Watch CBS News

Toucher & Rich Grill Red Sox President Sam Kennedy On High Beer Prices, 'Sweet Caroline'

BOSTON (CBS) -- Once Fred Toucher kicked off his interview with Red Sox president Sam Kennedy like one of the "Bobs" in Office Space ("What would you say, ya do here?"), you knew things would get a bit awkward.

In the wake of March Badness and the improbable championship run of "$10 beers at Fenway" over powerhouses like "Sweet Caroline" and "Red Sox ceremony overkill," Toucher & Rich seized the opportunity to grill Mr. Kennedy about all of the things about the Red Sox and Fenway Park that drive them and much of the fanbase batty.

Admirably, Mr. Kennedy did not shy away from the questions, taking responsibility for the things that the guys frequently chastise on the air, such as the overuse of "Sweet Caroline" in the eighth inning, the grossly overpriced nature of beers at the ballpark, and the mere existence of "Grateful Dead Night."

On the beer prices, Mr. Kennedy offered this up: "We try to balance the need to generate as much revenue as possible at Fenway to invest in, really, two areas, and that's the product on the field ... number one, and number two, we've invested revenues to the tune of $300 million-plus into the preservation and protection of Fenway.

"It's important that we balance those prices and we have an affordable product in terms of ticketing, but when it comes to food & beverage our prices are higher, as you mentioned, but they are in line with the other sports and entertainment facilities in and around New England ... We try to be on par with those other venues every year and keep a balance."

Still awake? OK.

On whether the team has discussed scaling back the use of "Sweet Caroline," such as during ugly losses, Kennedy said: "Yes. ...There's a discussion about it about it at least once, twice a year. I think as long as fans continue to enjoy themselves at Fenway Park in the eighth inning, you'll see it continued ... But that does not mean we may not revisit it. We do chat about it from time to time, but certainly not as a result of a conversation that comes up on the radio from time to time (laughs). ... I don't anticipate any changes for 2016 on that front, but we'll see if fans continue to enjoy it."

On all of the things brought up, Kennedy essentially said that none of them are going to change. Beer prices will continue to rise as long as people buy them, and "Sweet Caroline" is going to blare through the Fenway speakers as long as people sing it, regardless of the score.

Mr. Kennedy also addressed Red Sox ceremony overkill and what could happen with all that unsold panda merchandise. And as tense as the interview seems to get as it happens, the ending is probably the best part. Listen to the full interview below:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.