That's one reason Friday in Bradenton was such a special day for the Farrells.
Jeremy, a minor league infielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates system who spent all of last season at low Single-A West Virginia, was bussed over from the club's minor league complex to McKechnie Field and given a few innings of playing time opposite the old man's team.
"You don't get to see him very often but to see him in a setting [like this] is very special," said John Farrell, who last saw his son in a game during spring training 2009.
Another reason the reunion will be remembered is because of what the younger Farrell did. After coming on as a defensive replacement in the sixth inning, Jeremy singled in his lone at-bat, knocking one into center field off Red Sox reliever Jorge Sosa.
"Was that great or what," said Boston manager Terry Francona. "I hate to root against our guys but that was pretty cool. That was fun to watch."
It is the second such reunion in a week for Red Sox coaches. On Tuesday, first base coach Ron Johnson was able to see his son, Chris, play when Boston traveled to Kissimmee to take on Houston. Chris Johnson is a prospect in the Astros' system.
Aside from being busy evaluating his own set of players, John Farrell said it was hard to see how his son's game is looking in just a few innings.
But he admires the old Farrell work ethic.
"You like to see the aggressiveness about him," the coach said. "He looks to be in great shape. He loves what he's doing. We'll see where it takes him."
One positive sign for Jeremy Farrell's progression was the number on the back of his jersey. The Pirates gave him No. 58, a reduction from one of the higher digits the lesser prospects are given each spring. If you have '99' on your back, there's a hill to climb.
"I guess anytime you get below the speed limit you're moving in the right direction," John Farrell said.
