Orlando Cepeda earned each of his 11 All-Star nods while playing in the National League, but the Hall of Famer also spent one season in Boston — and made baseball history in the process.

In 1973, the Red Sox signed the aging first baseman under the condition that he would only be expected to bat, making him Major League Baseball’s first full-time designated hitter. That was 40 years ago, and Cepeda returned to Fenway Park on Wendesday to commemorate the occasion.

Check out his pregame interview with Peter Gammons in the video above.

It’s not every day you see Gov. Deval Patrick sitting in the Red Sox’ dugout, waiting for a game to begin, but that’s what the scene was Saturday as the Red Sox prepared to play the Kansas City Royals in the team’s first game in Boston since the tumultuous events of the week unfolded.

Patrick joined first responders and members of law enforcement as the team honored everyone involved in Monday’s tragedy and the weeklong investigation.

While the Red Sox players’ main role Saturday was to play baseball, they were also involved in honoring the city and its heroes. Whether players are new to Boston or have spent a season or two around, they all knew Saturday was going to be, as outfielder Shane Victorino called it, “special.”

The ballplayers and everyone at Fenway Park paid homage to the relationship the team has with its city on Saturday, with Will Middlebrooks, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jonny Gomes and Victorino sharing their thoughts before the game. Tom Caron and Peter Gammons then spoke about what it means to have the Sox back home at Fenway Park, and the relationship this team has quickly formed with the city and its people.

Check it out in the video above.

Big Papi is almost back.

David Ortiz begins the final leg of his rehab Thursday night at Triple-A Pawtucket, and Red Sox manager John Farrell is hopeful that the slugger will be back in the lineup for Boston by the time the team returns from Cleveland next weekend. Ortiz hasn’t played in a major league game since injuring his Achilles nearly eight months ago.

Peter Gammons joined Tom Caron on Red Sox Gameday Live Presented by DCU to discuss the designated hitter’s recovery efforts. See what they had to say in the video above.

Many may not remember, but this season is not David Ross‘ first rodeo with the Red Sox.

The veteran catcher spent about a month with the team back in 2008, when the Sox reached the American League Championship Series before falling to Tampa Bay in seven games. Ross told NESN’s Tom Caron and Peter Gammons that he was able to learn valuable lessons from Jason Varitek during his short stint in Boston. He hopes to impart similar veteran wisdom on fellow backstop Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who is slated to be the team’s starter behind the plate this season.

Check out the full interview in the video above.

Ryan Dempster is a funny guy. Anyone who has seen his famous impression of former Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray can attest to that.

The 17-year veteran shared some laughs with NESN’s Tom Caron and Peter Gammons on Tuesday when he joined Red Sox Live From Fort Myers to discuss his expectations entering his first spring training with the Sox. Dempster also touched on his experience rooting for the Vancouver Canucks as a kid in British Columbia (don’t worry, Bruins fans, he cheers for the Blackhawks now) and the admiration he has for B’s winger — and fellow B.C. native – Milan Lucic.

Check out what the right-hander had to say in the video above.

David Ortiz is the only member of the 2004 World Series champion Red Sox that’s still with the team. The only member still playing, that is.

Pedro Martinez and Jason Varitek are both back in Red Sox spring training as special assistants to general manager Ben Cherington, and Ortiz talked with NESN’s Tom Caron and Peter Gammons about the impact those retired greats are having on the team’s younger players. Big Papi also shared his prediction for what would happen if he were to face Martinez for one at-bat in Pedro’s prime.

Check out what the slugger had to say in the video above.

Last season was a frustrating one for Red Sox reliever Andrew Bailey.

After two All-Star seasons in Oakland, Bailey was expected to take over as Boston’s new closer in 2012 until a thumb injury forced him out until August and limited him to just 15.1 innings all season. Though the Sox’ closer spot is now held by newcomer Joel Hanrahan, Bailey comes into this season fully healthy and ready to prove himself as a setup man.

