Empyreal Environs

Most everyone knows about the restoration of Fenway Park’s .406 Club and interior façade into open-air seating replete with corporate sponsor naming gimmick courtesy of EMC. I’m surprised more folks didn’t complain about the renaming of the section since it was originally a tribute to Ted Williams, but there will be a section of 406 seats called the Ted Williams Lounge.

Not many know about the construction currently underway at Hadlock Field, homefield of the Portland Sea Dogs and my favorite minor league park. Even though Hanley Ramirez won’t be roaming the infield, there are many other things to look forward to. Perhaps 2005 first round pick Jacoby Ellsbury will go on a run in Wilmington and get promoted. Matt Van Der Bosch will be tearing up the basepaths and Edgar Martinez will continue his evolution from position player to pitcher. And Portland will see the opening of a grandstand in right field much like the Monster Seats at Fenway. Once completed, these will be the only seats where one may catch a home run ball. Along with the additional 390 seats, the Sea Dogs will also be playing on new turf.

They still need to do something about the visitors’ bullpen, though.