Nov. 18--Brian Kelly attended one of the 1975 World Series games at Fenway Park with his father.
Notre Dame's football coach couldn't pinpoint the specific game of the Fall Classic between the Red Sox and Reds, but the moment remains one of his favorite experiences at the Boston ballpark.
Kelly has returned to Fenway a few times since, including throwing out a first pitch before a Red Sox game this year.
He'll get yet another view of the park Saturday when the Irish play Boston College. The game is part of Notre Dame's Shamrock Series.
"Going to Fenway is an event in itself," said Kelly, who was born in Everett, Mass., and raised in Chelsea. "It's not just the stadium, but the surroundings. It's always an enjoyable time."
Notre Dame has played at Fenway once, defeating Dartmouth 64-0 on Oct. 14, 1944. Boston College last played there Dec. 1, 1956, losing to Holy Cross 7-0.
The then-Boston Patriots played the last football game at Fenway Park, against the Bengals on Dec. 1, 1968.
"It's classic Shamrock Series," Kelly said. "Whether it's Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, we do a great job of finding those iconic venues."
Notre Dame and Boston College are preparing for the adjustments that come with playing on a baseball field. Both teams will use the same sideline.
"Substitutions are going to be very difficult," Boston College coach Steve Addazio said. "You have a 10-yard gap between the teams. We try to teach our players, if there is a substitution, to get off the field right away, even if you have to enter their bench. Otherwise, you'll have a long way to run.
"We practiced it (Monday), because it is different. It's just awkward."
The Green Monster won't come in to play, but one of the end zones will be near the short wall next to the bullpens.
Kelly said an NFL stadium is next on his wish list.
"I'd be excited if we could get Lambeau Field," Kelly said. "Those classic venues. Fenway Park is one of those. This one is certainly a great one. We'll look forward to more just like this."
Extra points: Running back C.J. Prosise and tight end Nic Weishar returned to practice Tuesday. Both missed the Wake Forest game while recovering from concussions. Defensive lineman Daniel Cage also didn't play because of a concussion. He has not been cleared to practice. ... Kelly said tight end Durham Smythe might return for a playoff/bowl game. Smythe tore the MCL in his right knee Sept. 12 at Virginia. He underwent knee and shoulder surgeries.
lpope@post-trib.com
