Goodbye, Johnny Pesky

Everyone's used this photo already. And nobody seems to know the original photographer. But it's perfect, so I'll use it again. 

This was the first thing that came to mind when I heard about Johnny Pesky's passing today -- this exact moment in St. Louis after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, when Curt Schilling swept Pesky off his feet in a giant bear hug. 

He wasn't technically a part of the team (unless I'm missing something -- what did he do? What was he coach of, other than morale?), and yet, he WAS the team, the ultimate connection between the hallowed past and a blessed future.

Time after time after that, he was brought out amid whatever assemblage of transient players the Red Sox currently had signed to the roster for ring ceremonies and a pole dedication and to see his number retired and for the hundredth anniversary of the building, and I'm sure I'm missing a few...the one guy on the field who wasn't ever going to leave the uniform. And it never seemed tired or trite -- his love and enthusiasm, every time, were just too genuine. 

He was, in short, a priceless living treasure. Those of us alive today will not see his like again. 

Rest in peace, Johnny Pesky. Thank you for the gift of yourself. 

Comments

[Bob]

Johnny was the Sox. I don't think there was/is anyone who loved them more or as much as him. Sorry to see him go.

[ErikJHeels]

The iconic photo of Johnny Pesky and Curt Schilling hugging after the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series was taken by Vincent Laforet of The New York Times.

https://plus.google.com/108138843529551827266/posts/h3pr42mS8ic

[Beth]

Thanks, Erik, but that link isn't working...