A sea of Red Sox fans enjoy Wednesday night's game, the record 500th consecutive sellout at Fenway Park.

Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez

BOSTON — Many of the more than 37,000 fans who packed Fenway Park Wednesday night for the game against Florida probably did not realize it on their way in, but they became part of party night with the Red Sox.

They helped make it the 500th straight sellout for the Sox.

Once they arrived, the fans certainly knew this night was a bit different. As they entered, each fan was given a picture postcard of the park that commemorated the 500 sellouts. The card included a three paragraph letter of thanks from team ownership.

Then there was the field. The grounds crew had cut a huge 5-0-0 into the outfield grass to note that it was the 500th time, since May 15, 2003, that the Sox had packed the place.

"We're in the midst of a really unique time," said Sox manager Terry Francona of the longest sellout streak in baseball history."I do take it for granted. Maybe I shouldn't.

"We have a very special place. There's no getting around that. I know I've never seen any place like this," Francona added."It's unique, in a good way."

"I was here last year when they broke the record for consecutive sellouts, and it doesn't seem like there's an end in sight," said Jason Bay."The atmosphere since I've been here is unbelievable. Just the number speaks volumes."

Bay has never played in a game in Fenway that has not been sold out. Then again, Francona has never managed a game in Fenway that was not sold out. He has guided the team to two World Series titles, but never seen the place less than full. He seemed a bit taken aback by being part of the streak.

"It's created an opportunity to brag about not just our fans, but our ownership," Francona said."I think the best thing we can do, (those of us) in uniform, is win games. I know people care about that.

"But it can't be just one thing," he added."I think this ownership group has tried so hard to find ways to show these great fans that they also care about them. Tickets are expensive. We realize that. We respect that . . . (The owners) try to make fans feel very, very important."

As they have done so often, team ownership came up with some interesting ways to note No. 500. In addition to the outfield grass and the post cards, everyone also was given a commemorative baseball etched with the"500” graphic as they left the park.

At the end of every inning, fans were randomly selected to receive giveaways from Sox sponsors. Everything from 500 hot dogs to 500 $10 gas cards to 500 large cheese pizzas to 500 certificates for a free burrito were handed out.

"This record is the fans' record, and we want to salute the members of Red Sox Nation for reaching this extraordinary milestone," said John Henry, the principal owner."It's a testament to the passion and dedication they have for the game, for the team and for the ballpark. Every day, we work hard to ensure that we are worthy of their loyal support."

Video"thank-yous" from owners, players and other Boston notables were shown between innings. Three fans were selected to throw out the first pitch. They were given jerseys that read 5-0-0.

The biggest giveaway was to find one fan sitting exactly 500 feet from home plate to receive two authentic bleacher seats from Fenway. They were seats removed last year as part of the renovations.

The players spoke about how Fenway really is different. The team broke the old record of 455 straight full houses, by Cleveland.

"It's pretty impressive," said J.D. Drew."I don't think there's any question. Everybody knows how supportive they are and how much they've been here. It's awesome to be a part of."

Nick Green, who has had two different stints in the Yankees' organization, spoke about this year's experience with David Ortiz.

"If David played there (in New York), he would have been booed out of the lineup in a month," Green said."Here, it's great." Green made a pregame speech to a group of youngsters on the first-base side before the game Wednesday and learned more of the Red Sox passion from the kids.

"I was asked my favorite place to play and said New York," he related."They booed me. I was just being honest."

Francona spoke about how managing in Philadelphia was different for him, how he was booed often.

"They were nasty," he said. His experience has been very different in Boston.

"I don't think I can remember a day in Boston since I've been here where you show up and say, ‘Let's get this game over with,' ” Francona said."The fans' emotions, they don't let that happen. I think the players will recognize that. You show up here, you better be ready to play."

pkenyon @projo.com