Bedford Man Helps Organize Red Sox Record-Breaking Toast

Last week, Welch's and senior sales planning manager Keith Mannella of Bedford partnered with the Boston Red Sox and Guinness World Records to take title for the largest toast in one venue while celebrating Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary.

On April 20, those attending the Boston Red Sox game against the New York Yankees (NY Highlanders when the two teams Christened Fenway on April 20, 1912) raised thousands of glasses of Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice Cocktail to celebrate the history, tradition, and pride of Fenway Park, the oldest operating Major League ballpark in the United States. 

According to the Guiness Book of World Records website:

The largest toast at a single venue consisted of 32,904 participants organized by the Boston Red Sox to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, USA on 20 April 2012.

The toast was led by former Red Sox players Pedro Martinez and Kevin Millar, and occurred in a pregame ceremony before the Red Sox hosted the New York Yankees. Welch's brand provided 40,000 cans of sparkling grape juice and plastic cups to assist in the attempt.

As Fenway marked its centennial in Boston, celebrating with fellow local company Welch’s is a partnership steeped in tradition. Welch’s, the official juice and jelly of the Red Sox, is based in Concord, Mass., and recently celebrated its 140th anniversary. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the Red Sox to celebrate this milestone in Fenway history,” says Matt Wohl, VP Marketing at Welch’s. “This partnership represents two hometown favorites coming together with their fans to pay tribute to a landmark that carries with it so many memorable moments."

The previous record was 27,126 participants, set in 2010 at the Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs. Hanshin Tigers baseball game at Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo.

“We wanted to make history on Fenway Park’s 100th birthday,” said Red Sox Executive Vice President/COO Sam Kennedy. “Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice Cocktail is enjoyed by our fans and the players at the park, so it was the natural choice for us when we decided to break this record. We are proud to partner with Welch’s – a company with deep roots in New England – as we embark on this endeavor.”