or the fans, fantasy became reality when Kevin Costner announced the All-Century Team. The actor, known for the baseball movies ''Field of Dreams'' and ''Bull Durham'' added even more drama to the night.
''I'm waiting for the cornfields to grow,'' said Bill Keller of Newburyport. ''I can't believe I'm listening to Kevin Costner announce the All-Century players. It just reminds me of the movie [Field of Dreams]. I've been to Fenway a lot, but nothing like this. The energy in this place is unbelievable.''
The 70th All-Star Game at Fenway Park brought together a mix of celebrities and seasoned baseball fans in a carnival atmosphere. With the All-Century team present, and Ted Williams throwing out the first pitch, the spectators were swept up by the history.
''It's a great atmosphere. It's unbelievable,'' said Buffalo Bills quarterback and Natick resident Doug Flutie. ''We were just saying that this is a very historic game. It could be the last All-Star Game here. The fact that I was out on the field [at the celebrity hitting contest] brings it closer.''
During Coster's introductions, George Bodenheimer leaned over to tell his sons about Hank Aaron. The family from New Canaan, Conn., was awestruck by the all-time home run leader.
''That's Hank Aaron. He had more home runs than anybody,'' Bodenheimer told his children, who were standing on their seats. ''It's a special moment to be part of history and an All-Star Game at Fenway is part of history.''
Celebrities and politicians, including Governor Paul Cellucci, dotted the third base line. Actors Denis Leary, Chris Rock, and Matt Damon were reportedly in attendance.
The celebrities and former baseball greats pulled up in black and white stretch limos to the intersection of Van Ness and Yawkey Way. Fans without tickets waited to see their favorites outside the park.
''I've seen Ernie Banks, Reggie Jackson, Hank Aaron, the Governor,'' said Ed Kilgore of Watertown. ''I'm just here to catch the game. I wanted to buy a ticket, but too many people were out here looking for one or two tickets. There's still hope. And there's excitement out here with everybody walking along the street. It gives it more of a baseball feel.''
Yawkey Way turned into a street carnival before the game. There was a man on stilts. Uncle Sam, a man from Quincy who had his name legally changed 10 years ago, walked in front of the ballpark with a sign that read ''America's favorite Uncle needs a ticket. Please.'' He came dressed in a star-spangled top hat, red and white striped pants, and a blue coat. Fans flocked to souvenir stores. The Budweiser Clydesdales - Tom, Eddy, King, Abe, Edgar, Scott, Clyde, Mac, Reggie, and Charlie - were in attendance on Ipswich Street.
And in front of the Red Sox ticket office, a crowd waited for late release tickets that never came.
''Come on, Dan,'' yelled Diane Sheridan of Brighton. ''We want some tickets. We know you've got them.''
The crowd dispersed when police announced that tickets were unavailable. They wandered down Yawkey Way and Brookline Avenue, soaking up history outside Fenway while dreams came true inside.
