To close out Fenway Park’s season-long 100th anniversary festivities, the Red Sox staged a 2004 world championship celebration before Boston’s final opening series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night replete with duck boats and stars from the 2004 world championship season. The feel good fete was so not to be missed that Terry Francona even made the scene.
Pedro Martinz, shown here at as part of the All Fenway Team, was also riding the duck boats during the 2004 World Championship celebration at Fenway Park on Tuesday night. September 26, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox former pitcher Pedro Martinez during pre-game ceremonies prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE
Jason Varitek, Pedro Martinez, Mike Timlin, Nomar Garciaparra, Kevin Millar, Trot Nixon, David Ortiz and many others rode the duck boats into Fenway, throwing commenmorative balls into the crowd as the good feelings washed over a Fenway Faithful audience needing a lift after an on-field season of agony and frustration.
Video congratulations from Derek Lowe, Dave Roberts and Bronson Arroyo – who hoisted a shot of Jack Daniels purportedly from a bottle that Millar had given him when they won it all – lauded the team chemistry and work ethic that culminated in a cathartic sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals on that October day eight years ago.
The celebration was capped by a pitch from 2004 closer Keith Foulke to battery mate Varitek, recreating the final out that clinched the championship and triggered a wild five-month celebration/love fest throughout New England.
"Tek caught the ball, trotted out to Foulke and, as any Red Sox fan would have prayed for, threw himself into Foulke’s embrace, conjuring the flashpoint for New England’s mass cathartic release, a scene sure to make any Cubs fan feel envious."
The Sox lost 5-2. So what.
We are the champions – my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting – till the end –
We are the champions –
We are the champions
No time for losers
‘Cause we are the champions – of the world
– We Are The Champions, Queen