I raced around to get in front of the television before 2 p.m. There was no way I was going to miss it. The sun was shining down on Fenway Park and soon each player would have championship ring to symbolize his contributions to the greatest season of all time.
The park was packed with fans, celebrities and emotion. It was going to be a celebration like no other.
I pointed to each player that was called from the dugout to receive his ring. "That's Tim Wakefield, he pitches today. That's D-Lowe, he's much better than David Wells. There's Varitek," I said, hoping my daughter would etch the moment into her 10-month-old memory.
It was nice to see both D-Lowe and Dave Roberts make the trip. The Portland Press Herald's Steve Solloway related Lowe's sentiments in today's column. The Boston Globe also writes about Lowe's return trip home.
I half-expected to see them Pedro and Nomar. Oh well.
After all the trainers and doctors, coaches and players, Johnny Pesky made his way slowly up the dugout steps. Soon he was illuminated by the April sun as he made his way to owners. The crowd erupted.
There stood the only man in uniform with a direct ties to those famous teams of the '40s. The legend hugged each owner when receiving his ring.
He then proceeded down the line, hugging each of the 2004 Red Sox World Series Champions. It was a sensational segway. The New York Post called Pesky the peak of the party.
I started getting teary-eyed when from the screen I heard, "Please direct your attention..." From behind the massive 2004 World Series "banner" that covered the Green Monster, emerged some of the greatest players to don a Red Sox uniform - each a ghost from World Series' past.
There was Yaz, Doerr, DiMaggio and Lonborg. Eckersley, Oil Can Boyd and Tiant. I must have missed Lynn, Rice, Evans and Fisk, surely they were there. Who could forget Bill Lee wearing a vintage baseball cap? I was shaking. At seeing those greats, I started to think about Ted Williams. He too was present, I was sure.
I watched in awe as Yaz and Pesky pulled the ropes raising the banner high above the field. 2004 World Series Champions!
The beginning of a beautiful day. In fact, Mike Lupica, of the New York Daily News, says we saw "the best of baseball."
Before I close I'd like to give proper respect to the New York Yankees who sat in their dugout and cheered for the home team. A class act! Even if YES, the Yankees television station, did not cover the event. Steve Zipay calls the decision a "no-no." After watching it, I would have to agree.

Reader comments: What did you think of yestersay's events?

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