Sen. Ted Kennedy throws out first pitch for Red Sox at Fenway Park.

[flvegan]

Good to see that he was healthy enough to do this.


Ted Kennedy throws out first pitch
3:51 PM Tue, Apr 07, 2009

Rather than make their first entrance from the dugout, each player on the roster came through the stands, most high-fiving with fans all the way down.

The national anthem was originally to be performed by the singer Seal, but yesterday's rainout meant that Seal had to leave for a concert tour, and the Boston Pops stepped in to fill the gap.

A giant American flag hung over the Green Monster, and color guards from each of the Armed Service branches stood on the Fenway Grass as the anthem played.

As the national anthem reached its final stanzas, four F-15 fighters from Barnes Air National Guard base thundered over the stadium, and the day's two special guests arrived to throw out the first pitch. Sen. Edward Kennedy, (D-Mass) rode out of the outfield wall on a golf cart with newly minted Hall of Famer Jim Rice, and the pair walked up to the mound to kick off the season.

Kennedy, who has struggled with health problems of late, set up on the mound perhaps six feet from Rice, who would catch the ceremonial pitch. Kennedy missed with his first effort, tossing the ball to the ground. But the proud Senator asked for a do-over, and on his second try, got the ball into Rice's glove, to warm applause.

Once Kennedy motored off, Johnny Pesky declared 'play ball,' the flag was pulled down from the Monster, and the players took the field.

http://soxblog.projo.com/2009/04/ted-kennedy-thr.html

[bridgit]

1. That's cool

:kick:

[WhollyHeretic]

2. I would have liked to see that

Damn work getting in the way of watching the Red Sox.

[dddem]

3. As I was leaving work, I saw the F-15's heading to Boston

But I got held up at the grocery store looking for dang Cracker Jacks (sold out) and I missed the first 4 minutes of the game. Shoot.I wanted to see Senator Kennedy and hear the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. At least they're winning so far.

[meegbear]

4. I saw him do it ...

At the bar for opening day and Teddy looks worn for wear, but he was all smiles.

[JenniferJuniper]

5. Watched it on NESN

It was really quite emotional. He took a long ride around the park in a golf cart driven by Jim Rice.

The announcer pointed out that 97 years ago, Ted's grandfather, Honey Fitz, an original Royal Rooter, threw out Fenway Park's very first Opening Day pitch. They played the updated version of Tessie, the Royal Rooter's rally cry, after Ted threw the ball.

[ClarkUSA]

6. He's dropped what looks like 80 pounds since his pre-cancer days and hobbled out to the mound.

He looked game as over, though. I hope he makes it until national healthcare is a reality.

[TZ]

7. Hmm...could be the best pitch the Sox throw all day...

PFFFFT!!!!

[Tempest]

13. A two hitter in 6th inning

Appears a lot of good pitches are coming out of the Sox bullpen.


How did the Nationals fare yesterday?

[spanone]

8. he looked mighty frail.....bless you senator!!!

[horseshoecrab]

9. What a beautiful smile on Teddy's face!

Sportscasters in Boston are calling him "the new Teddy Ballgame" today.

All love and strength to our great Senator! :hug:


horseshoecrab

[flvegan]

11. New Teddy Ballgame.

I love it.

[horseshoecrab]

21. I know :-)

How many New Englanders would love to be Teddy Ballgame for a day? Puh-lenty!

:hi:

Teddy rules!


horseshoecrab

[Captain Hilts]

10. Man, I love it. nt

[AFSCME girl]

12. Thanks for posting this flvegan.....

So glad I'm off this week, so I could be home to see this. He had a big smile on his face - but looked quite frail. I love him dearly, I sure hope we can hang onto him for a while longer.

[MiniMe]

14. PICS

[Beaverhausen]

15. Look at that smile! Thanks so much for posting these.

:hi:

[flvegan]

17. Awesome! Thanks for posting pics.

I couldn't find any when I originally posted it.

[Raine]

16. I LOVE Teddy

it was great to see him, brought tears to my eyes.

[Ishoutandscream2]

18. Good for Teddy! And kudos to the Red Sox organization

Here where I live, it was Chimpy McCokespoon throwing out the first pitch. Glad the Sox used good sense to get the liberal lion out on the mound.

As for my Rays, we'll get em tomorrow!

[flvegan]

19. Game isn't over yet.

5-3.

Of course going into the 9th means you'll be seeing our ace, Papelbon.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

20. That's as good as Opening Day gets.

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D