METHUEN — Bernice Pierce was so excited to attend a recent Red Sox playoff game that she fell on her way into the ballpark and fractured her leg.
But rather than catch the score from inside a nearby hospital, Pierce spent Game 4 of the American League Division Series at her seat inside Fenway Park. She even stayed late to watch the Sox celebrate their dramatic series win over the Anaheim Angels.
"I stayed for the celebration," said Pierce, who, like a pro athlete, put pain aside for the playoffs. "We stayed very, very late."
Pierce, who lives in Reading and works at the Greater Lawrence Educational Collaborative in Methuen, has been a Red Sox fan since 1976, when she moved to the area from Pennsylvania.
Pierce was back at Fenway on crutches — her lower leg protected by a walking boot — during Game 3 of the American League Championship Series earlier this week.
Despite a big loss, Pierce said she stayed until the final out.
Pierce drives a blue 2001 Volkswagen Bug covered in Red Sox decals, and said she often gets beeped at by other drivers.
"Especially when I'm driving through Connecticut and New York going to visit family," said Pierce. "I'm in enemy territory there."
At work, Pierce keeps a "Red Sox shrine" on a bulletin board and always celebrates opening day with hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, popcorn and peanuts, which she serves to coworkers.
"I invite anyone and everyone to opening day ceremonies," said Pierce. "The TV's on, everybody has a late lunch. Everybody's dressed in Red Sox gear."
An official member of Red Sox Nation, Pierce said she loves all aspects of baseball.
"It's everything about the game," said Pierce. "It's America's sport, through the good times, the bad times."
