His disinterest in his flagship club has been evident since at least 2020. Henry and Fenway Sports Group have prioritized selling “the Fenway Experience” over delivering the postseason-caliber team promised to fans year after year.
Even though attendance at the park has declined, the Fenway Experience remains a draw. Even longtime Boston fans who have visited Fenway countless times are captivated by its charm.
However, a crucial part of the Fenway Experience is the passionate Red Sox fanbase in the stands, which has been noticeably sparse this year compared to previous seasons.
Since acquiring the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2020, Henry’s primary focus has been maximizing profits. The Red Sox traded away stars like Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers and shifted towards a small-market approach, leveraging the passion of Boston sports fans to do so.
"I think people [with the organization] are legitimately embarrassed"@jtomase paints a pretty bleak picture about the state of the Red Sox so far during Spring Training 😨 pic.twitter.com/Pynoa0t0K6
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) February 17, 2024
The Fenway Faithful continue to fill the seats day in and day out, supporting their beloved team regardless of its performance. This dynamic plays into Henry’s strategy—he uses the Red Sox and Fenway Park to generate revenue while pursuing other ventures, such as the billion-dollar stake in the PGA Tour acquired last winter.
Despite promises from the front office and recent efforts to project a more committed stance, such as hiring a new chief baseball officer, Henry’s priorities became apparent when free agency commenced.
The apathy of the front office impacts the players as much as the fans, if not more. Rafael Devers highlighted the team’s needs at the beginning of the 2024 spring training. Many players have seen their careers stalled under an owner perceived as indifferent, with Devers standing out as he delivers a standout season amidst a roster of rookies and lower-tier free agents.
Henry’s strategy thrives on the belief that Fenway Park will remain filled, or nearly so, on a daily basis, regardless of team performance. Money serves as his primary motivator, leaving fans with a potential lever—if dissatisfied with the team’s direction, they can refuse to financially support FSG’s strategy.
For some members of Red Sox Nation, however, boycotting games is challenging. Fear of losing coveted season tickets and the desire to support the players keep fans coming to the ballpark. Yet, the most effective way to support the players may be to compel ownership to invest more in the team by withholding financial support until meaningful changes are made.
Ultimately, fans hold the power to compel Henry and FSG to uphold their promises of investing in the Red Sox. Though it’s regrettable that it’s come to this, avoiding Red Sox games may be the necessary catalyst to prompt ownership to take notice and take action.
