For his many years as a faithful fan of the Red Sox, the team and its owners paid respect to Kennedy.
“On behalf of the entire Boston Red Sox organization, I express our deep sadness and profound grief at the news of the passing of Ted Kennedy,” principal owner John Henry said in a statement released by the team. “For 47 years, he served the people of the Commonwealth and the country with commitment and compassion. Senator Kennedy shaped the lives of millions of Americans, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts on behalf of those in need.”
The Red Sox also honored Kennedy with a tribute before Wednesday night’s game against the White Sox.
“It has been an honor to have the Kennedy family as an extended part of the Red Sox family, said chairman Tom Werner. “Earlier this year, Teddy carried on a family tradition started 97 years earlier by his grandfather by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day. He did it with trademark courage and humor and proved once again that he was a constant light in our lives. As we hear stories of his accomplishments, I hope each of us will be inspired by his legacy to find our own way to help others.”
President and CEO Larry Lucchino also remembered the senator, putting his career in baseball terms.
“I am certain that, if United States Senators had numbers like players, we would be retiring his number today — perhaps all of baseball would be retiring his number,” Lucchino said. “We shall miss him greatly, and we shall never, never forget him.”
