FENWAY PARK — There is always a buzz on this day, the opener for your Boston Red Sox.
Always.
But this buzz felt different compared to say, the last three years, when the only hope was to chase a Wild Card berth.
The two big wins in Baltimore helped. So did the 1975 Red Sox, entering from left field during pregame, with Carl Yastrzemski throwing the first pitch.
And then came an early eruption, five first inning runs, including two home runs.
The Red Sox eventually won, 13-9, to put a bow on a great day.
Two men with local ties – North Andover natives Matt Legner and Mike Demirujian – have been going to bars near Fenway Park since 2005 with Hampton, N.H., resident Fred Willis joining the crew in 2011.
While they attended the game last year when cheap tickets came available, every other Opening Day visit has been centered on the experience outside over what happens inside.
“We love being here on this day. We really love it!” said Legner, who resides in Chester, N.H. “We don’t have to be inside the park to feel that. And today feels different. There is more of a buzz.”
The first two words out of the mouth of Laura Busby, a Derry, N.H., resident and native, when asked what felt different between this day and the other 14 Opening Days she has attended, there was no hesitation.
“Kristian Campbell,” said Busby, who attended the game with her friend Laura Gulinello, of the rookie second-base sensation.
“I love him already. I love the fact he didn’t know if he had a roommate (in Texas). He’s already added something to this team.”
Then there were other additions, as in third baseman Alex Bregman, the opening day starter Walker Buehler and the new ace, Garrett Crochet, who was dominant on Wednesday.
Money talks. Fans show up, apparently a little peppier on Opening Day.
“Ownership spending money has definitely gotten a lot of people excited, including us,” said Legner.
“They have a really good team, potentially. That’s why people are more excited, not only here, but everywhere.”
Busby recalled coming to games at Fenway Park with her grandfather, which probably led to her many visits to the park.
“I was born into this,” she said. “My Grandpa John was the best. He started this for me.”
The bulk of people, though, at Fenway Park for Game 1, are there for the annual holiday.
Methuen resident Kerrie Redman has heard a lot of excitement about the new guys, but either way she would’ve been there for Opening Day 2025.
“The guys I grew up watching were guys like Wade Boggs, whom I loved,” said Redman.
“I’m still getting a feel for this team and all of the new players. I love the team no matter who is playing.”
You can email Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.