Arthur D’Angelo is a familiar face to Red Sox fans. The co-founder of the Boston-based ’47 is the unofficial Mayor of Fenway thanks to his post inside the brand’s storefront prior to each game, waving at passers-by and letting some try on one of his many World Series rings. This season marks the 72nd home opener for D’Angelo—and the first since he was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in May.
Arthur and his late twin brother, Henry, got their start selling flowers, papers, pennants and sports memorabilia from a pushcart outside of the ballpark after moving from Italy in 1938. Gradually, the duo added more merchandise to their inventory before founding Twin Enterprises, which was renamed ’47 in 2010 to commemorate the year the twins began their business. Today, the company carries headwear and apparel for all of the major professional sports teams and maintains its Jersey Street flagship for fans to buy their flair.
To date, Arthur has attended more than 5,000 Red Sox games and says he’s frequented every one at Fenway since 1947. Coming off the 2018 Red Sox World Series win, visitors strolling down Jersey Street will likely catch D’Angelo seated in his signature baseball mitt chair at the entrance of his store this April.