The Boston Red Sox kicked off their 2008 home season with a tremendous ceremony honoring the 2007 World Series Champions.
All four major sports trophies were in the house Tuesday as all time greats of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins joined members of the current New England Patriots and members of the 2004 World Champion Red Sox team to bring the rings out to the field, they also brought with them trophies from their sport. The Celtics players brought the NBA trophy, one they hope to win again this season. The Red Sox guys carried out the '04 trophy, the Patriots players had one of their Lombardi trophies and the Bruins players carried the Stanley Cup.
When the World Series banners were dropped down from the Green Monster like in 2005, they dropped a wall sized 2004 banner and then dropped a 2007 one over it, the wind started blowing the 2007 banner up to keep the '04 one showing.
The Boston Pops were once again there to perform throughout the ceremony.
The rings were presented in groups, led my the manager and coaches, then trainers and staff, the catchers, infielders and so on. Johnny Pesky again got a big ovation.
Eight players had slightly different rings. On the side with the name of the player was a Boston "B" logo and a World Series trophy, the eight members of both championship teams had trophies on either side of the "B". No idea if coaches from both teams or Pesky's were also like that with double trophies.
David Ortiz was the last to receive his ring and then led the team to center field to raise the 2007 Championship flag, Pesky and Ortiz raised it up the flag poll.
Bill Buckner was on hand to toss out the first pitch and received a long standing ovation. He tossed a strike to Dwight Evans.
In the game, Daisuke Matsuzaka had another strong outing as Boston beat Detroit 5-0 behind Kevin Youkilis' 4-4 afternoon.
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith performed God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch.
A video was also unveiled with Neil Diamond wearing a Sox jacket leading Fenway in the singing of Sweet Caroline, the video played on the center field video screen and at the end Diamond shouted out "GO RED SOX". I have searched and searched and this is the best video I could find of it. I hope the video becomes an everyday thing at Fenway instead of just the audio track. The Red Sox should also release the video that was played on the screen on its official website so those not in attendance can actually see it.
Former Sox infielder Jose Offerman made a visit to the mound last night after being hit by a pitch in his second at-bat, that followed a home run in his first.
Offerman who plays for the independent Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League struck the pitcher in the hands with his bat before striking the catcher on the head.
Bridgeport Blue Fish starter Matt Beech was ejected along with Offerman and Long Island manager Tommy John. Offerman was arrested by Bridgeport police after the incident and faces unspecified charges.
Another untimely death of a former Red Sox player occured when former relief pitcher Rod Beck was found dead in his Arizona home Sunday.
Beck played parts of three seasons in Boston from 1999-2001.
While a member of the San Francisco Giants he was one of the best closers in the game. He reached a career high of 51 saves in 1998 with the Chicago Cubs and over the course of his career he played for four clubs. Rod Beck is survived by his wife Stacey and two children.
Sure his career in a Red Sox jersey was brief, but it did occur. Sadly Red Sox Nation has lost one of its own with the tragic untimely death of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock who died in a car accident early Sunday morning.
His Red Sox career lasted all of 7 1/3 innings in 2002 after having been drafted by Boston in the 5th round of the 1998 amateur draft.
His lone season with Boston was respectable as he closed out 2 games allowing just three runs and striking out six. He posted a 3.68 ERA in three games. His lone decision came in his only start on September 26 against the Chicago White Sox. Hancock allowed just five hits that day and three runs in a 3-2 loss, it would be his final appearance for Boston.
Among his highlights in that game would probably be topped with the strikeout of Frank Thomas looking just before giving up a 2-run homer to MagglioOrdonez.
His career however would have many highlights after he left Boston including winning the World Series with the Cardinals last season.
In his career he went 9-7 in 102 games with Boston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and St. Louis, he pitched three innings the afternoon before he died in a loss to the Chicago Cubs.
