 |
(Continued) According to the Boston Red Sox web site, the official opening took place April 20, 1912: "The Red Sox defeated the New York Highlanders, later known as the Yankees, before 27,000 fans, 7-6 in 11 innings. The event would have made front page news had it not been for the sinking of the Titanic only a few days before." Fenway remained an Irish gathering place for years to come, when there wasn't a baseball game scheduled. On June 29, 1919, for example, Irish leader Eamon deValera held a Freedom Rally at Fenway Park that attracted nearly 60,000 people, spilling onto the infield. (top picture.) The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) also played at Fenway over the years. On June 6, 1937 All-Ireland Football Champions from County Mayo defeated the Massachusetts team, 17 to 8. And on November 8, 1954, the All-Ireland hurling champions County Cork beat an American line-up, 37 to 28. Today the legacy of Charles Logue remains intact. Red Sox president Larry Lucchino has a framed photograph of Charles Logue in his office, "for a little inspiration," according to the Providence Journal. And Boston's Irish Heritage Trail, which depicts the city's 300 years of Irish history, is planning to add Fenway Park as an Irish Landmark in its forthcoming walking map this summer, joining the Rose Kennedy Greenway, Irish Famine Memorial, and other local landmarks. Logue's descendants have also remained a presence in the area, thanks to Logue Engineering Company, Inc. in Hingham. According to its web site, Charles remained president of the company until his death in 1919. His son, A. Emmett Logue and grandson, A. Emmet Logue, Jr. ran the company until 1972. Great grandson Jim Logue started Logue Engineering in 1975, and his son Kevin, is now the fifth generation of Logues in the family business. "We are very proud to have him as a part of our family and everyone is always interested to hear of our connection with Fenway Park," Kevin Logue said. Indeed, Bostonians everywhere are proud of his sturdy stadium that has outlasted all other major league parks in the nation. To Charles Logue and his family from everyone who loves baseball, well done! Michael P. Quinlin is president of the Boston Irish Tourism Association and author of the book, http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/history.jsp |