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03/23/05 5:21 PM ET

Fans observe Fenway Park upgrades

Red Sox Nation excited about ballpark modifications

Five members of Red Sox Nation were impressed with Fenway Park's improvements. (Winslow Townson/AP)
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BOSTON -- Seeing was believing for five charter members of Red Sox Nation.

Two brothers, a father and son and a 28-year-old Boston resident were part of the historic announcement that the Red Sox would be staying put at Fenway Park well into the future.

As members of the official fan club of the defending World Series champions, they became the first fans to be invited to a formal press conference in the .406 Club at Fenway. They were then taken on a VIP tour of the massive construction project undertaken since the Red Sox ended 86 years of frustration.

MLB.com had the chance to sit down with the fortunate five before the press conference to get a sense for their anticipation and follow them through their up-close look at the changes, including the new home dugout runway, the batting cage behind the first base dugout, the new players' lounge and weight room, and the Game On! Restaurant on the corner of Brookline Avenue and Lansdowne Street.

  • Ryan Murphy, 28, Boston, Mass.
  • Paul Chapman, 57, Avon, Mass.
  • Ben Chapman, 31, Avon, Mass.
  • Daniel Fuss, 17, Wellesley, Mass.
  • Tom Fuss, 16, Wellesley, Mass.

    Ryan Murphy: "It's a totally different ballpark than what it was even five years ago. It's definitely a better place to come. There's obviously more they can do, but this is proof that they're committed to doing it. I'm really curious to see the meat and bones of the operation."

    Paul Chapman: "I'm totally excited. I'm a big kid. To be a little closer, I feel like a real VIP today. Coming to a game is always an event. That's what it feels like today.

    "I know the average Red Sox fan doesn't have access to all of this. This is why I joined."

    Ben Chapman: "You look at what they've done since they've taken over the team [in 2002], and the improvements haven't stopped. This is just part of the ongoing process. It'll be interesting to see what they've done."

    Daniel Fuss: "Over the past three years, I've always taken part in the online ticket program. They have just made improvements in all of their operations here, and I can't wait to see what they've done to the field and the clubhouses."

    Tom Fuss: "I think it's great that they keep the fans they have and make them feel loved. It kind of make me feel like you're part of something much larger."

    Following their behind-the-scenes look at Fenway, MLB.com solicited the reaction and opinions of the lucky members of Red Sox Nation.

    Daniel Fuss: "They made good use of the space they had to work with, especially that new area above the new weight room. It gives fans so much more room to walk around and not feel so crowded in.

    "I really enjoyed the access today, unlike anything I've ever felt when I've come here before. (Principal owner) John Henry was right there, standing next to me, getting the same first look at everything that I was. That was awesome!

    "I can't believe how interesting it was to see what the inside of the park was like. I saw places I never saw before."

    Tom Fuss: "It felt cool to be the first person in to see the really great job. You got the feeling that it wasn't one huge step, but incrementally it all adds up over the last three years, and it's all going to continue to add up."

    Ryan Murphy: "The impression I got was that a lot of the improvements this time were aimed at players and the field, like leveling the field so [Jason] Varitek could throw to second base better, a better drainage facility, and, of course, the batting cage and tunnel. A happier team is a better team. I was excited. I couldn't believe we had a chance to stand next to Larry Lucchino as all of these changes were shown for the first time. It makes you feel special as a Red Sox Nation member."

    Paul Chapman: "I was so happy to share this with my son. It was clear that they put in some creature comforts and they believe that two of the most important aspects of their business are their fans and their employees. I just hope Edgar Renteria can find his way through all the new corridors. Being here, they really made you feel like kings for a day. All of these changes will certainly make Opening Day a day in history."

  • Mike Petraglia is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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