The Boston Red Sox recently inducted three players into the club's Hall of Fame. Trot Nixon, Dustin Pedroia and Jonathan Papelbon were each key to one or multiple Red Sox World Series victories. Elaine Weddington Steward was also inducted as the non-uniformed member — she was MLB's first female assistant general manager and the second Black general manager in MLB history.
Each of the inductees was interviewed and given a plaque during a ticketed event at Fenway Park on May 29. They got to express their thanks and share anecdotes about their years with the Red Sox organization. The club also acknowledged the late Tim and Stacy Wakefield, and their children were presented with the Fenway Honors Award by Tom Werner and Linda Henry.
Linda's husband, however, was nowhere to be seen. Even at an event made to honor some of his organization's most valuable players, John Henry continues to hide.
Henry has been notably absent from many Red Sox events over the years, and at the events he has attended, he hasn't spoken to reporters. The owner hasn't been keen on answering questions about the state of his ball club since the winter of 2022 after its unexpected ALCS run.
John Henry continues to make himself absent from Red Sox events
This year’s Red Sox Hall of Fame & Fenway Honors was so special. Thank you Red Sox Nation for your incredible support and congratulations to all of our inductees and honorees! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xwjasiBLkQ
— Red Sox Foundation (@RedSoxFund) May 31, 2024
Sam Kennedy's recent comments about the Red Sox's performance this season add fuel to the fire of Henry's reluctance to face the music from Boston fans. Fenway Sports Group's CEO shared that he believes the Red Sox have underperformed so far in 2024, a statement with which many Red Sox fans take issue.
Henry may have been present at the Hall of Fame induction behind the scenes, but he doesn't make himself available to fans or reporters. He didn't present any awards or give any speeches. He let his wife do the talking in his place.
At a certain point, Henry is going to have to own up to the state of the Red Sox. It didn't have to be — and shouldn't have been — at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, but Henry is too comfortable being invisible.