MLB, Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox , Johnny Pesky
Boston Red Sox legend and fan favorite Johnny Pesky passed away at the age of 92 years on Monday. Johnny Pesky, who was a player, manager and broadcaster can, boast about a baseball career that lasted more than six decades.
So far no cause of death has been announced, although it has been confirmed that Johnny Pesky passed away at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts.
Johnny Pesky was a man that had become a living part of baseball. His impact in baseball was so huge that right-field foul pole at Fenway Park was named after him.
“I've had a good life with the ballclub. I just try to help out. I understand the game, I've been around the ballpark my whole life.” Johnny Pesky humbly told the Associated Press in 2004.
Johnny Pesky was a .307 hitter, who set a rookie record under a Red Sox jersey in 1942 with 205 hits. His record remained strong till 1997 when it was finally broken by Nomar Garciaparra.
For his numerous achievements and services the Boston Red Sox retired Johnny Pesky’s No.6 jersey in 2008.
“Johnny Pesky will forever be linked to the Boston Red Sox,” Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said. “He has been as much a part of Fenway Park as his retired Number 6 that rests on the right-field facade, or the foul pole below it that bears his name.”
Johnny Pesky was moved to tears during a visit to the Fenway Park earlier this year. Johnny Pesky visited Fenway Park to join the Red Sox in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ballpark.
“This is a very sad day for me and for anyone who has ever spent any time with Mr. Pesky. He was the most positive influence I ever came across who wore the Red Sox uniform,” said Jason Varitek, a former captain from the Boston Red Sox.
“He was always there through the good and bad times with the same smile and passion for his team. ‘Hello my honeysuckle, hello my honey bee, my ever lovin’ Jason just got three,’ Johnny used to say, wishing me three hits that night.”
Baseball icons from Major League Baseball and elsewhere are lining up to pay their respects to Johnny Pesky. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig was one of the first persons to pay his respects.
“The national pastime has lost one of its greatest ambassadors,” Bud Selig said. “Johnny Pesky, who led a great American life, was an embodiment of loyalty and goodwill for the Boston Red Sox and all of Major League Baseball.”
