The Boston Red Sox have sold the merchandise of opposing teams in their store for years. But fans are up in arms after this week’s series against the rival New York Yankees wasn’t exempt from that rule.
The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is among the fiercest in all of American sports – with fans expressing their hate for each other for over a century across the Northeastern US.
Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium have become hostile for rival fans. Which is why Red Sox Nation was disturbed when they discovered Yankees merchandise in their own team’s store.
Among the items for sale was a co-branded Yankees and Red Sox hat with the words ‘Fenway Park’ and ‘Greatest Rivalry’ on them.
But it was perhaps a step to far to sell ceremonial home plates with the Yankees logo, the dates of each of New York’s 27 titles and the words ‘World Series Champions’ on it.
Red Sox fans were outraged over the display of merchandise of their most hated rivals. Much of the anger was directed at team owner, John Henry.
Boston Red Sox fans were irate that New York Yankees merchandise was sold in their store
In addition to hats and shirts, the store sold commemorative championship home plates
Red Sox Nation turned its anger toward team owner John Henry for the ‘disgraceful’ move
‘Love how inclusive the Fenway experience is. They can waltz into our park, kick us between the legs, and grab some 27 rings merch on the way out!’ one sarcastic Boston fan posted to Twitter.
‘Boston used to throw Tea in the harbor over this type of treason,’ another joked.
‘As a fan of baseball and born Red Sox fan growing up in Massachusetts, I can say that this is one of the more disgusting things I’ve laid my eyes on. Growing up HATING the p***y f**k Yankees and you’re selling their merch now? John Henry go f**k yourself p***y,’ read one angry comment.
‘Disgraceful front office. Disgraceful management. Disgraceful organisation [sic],’ read another angry comment.
‘Fenway Park is supposed to be a cauldron. Instead, the Red Sox are turning it into a theme park for visiting Yankee fans, trading home-field advantage for a few extra bucks. Penny-wise, pound-foolish,’ said one commenter.
‘This ownership group is by far the most insufferable group in Boston professional sports. They are just looking to rake in the profits from the fanbase and put out a subpar product. Now they’re catering to the away teams to sell the fenway experience, not a WS contender. Pathetic,’ another user said.
‘Why TF??? He should lose ownership right on the spot just for thinking about the idea,’ added another, referring to Henry.
‘There’s no way an owner can be that delusional. For the sake of the rivalry, sell the team,’ a final post read.
Making matters worse, the Yankees won the first two games of their three-game road trip to Boston. The third game of the series is Thursday night.
