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Freeport, ME, April 4, 2025
L.L.Bean & The Boston Red Sox: A Match Made in History
3 Min. Read | Our Partners
L.L.Bean and the Boston Red Sox share more than just New England roots—they share a 113-year legacy built on a love of baseball, craftsmanship, and community. This enduring kinship has evolved into a true partnership, seen today in the iconic L.L.Bean rain tarp that covers the infield at Fenway, exclusive events and giveaways, and special edition gear you won’t find anywhere else.
Two Legends Are Born
The story begins in 1912—a landmark year for New England. Fenway Park opened its gates, the Red Sox won the World Series, and Leon Leonwood Bean introduced the Maine Hunting Shoe, changing outdoor footwear forever.
But L.L. had another passion: baseball.
A devoted Red Sox fan, L.L. made regular trips from Freeport to Fenway, always reserving three seats—one for himself, one for his wife, and one for their gear or a lucky guest. He never attended a game without his custom scorebook, meticulously tracking every pitch and play. That dedication led to the creation of the “Simplified Baseball Score Book,” which he began marketing in the 1950s.
Baseball and Boots: A Lasting Bond
The connection between L.L.Bean and the Red Sox goes beyond fandom. Ted Williams, the Splendid Splinter himself, once tried to buy the company. In a 1960 letter, Williams proposed merging his fishing tackle business with L.L.Bean—or purchasing it outright. Though the deal never came to be, it spoke volumes about the mutual respect between two legends.
Even Babe Ruth was a fan. In a handwritten note alongside a photo from a hunting trip, the Great Bambino thanked L.L. for outfitting him with boots and gear—proof that Bean’s craftsmanship was trusted by baseball’s biggest icons.
An Iconic Rain Tarp
For over 15 years, L.L.Bean has sponsored the Red Sox infield rain tarp—a massive 30,625-square-foot shield featuring the unmistakable Bean Boot design. Not only does it keep the infield dry; it’s a symbol of our ongoing partnership and commitment to the game we love.
When the rain tarps retire, they’re not thrown out—they’re reborn. Transformed into limited-edition totes made from the very material that once covered Fenway’s infield. Durable, collectible, and deeply rooted in Red Sox history, these specialized bags are a huge fan favorite when available. Be on the lookout for the next product inspired by our partnership.
Whether it’s bringing flannel fun to the Green Monster, keeping your Sox dry with our signature rain tarp, or crafting exclusive, never-before-seen gear for devoted fans, L.L.Bean is proud to help Red Sox fans enjoy the outdoors more, honor the legacy of these two iconic organizations, and support the team—season after season.