What outfielder was Duffy's Cliff named after?

Duffy’s Cliff was named after outfielder Duffy Lewis. The nickname referred to the steep incline in left field at Fenway Park that Lewis learned to play exceptionally well.

When the Boston Red Sox moved into Fenway Park in 1912, the left-field area contained a large grassy slope rising toward the wall. The incline was roughly 10 feet high and formed part of the unusual landscape in front of what later became known as the Green Monster. Fielders had to judge balls while running uphill or downhill, making the position especially challenging.

Lewis practiced catching balls on the slope and throwing while descending it. He became so skilled at handling the terrain that sportswriters and fans began calling the feature “Duffy’s Cliff.” His mastery helped turn a bizarre ballpark obstacle into part of his baseball identity.

The incline remained a famous Fenway feature until renovations in 1934 removed it. The Green Monster survived, but Duffy’s Cliff disappeared from the field, leaving the nickname as a reminder of early Fenway Park and Lewis’s defensive reputation.