Before Boston kicked off its 2021 season, Red Sox players and fans heard from an old friend.
Dustin Pedroia and his three sons -- Dylan, Cole and Brooks -- concluded the Opening Day pregame ceremonies at Fenway Park on Friday afternoon. Prior to the Pedroias delivering a "Play ball!" the recently retired Red Sox second baseman shouted out the Fenway Faithful.
"Hey, Red Sox fans. Welcome back to Fenway Park," Pedroia said. "I wish I was there with you and soon enough I will be. 2021 is going to be a great season and our guys are ready to kick it off."
Pedroia has stayed connected to the Red Sox since deciding to call it a career in early February. The four-time All-Star a few weeks after his retirement announcement virtually addressed the '21 Sox as they got the ball rolling on spring training.
At some point, Pedroia will be honored before a packed Fenway Park and it surely will yield one of the louder ovations the stadium has heard in recent memory.
