Johnny Pesky deserves better than this.
Social media users noticed Wednesday night that vandals had defaced Pesky’s No. 6 outside Fenway Park, although it’s unclear when the vandalism occurred. They apparently spray painted or scribbled black ink on the No. 6 installation dedicated to the Red Sox legend.
WBZ’s Carl Stevens and Only In Boston shared photos of the Pesky vandalism on Twitter.
Someone has defaced Johnny Pesky's retired number outside Fenway Park… pic.twitter.com/IbFW1L73Fm
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) January 6, 2016
No respect for Johnny Pesky. Graffiti is smeared on his number, a block away from Fenway Park. #RedSox pic.twitter.com/ss1QAwFyGs
— Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) January 7, 2016
The Red Sox have acted quickly to restore the luster of Pesky’s digit.
“We learned of this tonight,” Red Sox spokesman Kevin Gregg told the Boston Globe on Wednesday in an email. “It’s unfortunate that someone would do this, but we occasionally have to deal with graffiti in the area and will look to clean this up as soon as possible.”
The Red Sox were on the job by Thursday morning.
Red Sox employee works to remove the graffiti that vandalized Pesky's number. pic.twitter.com/2cg9Gm3LRk
— nicoczar (@nicoczar) January 7, 2016
Pesky was part of the Red Sox family for over six decades. He played for, managed and coached the Red Sox, as well as serving as a broadcaster and team executive.
The Red Sox retired Pesky’s No. 6 in 2008. He died four years later at age 92.
Boston Police are investigating the vandalism, The Associated Press reports.