The right-hander sat down with NESN’s Tom Caron and Peter Gammons on Red Sox Live From Fort Myers to discuss his transition and the excitement he feels to finally be back at 100 percent. Check it out in the video above.

Fort Myers will feature a bevy of new faces this spring, as the Red Sox will take the field for the first time with their overhauled roster this week.

One of those new faces is closer Joel Hanrahan, who came over from Pittsburgh in late December. Hanrahan sat down with NESN’s Tom Caron and Peter Gammons to discuss his experience meeting his new teammates and coaches as well as his expectations for the upcoming season. He specifically touched on his affinity for racking up innings out of the bullpen.

“As a bullpen guy, you never tell the coach that you need to take the day off,” Hanrahan said. “… As a competitor, and definitely as a closer, you want to get every opportunity there is. But our bullpen is going to be so deep this year that guys are going to be able to take a day off and we’ll still be good.”

See more from the former Pirate in the video above.

8:37 p.m.: 

8:35 p.m.: The panel was asked about Wednesday’s Hall of Fame results, and the sentiment is clear — we don’t know. Peter Gammons and Theo Epstein both noted that while we want to make everything black and white when it comes to the Hall of Fame in the wake of the Steroids Era, it isn’t quite that easy. In fact, there is very much a gray area, as it’s hard to gauge where each player from the era stands in terms of steroid use.

8:30 p.m.: The most hard-hitting question of the evening comes from perhaps the youngest person in the crowd. A kid asked what the primary reason was for Bobby Valentine’s firing.

After a boisterous response from the crowd, Peter Gammons was the one to answer. He said that he thinks a lot of things converged last season, and that Valentine probably wasn’t 100 percent prepared for what was in store, noting that it was a difficult season for the entire organization.

8:25 p.m.: Ben Cherington was asked — by a Dodgers fan — his thoughts on the future of MLB payrolls. Cherington said that teams often have to deal with diminished returns when it comes to high-priced players, as veterans often decline near the tail end of their career. That, Cherington says, is why it’s important to try to get as many players locked up under contract for their prime years as possible.

8:15 p.m.: While answering a question about ownership, Ben Cherington made it clear that John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino are “100 percent focused on winning.”

8:10 p.m.: After a brief intermission and a few auctions, the panel members have fielded a few questions from those in the crowd, and among the topics touched on were the recent Hall of Fame results/steroid testing, the MLB draft and the physical state of the Cubs’ clubhouse.

Gammons said that many players he’s talked to are welcoming increased steroid testing, as it ensures a level playing field. Obviously, as Gammons notes, that’s something that non-users desire.

As far as the MLB draft, and more specifically the new drafting process, Cherington said that the Red Sox — and all teams, for that matter — will need to be more creative going forward.

And Epstein stated a desire to improve the physical state of the Cubs’ clubhouse, similar to how the Red Sox improved their facilities during his time in Boston.

7:35 p.m.: That does it for the moderated portion of the event, and it ended the way much of the evening went — with Buck Showalter drawing some laughs.

Showalter said that the Red Sox have done a tremendous job of hiring good people this offseason, even noting that it’s difficult for him to admit given his status as manager of a division rival.

7:30 p.m.: Another Pedroia story to report. Apparently, during one of the Red Sox’ series against the Orioles, Pedroia spent a whole lot of time before one of the games heckling Adam Jones. The Red Sox second baseman could be heard screaming, “You better not hit it my way, or you are out. You are out!”

Classic Pedey.

7:25 p.m.: Showalter is really killing it, drawing plenty of laughs and applause from those in attendance.

Showalter took a little jab at the football players of the world, saying that he has a ton of respect for them, but that he wonders how those in football can say, “Well, we weren’t prepared this week.” Showalter said to try playing daily for seven months — as is the case in baseball.

Showalter also praised the Pedroias of the world, even saying the O’s have a few similar players in their clubhouse. When Gammons noted one instance of a Baltimore infielder calling out another infielder on the team, Showalter joked that Gammons “knows too much.”

