In April 2005, Red Sox owners bestowed a World Series ring on Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky after the team ended its 86-year title drought.

For generations of Red Sox players, Pesky was a source of baseball knowledge. Here, Manny Ramirez gave Pesky a bear hug at spring training in 2002.

Pesky became a Red Sox legend for playing eight years for the club and for his lifetime association with the franchise.

Pesky, whose No. 6 was retired in 2008, served as a player, coach, manager, broadcaster, special adviser, and goodwill ambassador for the Red Sox, with whom he started in 1942.

Pesky, with fellow Red Sox legend Dwight Evans, was one of the team's honored guests at Fenway Park's 100th anniversary in April 2012.

Pesky served as an adviser to Red Sox coaches and players, including Roger Clemens, for many years.

Pesky became a fixture at spring training, where he worked with young players. Here, he conferred with Nomar Garciaparra in 1995.

Pesky, right, with Ted Williams, left the Red Sox after his rookie season to spend three seasons in military service. He returned in 1946 and led the team in hits in three straight seasons.

In 2005, Pesky lost his wife of 60 years, Ruth. “She was a hell of a gal,” he said of her.

In 2006, as the Red Sox celebrated Pesky's 87th birthday, they officially named the right field foul marker "Pesky's Pole."

Pesky, who hit thousands of fungoes to Red Sox players over his decades with the team, will likely forever be linked as one of the faces of the franchise.

Pesky talked hitting with Jim Rice. Rice played for the Sox from 1974 to 1989.

Pesky was named interim manager of the Sox toward the end of the 1980 season.

Pesky is seen in action in an old timers’ game in 1989.

Pesky, center, appeared with former Red Sox players Eddie Pellegnino, left, and Charlie Wagner at Fenway Park in 1995.

Pesky is seen in 1948.