Red Sox remember Sen. Kennedy

Toward the end of his daily briefing with reporters, Red Sox manager Terry Francona remembered the late Senator Edward Kennedy, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch this past April 7 at Fenway Park.

“That day was very special for me,” Francona recalled. “I can’t sit here and say we were best friends but it was an honor to meet him. I got to escort him to the mound. I had a picture taken and he sent me a wonderful note. And from what I understand that was one of his special things, he did a lot of things in person and he did it himself. I was lucky enough to have one and I still have it sitting on my desk.

“I have a picture in my office of that day and I’m not very politically opinionated, which is probably good, but I think I’m probably aware what not only Senator Kennedy but his family has meant not only to this area but nationally,” Francona continued. “And because of my relationship with (team doctor) Larry Ronan, I’ve gotten to hear a lot of interesting stories because of his care for him.”

The Red Sox released the following statement following the news of the passing of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy:

“On behalf of the entire Boston Red Sox organization, I express our deep sadness and profound grief at the news of the passing of Ted Kennedy,” said John W. Henry, Principal Owner.  “For 47 years he served the people of the Commonwealth and the country with commitment and compassion.  Senator Kennedy shaped the lives of millions of Americans, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts on behalf of those in need.”

“It has been an honor to have the Kennedy family as an extended part of the Red Sox family.  Earlier this year, Teddy carried on a family tradition started 97 years earlier by his grandfather by throwing out the Ceremonial First Pitch on Opening Day.  He did it with trademark courage and humor and proved once again that he was a constant light in our lives,” said Tom Werner, Chairman.  “As we hear stories of his accomplishments, I hope each of us will be inspired by his legacy to find our own way to help others.”

“As I reflect on Senator Kennedy’s life, I think not only of what an American icon he was; I think of the special relationship he had with us in Red Sox Nation, of which he was a leading citizen.  He was a passionately devoted fan for more than seventy years. Think of the seasons, the games, the players he watched.  One can safely say that, across the country and the world, as with our club and with Fenway Park itself, all knew him, nearly all loved him, and, whether or not he was their ‘team,’ all admired and respected him,” said Larry Lucchino, President and CEO.  “I am certain that, if United States Senators had numbers like players, we would be retiring his number today—perhaps all of baseball would be retiring his number.  We shall miss him greatly, and we shall never, never forget him.”