TBT: Historic Photos of the Glorious Fenway Park

Opening Day 1963. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

Ah, Fenway: the country’s oldest ballpark and a true field of dreams. The park opened on April 20, 1912, and has been home to Red Sox nation ever since.

Fenway will welcome fans for the first time this season on Thursday, when the Red Sox host the Tampa Bay Rays. Boston took three of four games from their divisional counterparts in Florida to start this year, and the franchise is 70-47 in home openers.

Fenway still has the charm of an older ballpark, but necessary renovations have been made over the years to keep it in prime condition for the roughly 3 million people who walk through the park each season. This year, minor adjustments include an expanded net, dugout-style seating along the first-base line, and 30 extra seats in left field. And for the foodies out there, Fenway’s concessions will incorporate more local options, like loaded tater tots, edible cookie dough, and lobster poutine.

There’s no better way to celebrate Fenway’s opening day than with some throwback photos of the ballpark’s past, courtesy of Leslie Jones.

Red Sox batting practice in 1949. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

Fans scramble for a foul ball in 1948. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

Red Sox team picture in 1946. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

Ted Williams in the 1940s. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

Frank Malzone, Red Sox third baseman in 1959. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection

Washington Senators coach Nick Altrock atop a giant baseball that traveled around the country, held up by Red Sox outfielder Bobby Veach and second baseman Bill Wambsganss. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection