Can you name any of the Red Sox players on this year's team?
BOSTON - David Ortiz was mobbed by fans as he left Fenway Park after appearing in the pre-game ceremony during Tuesday's Boston Red Sox home opener.
"My favorite, Big Papi," said one fan. "They were great guys and they had great personalities."
He was talking about 2004. But what about today's Red Sox? When WBZ-TV showed fans pictures of current players, few could name any of them.
"I don't know that one," said a fan looking at a photo of catcher Connor Wong.
"We know more about Red Sox that have left than we know about players that are here," said Red Sox fan Joan Gladu.
Another fan, Cody Jurgelewicz, squinted as he looked at a picture of pitcher Kutter Crawford. "Is that Justin Turner?" he guessed before changing his answer. "No, (first baseman Triston) Casas."
Red Sox need stars and wins
"There's a need for that star appeal," said UMass Boston marketing professor Joseph Cooper. He said promoting newer players would help, especially if done in a way to attract younger fans.
"How do we effectively communicate the identities, the backgrounds, the interest of the current players with our diverse fanbase?" he asked.
"You can't be loveable losers in Boston. It just doesn't happen," said longtime Boston sportswriter Steve Buckley. When asked what it would take to fill the seats at Fenway 2004-style, Buckley gave a one-word answer. "Pitching," he said. "They need pitching. If you win games, and then you develop some personality, this ballpark will fill up, but they've got to do one, and then the other."
Fans still optimistic
Even though the Red Sox lost to the Baltimore Orioles Tuesday, Fenway Park was still full of the optimism that has defined its fans since before anyone can remember.
"This team, this Red Sox team's got a little spunk. They look a little like that '04 team," said Travis Gonick, who was first in line at the turnstiles. "Maybe they can make a little noise."
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