By Rob Duca
The afternoon began with players running onto the field from the Fenway Park stands in a unique twist to pre-game introductions.
As startled fans extended their hands and slapped their heroes on the back, David Ortiz, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis and the entire Boston Red Sox roster jogged down the century-old cement aisles to the gorgeous green lawn, carefully making their way through a corridor of boisterous applause like newly married couples entering a wedding reception.
"That was different," longtime Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz said afterward. "I only tried to focus on one thing — not falling."
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, who rode a golf cart in from center field to a standing ovation, with the franchise's newest Hall of Famer, Jim Rice, serving as his chauffeur.
Manager Terry Francona greeted Kennedy at the Red Sox dugout.
"That was an honor. That was a highlight," Francona said. "I've been fortunate enough to do some pretty neat things here and that was one of them."
Keith Lockhart conducted the Boston Pops in the playing of the national anthem, followed by a flyover of four F-15 Eagle tactical fighter jets.
Johnny Pesky, 89 and forever young, bellowed "Play Ball" in a full, sturdy voice.
Josh Beckett then took the mound to officially begin the 2009 season.
With that, a good beginning only got better.
As startled fans extended their hands and slapped their heroes on the back, David Ortiz, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis and the entire Boston Red Sox roster jogged down the century-old cement aisles to the gorgeous green lawn, carefully making their way through a corridor of boisterous applause like newly married couples entering a wedding reception.
"That was different," longtime Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz said afterward. "I only tried to focus on one thing — not falling."
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy, who rode a golf cart in from center field to a standing ovation, with the franchise's newest Hall of Famer, Jim Rice, serving as his chauffeur.
Manager Terry Francona greeted Kennedy at the Red Sox dugout.
"That was an honor. That was a highlight," Francona said. "I've been fortunate enough to do some pretty neat things here and that was one of them."
Keith Lockhart conducted the Boston Pops in the playing of the national anthem, followed by a flyover of four F-15 Eagle tactical fighter jets.
Johnny Pesky, 89 and forever young, bellowed "Play Ball" in a full, sturdy voice.
Josh Beckett then took the mound to officially begin the 2009 season.
With that, a good beginning only got better.
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