7:20 p.m.: It didn’t take long for Dustin Pedroia’s name to come up. Farrell said that having an established leader like Pedroia is great, because he’s a guy a manager can turn to to be a voice in the clubhouse. And, as Farrell points out, Pedroia — a rather loud guy — isn’t afraid to stand up and hold himself and his teammates accountable.

7:15 p.m.: Epstein said that it’s important to get everyone pulling in the same direction. He said an “us against the world mentality” — which he clearly saw firsthand in Boston — is an extremely powerful force. That’s something he wants to see out of the Cubs, as they no longer want to be known as “lovable losers.”

Cherington followed up by saying that the Red Sox’ emphasis is on preparing the right way on a day-to-day basis. He said that when you go through struggles, it’s a time to look back and question whether you’ve gotten away from the daily preparation that made you successful.

7:10 p.m.: Showalter stressed the importance of keeping a grip on reality throughout the course of a season. He said there have been times when he felt like he’d never win another game, and then there have been other times when he thought he’d never lose again.

Showalter also said that in the past, he’s shown his players film of some of the game’s greats making errors, as it serves as proof that no one is perfect.

One major emphasis for Showalter, though? Pitching. Regardless of everything else, he says, you need good pitching. Fair enough.

7:05 p.m.: Cherington was asked about the role that establishing a good clubhouse culture played in his offseason additions. The Red Sox GM said that while it’s important, talent — and the ability to add talent to areas of need — is also extremely important.

Cherington said that you can get a bunch of good guys together, and everyone will have a good time and get along during spring training, but that you also need to have talent, which will ensure winning and thus further clubhouse chemistry building.

Well, the old adage is that winning solves everything, right?

7:00 p.m.: John Farrell sounds like a manager. That’s for sure. The Red Sox skipper said that it’s all about playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not the one on the back. And you know what? He’s right.

Epstein then said that you learn about players all throughout their time in the minors, but that there comes a point when you realize which players are going to be influenced by outside factors (agents, friends, etc.) and which players are focused on baseball.

Epstein also stressed the importance of mutual trust. He said that while you need to trust your players, your players also need to trust you.

6:55 p.m.: Orioles skipper Buck Showalter, fresh off an impressive season, is also in attendance. The first question thrown his way focused on young players, and how to go about bringing them up to the bigs and implementing them.

Showalter, of course, has the privilege of managing one of the game’s bright young stars in Manny Machado. He admitted that the O’s probably wouldn’t have brought Machado up last season had he not been able to play alongside J.J. Hardy.

Showalter also said that you should be able to assume things about young players when they arrive in the majors.

6:51 p.m.: Peter Gammons’ first question was centered on the importance of a good culture in the clubhouse, and Ben Cherington said that forming good chemistry isn’t done overnight, but that it’s very important — as is a team’s talent level.

Theo Epstein pointed to the Red Sox’ World Series titles as proof that having a good clubhouse culture does play a big role. He said that the “whole exceeds the sum of its parts,” which is something he stressed throughout his Boston tenure.

Epstein was then asked if the September collapse of 2011 played a role in how he approached his building process in Chicago, but he noted that it didn’t have much of an impact.

6:45 p.m.: Theo Epstein is among those in attendance, and he’s already catching some heat from his brother, Paul, who is also on hand. Paul politely — and jokingly, of course, — requested that Theo quiet down a little bit.

Peter Gammons, a legend of the Boston media, is the moderator for Friday’s event. It should be noted that the event is for charity, so while everyone is licking their chops at the idea of talking baseball, let’s keep in mind what the night is all about.

6:30 p.m.:  We’re up and running here at the Fens, where there’s actually a really good turnout. Right now, those in attendance are stuffing their faces with some good eats. Hopefully they save room for some baseball.

4:15 p.m. ET: Hello, baseball fans. Hopefully everyone is enjoying their winter thus far, but if you aren’t, maybe we can make it a little bit more tolerable by talking some baseball. At least that’s the plan.

Clicking on this story may or may not be the best decision of your day — top five, at least. That’s because yours truly will be reporting live from the friendly confines of Fenway Park at what is sure to be a worthwhile event.

