On April 13, 1997, Kids' Opening Day at Fenway Park, the Red Sox introduced their new mascot, Wally the Green Monster. According to legend, Wally, an avid Red Sox fan since Fenway Park's opening in 1912, had secretly lived inside the left-field wall since 1947. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Fenway's famed "Green Monster," Wally decided to make his official appearance in 1997 to Red Sox fans. Since his debut, Wally has made numerous visitations in the community, appearing at the Friendly Fenway Festival, Sox Talk clinics, the Red Sox Caravan, schools and other locations in addition to his role of greeting fans entering Fenway. Wally has also brought smiles to the children at the Jimmy Fund Clinic and other local hospitals, while teaching all he meets to love baseball, the Red Sox and Fenway Park. In 1999, Wally hosted mascots from other Major League teams during the All-Star events.