The highly anticipated call-up of Boston Red Sox top prospect Roman Anthony arrived with truly impeccable timing. His promotion to the big leagues occurred precisely 79 years to the day after legendary Hall of Famer Ted Williams launched Fenway Park’s most storied home run.
Anthony, just 21, joins the Red Sox as one of baseball’s most electrifying young talents. He had already captivated audiences in Triple-A Worcester, but his 497-foot grand slam on Friday, the longest known homer in professional baseball this year, undeniably signaled his readiness. This monumental blast, clearing the right-field seats in Rochester, traveled further than any home run recorded by modern stars like Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge.
His arrival not only injects vital energy and impact into the Boston lineup but also adds a poetic layer to the club’s rich history. On June 9, 1946, Ted Williams famously crushed an estimated 502-foot home run into Fenway’s right-field bleachers, striking a fan and leaving an indelible mark. That specific red-painted seat (Section 42, Row 37, Seat 21) remains a sacred monument at Fenway.
While Williams’ epic swing was aided by strong winds, his feat remains exceptionally rare. As ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian noted, “He was a great hitter on every level,” labeling Williams the best left fielder of all time and second only to Babe Ruth at the plate.
Though Anthony has a long road ahead to reach Williams’ iconic status, the symmetry between the two is undeniable. Both are left-handed sluggers, known for their towering home runs and effortless power. And now, both are eternally linked by a remarkable event that unfolded on a June 9th at historic Fenway Park.