THE "NOMAR BOWL"

THE "IDIOTS" REVERSE THE CURSE

May 24, 2004 ...  No game scheduled ... The Boston Red Sox are leaning strongly toward undertaking major renovations at Fenway Park and hope to develop a master plan for rebuilding the oldest and smallest ballpark in the major leagues by the end of the season.

Principal owner John Henry said any renovations of the ballpark would add a maximum of 5,000 seats, bringing capacity to no more than 40,000 fans. "I love Fenway," Henry said in an interview from Fenway Park. "I don't think you can replicate the magic you have here. It would never feel like Fenway."  Henry's statements are the strongest suggestion to date that the owners of the Red Sox would prefer to remain at their home for the past 92 years, rather than build a new ballpark in the same neighborhood or in another section of the city.

The Sox were well-represented at the annual Nomar Bowl, with general manager Theo Epstein heading a contingent that included manager Terry Francona, the coaching staff, and most of the players. Members of the Patriots, Bruins, Celtics, and Revolution also joined hundreds of corporate and individual donors who participated in the bowling tournament. Many also participated in auctions on items ranging from autographed gloves and jerseys to a dinner and wine tasting with Garciaparra, Ray Bourque, and Troy Brown.

Funny place for a meeting of two power brokers who may influence the direction of the Red Sox for years to come. Flanked on one side by a shoe rental counter and on the other by coin-operated arcade games, the franchise's principal owner, John W. Henry, chatted cordially for a few minutes last night with Nomar Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, in the lobby of the Town Line Ten Pin bowling alley.  Five months earlier, Henry and Tellem engaged in a bitter, public dispute that raised serious questions about Garciaparra's future with the Sox. Yesterday's meeting was a sign that both parties harbor at least some hope that the All-Star shortstop's days in Boston may not be numbered after all.

Garciaparra said he plans to end the tradition of the Nomar Bowl mainly because it's No. 5, like his uniform number and the number of values his foundation recognizes, and not because he believes he will play elsewhere next year. But even if he does go elsewhere, he plans to maintain his ties to the community.