Unfortunately, no fungo bats, radar guns or penny balls will be utilized on Friday (unless some other member of the Boston media contingent decides to bring them along). But what we will have are some varying perspectives from a few notable baseball faces.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington, manager John Farrell, assistant GM Mike Hazen, Cubs president Theo Epstein, Orioles manager Buck Showalter and Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons are among those who will be participating in this year’s version of the Hot Stove Cool Music Baseball Roundtable.

These baseball luminaries will be part of an in-depth discussion on the topic of “changing a culture in baseball.” Fortunately, NESN.com is ready to provide up-to-the-minute commentary and information regarding their discussion.

And guess what? You’re invited to join me on this journey by sticking with this live blog. Don’t let me down, folks. It’ll be good. I swear.

Friday’s action is set to kick off at around 6 p.m., at which point there will be some media availability. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on all the happenings there, and then the actual roundtable will commence at around 6:45 p.m.

In other words, don’t touch the dial.

Ben Cherington figures to be a busy man this week and over the duration of the MLB offseason, as he seeks to reload a 93-loss team from a year ago.

One such way to do that is to sign key free agents who not only add pop to the lineup, but also add a solid mix to the clubhouse. It’s hoped that the newest member of the Red Sox will do just that.

Mike Napoli reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with Boston on Monday, adding power at first base. But after Napoli, plenty of holes remain in the projected 2013 lineup, and it will be Cherington’s job to fill said holes.

Check out the video above from Monday’s Red Sox Now to see how Cherington addressed the reported Napoli signing, and what else he has in mind from the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville.

Click here for a live blog of the MLB Winter Meetings >>

Hours into Day 1 of the MLB Winter Meetings on Monday in Nashville, the Red Sox made an early splash in the free-agent market.

Multiple reports indicate that the Red Sox have signed free-agent catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli to a three-year deal. It is expected that the former Los Angeles Angel and Texas Ranger will primarily play first base for the team.

With that being said, NESN has you covered for everything related to the Winter Meetings. Tom Caron and Peter Gammons are in attendance, and the latter applauded the Napoli signing while diagnosing the suddenly overcrowded catching position for the Red Sox.

Check out the video above to hear Gammons break down the signing, along with analysis of the situation behind the plate and what the Sox’ next move may be. And be sure to stay tuned for more updates from Red Sox Now.

Click here for a live blog of the MLB Winter Meetings >>

All of the Red Sox’ free agent rumors so far have pertained to offensive help, but the 2012 team wasn’t without their pitching woes as well.

One name that Peter Gammons thinks the Sox should keep in mind is Athletics free agent Brandon McCarthy. McCarthy missed the last month of last season after getting hit in the head with a line drive. McCarthy was cleared to resume pitching and other baseball activities and should draw significant interest in the market.

McCarthy was 8-6 with a 3.24 ERA last season before his injury with 73 strikeouts and 24 walks. Gammons said one appeal for McCarthy could be his roots as a Liverpool fan. Of course, the Red Sox could get McCarthy all the Liverpool tickets he could possibly want.

Watch the video above to hear Gammons talk about the Red Sox pitching needs with NESN’s Tom Caron on Red Sox Now.

In the next few weeks, you could see the hot stove heat up even more.

The new collective bargaining agreement encourages deals to be made quicker, so after seeing B.J. Upton signed on Wednesday by the Braves, you could see more names like Russell Martin, Michael Bourn, and yes, even Mike Napoli, Nick Swisher and Adam LaRoche start to fly off the shelves as well. Since the Red Sox have had reported interest in Napoli and Swisher, they too may start to make deals before the winter meetings.

If the Red Sox sign any of those players, they’ll have Greg Colbrunn as a hitting coach. Peter Gammons spoke about why Colbrunn was the right man for the choice on Red Sox Now with NESN’s Tom Caron. He said that Colbrunn seemed to understand best what the Red Sox wanted out of a hitting coach and that his players will concentrate on being patient and working the count.

