When the Boston Bruins hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at Fenway Park for the 2023 NHL Winter Classic, Red Sox owner John Henry was thinking of some of the fans in attendance.
Henry, who owns the Red Sox and the Penguins through Fenway Sports Group, has drawn the ire of Boston fans recently. After finishing last in the AL East last season, the Red Sox have failed to re-sign players like Xander Bogaerts and JD Martinez, with outfield striker Rafael Devers remaining unsigned since Monday afternoon.
As Bruins fans flocked to Fenway Park, they made their dissatisfaction with Henry known. When Henry arrived at the park for the match, fans were there shouting “Pay Raffy!”
Another fan, Mike Mullen, tried to enter Fenway Park with a sign saying “Pay Devers Please”. However, Mullen claims he was taken by stadium staff as he tried to enter through gate E.
“We entered through gate E,” Mullen told the Boston Herald. “I didn’t really get an explanation as to why. The security guard said “I agree” on a sign then called another person to look at it and he said no. So they kept my mark. Code of Conduct for Fans” and I felt that my mark did not violate any of the guidelines contained therein.”
A Red Sox spokesman told the Boston Herald that security officers at Gate E “made a subjective assessment because it was an NHL event. If they were run by management, it would be allowed and we emphasize that with a team that was on site.”
The Bruins eventually defeated the Penguins 2-1, but the Red Sox agreed to a one-year contract with Devers just a day later.
