Remembering Johnny Pesky: Bud Selig, John Henry Release Statements

”The national pastime has lost one of its greatest ambassadors today. 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. A part of the Greatest Generation and forever one of ‘The Teammates,’ Johnny was a wonderful player who excelled alongside his dear friends Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr and Dom DiMaggio. Just as importantly, Johnny touched the hearts of hundreds of Red Sox players and its legion of fans around the world.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of this special man, whose number six will be a part of Fenway Park forever. I extend my deepest condolences to Johnny’s family, his many friends throughout the game and all the fans of the Boston Red Sox.”

Obviously, the loss hits hardest in the New England region. For the current generation of fans, Pesky may be best known as the namesake for the right-field foul pole. But he was also an excellent player, coach and broadcaster. He remained a mentor to the present-day Red Sox and continued to be around the organization, even in his 90s. Red Sox owner John Henry also released a statement to express his condolences on the loss of the franchise icon:

“We have lost a dear and beloved friend,” said Red Sox owner John Henry. “Johnny was happiest when wearing the Red Sox uniform. He was able to do that for 61 wonderful years. He carried his passion for the Sox, for Fenway Park, and for baseball everywhere he went, and he was beloved in return. We will miss him. We share the sadness that his family and legions of friends are all feeling.”

The Red Sox are idle on Monday night, and it’s still unclear what the organization will do on the field to commemorate one of their heroes.

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