Watch the video above to hear Gammons explain why deals are getting done faster this year.

It looks like the Red Sox are still weighing their options in the free agent market and three players that may make sense for the team are Mike Napoli, Nick Swisher and Adam LaRoche.

Peter Gammons said that Boston has the most interest in Napoli, but he’s hearing the team is hesitant to offer him a three-year contract because of concerns about his defensive prowess at first base. The Red Sox also have first base prospect Travis Shaw coming up through the minors, who could be ready by the end of next season.

Gammons said that Swisher has the advantage of playing outfield and first base, while also having even splits against right handers and left handers, but LaRoche may be the best pure hitter of the three. LaRoche doesn’t have the positional flexibility that Napoli and Swisher do though.

Watch the video above to hear Gammons discuss the Red Sox free agent options with NESN’s Tom Caron on Red Sox Now.

Valentine will join NESN’s Peter Gammons in speaking at the university as part of its popular public lecture series.

The Salem State series this year is celebrating 30 years of bringing nationally and internationally recognized people to its North Shore campus, but this particular lecture should be quite the treat for Red Sox fans who watched Valentine serve as the club’s manager during a disappointing 2012 season. Valentine was often controversial, and he’s been the subject of plenty of back-and-forth already this offseason after being let go by the Boston organization.

Ticket prices range from $10 for students to $100 for inner circle seating. Other categories are available for $20 (general admission), $50 and $80 per person. Tickets may be purchased online at salemstateseriestickets.com, or by calling the box office at 978.542.7555.

It was a sad Monday for all of Red Sox Nation, as word spread that Johnny Pesky had passed away.

Involved with the team for parts of eight different decades, Pesky filled numerous roles in the organization, from player to coach, to manager, to broadcaster, to ambassador for the Red Sox and all of baseball. His number may reside in right field forever retired, and the right field foul pole may forever retain his name, but Pesky will still be missed.

In the wake of Pesky's passing, Peter Gammons joined NESN Daily to talk about and share rememberances of the departed, singling out the way he held himself as an ambassador for the Red Sox and the esteem Pesky received not just from those within the organization, but all around baseball — including the hated Yankees.

Watch the video above to hear everything Gammons had to say about the Red Sox' lost friend.

Theo Epstein knew upon arriving to the Cubs that some changes were going to be made in order to build a winner. He's now in the process of implementing those changes.

Epstein, whose Cubs have been awful this season, understood that this season might not go well, but he is still impressed with the fight that his team has shown, and he thinks that Chicago has a bright future.

The former Red Sox GM said that the Cubs will have to "scratch and claw" to bring young, championship talent to Chicago, but he's confident that they can get it done.

Epstein caught up with NESN's Peter Gammons before Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field to discuss a number of issues, including the conversations that the Chicago front office have on a daiy basis.

Check out the video above to hear more from Gammons' interview with Epstein.

The main wellspring for new baseball talent is fast approaching in the form of the Major League Baseball Draft.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington has been doing his homework to see who Boston can pick up.

He sat down with Peter Gammons at Fenway Park to give his view on the draft and what the Red Sox hope to do this year on Red Sox GameDay LIVE presented by UNO.

Back in 1975, a World Series title was still 29 years away for the Red Sox faithful. But to hear Dwight Evans talk about the seminal series, he had no idea just how big a moment it would be, nor that it would take him another 11 years to get back to the game's biggest stage.

Watch the video above to hear Evans talk about game six of the 1975 World Series, Pete Rose's take on the game and how he works with minor leaguers to help them improve their anticipation and positioning.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine suddenly faces quite the predicament now that Jacoby Ellsbury will be sidelined.

Valentine has to decide who to use in the leadoff spot, which is typically designated for the speedy Ellsbury. Mike Aviles got the nod in that spot on Saturday, but Valentine could elect to switch things up based on matchups. As NESN’s Peter Gammons points out, though, Aviles could be the right man for the job, as he relishes such opportunities.

Check out the video above to hear more.