The SCA engaged 36 Boston teens in city parks this summer, from the historic Harbor Islands to West Roxbury’s Allandale Woods. But on Sunday, August 30, some of them got to visit Boston’s best-known park: Fenway!
Bank of America invited SCA students as part of its Youth Day celebration, which kicked off with a tour of the majors’ oldest stadium. Tomeka Baker, 18, an SCA Island Ambassador and passionate Sox fan, declared “I’m gonna shed a tear!” as she stepped onto the field.
The day surprisingly contained several conservation themes. The Red Sox have installed solar panels to reduce energy consumption and stepped up their recycling, proving the left field wall isn’t Fenway’s only green feature. We watched batting practice from the Monster Seats – and could have used our SCA hard hats as the incoming fly balls were constant.
There were several ornithological insights as well. The famous Fenway hawk was spotted soaring over the third base stands, and Toronto’s Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) were stunned by Boston’s Paul Byrd (retirementa interruptus), who tossed six shutout innings (“goose eggs” in seamhead slang) in his first big league start in nearly a year.
Great day, great game, and a great crew: students Tomeka Baker, Adam Farrah, Dillon Gloss, Rani Jacobson, and Sarah Park, and leaders Allison Knight and Teagan Lowe. Thanks to Melissa Alpert and the Bank of America team for recognizing their service, stewardship and leadership.