lots of great food and resturants. A stretch out of your way would be Quincy Market, on the other side of town. Great food (replica resturant of the old show Cheers) and shopping also, right near the TD Banknorth Garden.

[einho]

looks like the boston side of your trip has been well covered so I'll chime in with the Cooperstown part of it for you.
Been there several times as I live only about an hour and 20 mintues away so its a quick trip over. Parking--I would drive myself right into town and find a place to park around in the parking lots off of the side streets or park on the street somewhere. There are places where you can park about 5 minutes outside of town and a bus picks you up and drops you off right in town. I'm more of a "ill do it myself" guy so i don't choose the bus option, but whatever you like.
As far as the town goes, the main strip is the best place just to walk around, see the different shops, bookstores, restaurants etc. I'm not much of a fan of the card shops as they are all priced high but its still something you gotta do in Cooperstown--check out the shops. They definately have some good stuff to at least drool at and some good places to eat as well.
The Hall of Fame itself has gotten MUCH better in the past 2 years with renovations/additions. I felt it was somewhat confusing on where to go next and too often you ended up in an emtpy hall or a stairwell with no clear direction where to go next. BUT that have fixed that and the flow of the museum is much better! I would start in the most logical place but easy to blow through if you want--the plaque room. I found it fun to read the names and see all of them there and read the plaques of guys who I was interested in. Again, you can spend A LOT of time in there with all the reading, or you can just walk through it and go on to the museum.
I'm a big fan of all the OLD stuff--Mathewson, Cobb, Wagner etc so I am partial to those displays, but also being a big Red Sox fan, I saw the 2004 WS display with Schilling's bloody sock, Damon's bat Manny's jersey etc. which was awesome, but I doubt it will still be up 4 years later. The Babe Ruth room is cool--the game used bat they have on display is ENORMOUS--something like 42 inches and 54 ounces or something insane.
Overall, just take your time, take lots of pictures as coming from Mexico, who knows if you will make it back up to Cooperstown again. Enjoy the trip to Boston and Cooperstown. Travel safely!

[r2d2]

Woah, with these last responses I think I am completely set with Boston and Cooperstown.
I arrive to Boston on Saturday evening (screw that Eastern time, I lose 3 hours of my life) and I still have Sunday completely so I will try to make the most of them so on Monday and Tuesday I could make them baseball days. One day get very early to the stadium, for the tour and to get good seats and the bleachers for batting practice and next day I could arrive a little late to the stadium but have been to a shop.
Then in Cooperstown we almost have the complete day there and thankfully they close the museum at 9pm so we could make a tour in the morning and afternoon, then have lunch outside and in that time I could visit some shops and then return to the Hall of Fame in the evening until they close. I really hope they still the 04 WS display.
I'll make sure to take tons of pictures and even if I don't get any autographs (knocks on wood) I will post them on here.

I really appreciate all the responses, thank you very much guys!

[kyle y]

anybody been to fenway for yankees-sox??

how is the area like

thanks

-kyle

[AHoff]

kyle y Wrote:anybody been to fenway for yankees-sox??

how is the area like

thanks

-kyle

It's crazy, great atmosphere.

[promodeltodd]

To the OP, enjoy, I look forward to visiting Fenway for the first time this year and love Cooperstown, as I go to the induction every year. If you love history, definately plan at least a full day at the museum so you can read everything. It is impressive just to look at history, but to read and learn about it takes a lot more time.

On a similar note, if you are a Yankee fan, you go to a Yankee/Sox game at Fenway where you are a guest in a box seat, do you wear your Yankee hat, a la Elaine?

I am going to be in that situation in Septembers final weekend.