Editor’s note: Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912. NESN.com will be celebrating Fenway’s 100-year anniversary with unique content from now until April 20, 2012.
The 1985 season was one defined in equal portions by its successes and its failures — one need look no further than the Red Sox’ perfectly .500 record of 81-81 for an indication of that.
While Wade Boggs continued his brilliance at the plate — he hit a team-record 240 hits and won his second batting title with a whopping .368 batting average — the Sox’ pitching was less than stellar. Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd was the only pitcher with double-digit wins, finishing his season with a 15-13 record.
While the pitching left something to be desired, the Sox did lead the league in fancy trick plays. On July 21 at Fenway Park, second baseman Marty Barrett successully used the good ol’ hidden ball trick only two weeks after pulling off the same ruse on the road.
Fenway also opened its doors to the Cape Cod League All-Stars, as the young squad of up-and-coming players defeated the Atlantic College Baseball League All-Star team in a battle of the bats, 12-9.
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