The Inspiration Behind ‘Sweet Caroline’ At Red Sox Games

I recently came upon a YouTube short that explains why "Sweet Caroline" is played at Fenway Park during every home game.

In the middle of the eighth inning, something magical happens at Red Sox home games. The whole crowd stands up and sings "Sweet Caroline," a song by Neil Diamond from 1969. It's like a big family party! Everyone claps and yells "Bum bum bum!" as well as "so good, so good, so good"! during the chorus. But why do they do this? And does it really help the team win?

Caroline Fitzpatrick

The story starts back in 1997. A woman named Amy Tobey worked for the Red Sox. She picked the songs for the games. One day, her friend had a new baby girl named Caroline Fitzpatrick, the daughter of the scoreboard operator from 1984-2004.

To celebrate, Amy played "Sweet Caroline" over the speakers at Fenway. The fans loved it! They sang along and had a great time. At first, Amy only played it if the Red Sox were winning. But soon, it became a must-do for every home game. Now, it's played no matter what the score is. It makes the old ballpark feel even more special.

Becoming tradition

This tradition has been going on for 28 years. That's since 1997! Fenway Park is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium, built in 1912. "Sweet Caroline" adds joy to its long history.

Has the song inspired momentum and World Series rings?

Fans like to think so. Before 1997, the team hadn't won a World Series since 1918. The "Curse of the Bambino." But after the song started, the Red Sox broke the curse! They won the World Series in 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018. That's four big wins in just over 20 years.

Neil Diamond even sang it live at Fenway in 2013 during the playoffs. He joked that the song might get some credit for the team's success.

"Sweet Caroline" isn't just a tune - it's a symbol of hope and fun for Red Sox fans. It brings strangers together, singing about good times reaching out and touching. Next time you're at a game, join in. The bouncy bass line makes it impossible not to!