Pesky Pole

The right field foul pole stands just 302 feet from home plate and batters sometimes manage to wrap pitches right around this pole for a "cheap" home run. Mel Parnell has been credited with naming this pole after Sox legend Johnny Pesky, who himself hit only 17 home runs in his 10-year career, with just six of those coming at Fenway. Supposedly, Pesky hit one off Parnell late in a game that just squeaked around the pole to win it for the Sox. However, it wasn't until the late 1980's and early 1990's that the moniker became used on a regular basis. Even Pesky himself cannot remember the moment although he does remember hitting a two-run shot on Opening Day 1946 that did just that. However, having been on the Red Sox payroll for more than 60 years, Pesky is honored and flattered to have a piece of Fenway named in his honor.