The Red Sox honored the life of Jerry Remy prior to Wednesday’s game with the Blue Jays at Fenway Park. The former Sox infielder and longtime NESN broadcaster died last October following his hard-fought bout with lung cancer.
The Sox began the ceremony with a tribute video to Remy that played on the Jumbotron beyond center field. Sox players and staff members stood on the top step of the dugout or just outside of it, showing their appreciation for what manager Alex Cora said would be a special night.
“I miss him,” Cora said. “Just him being [in the clubhouse] at 1 o’clock and waiting for a lineup. I miss that part. He was a very important part of this organization. It was important for us. He was one of the guys that was always pulling for us. He was very honest. He was a joy to be around. It should be a great night here.”
Advertisement
The ceremony began with words from NESN’s Tom Caron. Caron then introduced the Remy family, who took their seats on the infield grass. Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, and Dwight Evans followed. Carl Yastrzemski then made his grand entrance from left field to a huge ovation from the Fenway faithful.
Don Orsillo, Remy’s longtime broadcast partner, said on Twitter that he’d recorded a video for the ceremony, but was told by the organization and NESN that his contribution wouldn’t be needed.
I was offered the opportunity to do a video message for my friend and former partner Jerry Remy for tonight’s ceremony at Fenway Park. Sadly, I was notified by Red Sox/NESN that my video would no longer be needed for tonight’s ceremony. Here was my message. @RedSox @NESN pic.twitter.com/FZkULtlOk1
— Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) April 21, 2022
Caron presented a huge brown plaque, announcing that the Fenway broadcast booth will be renamed Jerry Remy Booth in remembrance of a franchise legend.
Remy’s daughter, Jenna, and his son, Jordan, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Julian McWilliams can be reached at julian.mcwilliams@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @byJulianMack.