Taking Aim at First Place

from Robin Hood, illustrated by N.C. Wyeth

So tonight it will be a battle of Division Rivals. Who would have thought a year ago that we would find ourselves challenged by the Devil Rays for the Division lead? But, as the cliche goes, that's why you play the game. The Rays have faltered a bit in the past week, and the Red Sox seem to be clicking again. Players are returning from the DL and performing. Mike Lowell homers in his first at bat! Beckett looks awesome on the mound! Even Big Papi's towering home run (and his fantastic reaction) look vintage. It's shaping up to be a key series - and one that hopefully will be enjoyable for RS fans.

Tonight is also memorable for another reason - from mlb.com

When the Red Sox take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night to kick off the home stand, they will make baseball history.

Well, check that. Red Sox fans will make baseball history. The 456th consecutive sellout at Fenway Park will break the record set by the Cleveland Indians' die-hards, who packed Jacobs Field for all 455 home games played from June 12, 1995-April 2, 2001.

It's amazing to ponder that. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of those crowds over the past three years, harking back to my first visit as an adult in July 2005:
For me, Fenway will always be the "field of dreams." Every time I walk up that ramp and see the green field, the Green Monster, and the fans, I get goosebumps. I can only imagine what it must be like for a rookie to be actually out on that field, hearing the cheers (and boos). How could you NOT be fired up, wanting to give it your all.

Judging from ticket sales, I imagine this record will go on and on...it will be a very difficult record for another team to break.