A TRUE CLASS ACT

It was recently announced that the Red Sox are going to retire the number former player, coach, manager, ambassador, and legend, Johnny Pesky. There isn't a more deserving person than him.

To do this, the Red Sox have amended their long standing criteria for retiring a number of which included finishing your playing career with the Sox. This criteria was actually ignored (although they claimed that working in the Front Office was considering "finishing your career") when they retired Carlton Fisk's #27 back in 2000. Although, that was done by the previous Red Sox regime.

None the less, this is wonderful recognition of not just a good ballplayer, but a truly legendary and wonderful person. Pesky is to the Red Sox what Pee Wee Reese was to the Dodgers. While, Pesky spent only 7 + seasons with the Sox, he missed 3 FULL seasons (1943-1945) while serving in World War II. He finished in the Top 5 in the AL MVP race his rookie season in '42 and his second season in '46. Although he finished his career with the Tigers and Senators he returned to Boston where has remained with the team as a coach, manager, ambassador, and legend.

I have seen Johnny Pesky around the ballpark many times. One of the benefits of being a vendor at Fenway Park is that I can enter the ballpark any time before the gates open. A few years ago, the gates would open only 90 minutes (now it is 2 hours before) before game time, just as the visiting team would be starting BP. While the Sox would take BP, Pesky would be sitting in a seat behind the dugout, relaxing and talking with either Red Sox staff, ushers, reporters, or sitting alone just watching. However, he would always give you a smile and say hello, and even chat for a bit if you so desired.

I remember a day where Johnny came down to the RF foul pole (Pesky Pole) to take a picture with, I think, his grandson or great grand child. The gates were already open to the public and that area was crowded since it is a great spot to get a ball during BP. Anyway, Pesky climbed on the wall next to the pole, and pick-up the child with him to have the picture taken. He then spent the next 30 - 45 minutes afterwards signing autographs for fans and even posing for pictures with them. He smiled the whole time, and truly seemed to be enjoying himself. A truly classy guy.

It appears that this ceremony will take place this Saturday. Congratulations, indeed, to Johnny Pesky.

Go Red Sox!