How Red Sox Developed New Wally Head Home Run Celebration

BOSTON — Vibes reached a season-high for the Red Sox when the offense plated five runs in the first inning of the home opener at Fenway Park.

The inning saw the highlight when Trevor Story and Wilyer Abreu smashed back-to-back home runs to spark the lineup. The long balls also presented the perfect time to unveil the new home run celebration prop: an open-face mascot head based on Wally the Green Monster.

The Red Sox posted a video of the original mascot presenting Jarren Duran, who came up with the idea, with the new prop that immediately went to use Friday at Fenway, thanks to the work of assistant general manager Raquel Ferreira.

“I’m jealous that (Story) was the first one to wear the Wally head,” Duran said. “I had the idea, but Raquel was the one that got it done. She told me don’t get my hopes up, but yesterday, Wally actually presented it to me. It was kind of a cool thing to happen.”

Duran found the next step from 2023’s inflatable Masataka Yoshida dumbbells and Alex Cora’s 2024 Boston Marathon 5K medal. Originally wanted to use the actual mascot head, but this version is far more suitable for the dugout.

“It looks pretty good,” Story said. “It barely fits on our heads, but I’ll slide it on no matter what. It’s a fun thing. Hopefully, we can wear it a lot this year.”

“I had no idea until I went to get my energy drink when I went down to go to the dugout,” Cora said. “I walked into the cage and saw it. I just closed my eyes. It’s fun. We’re in the entertainment business. If they want to do it, they’ve got the green light.”

That hat could get plenty of wear, especially given that the Red Sox hit five home runs in the last two games. If wear and tear means production for the offense, Boston will take it.

“I’m sure the staff here will keep it nice and clean for us,” Duran said. “But hey, if we’re rolling and it’s got to be dirty, it’s got to be dirty.”