Apr 8, 2008 2:58 pm US/Pacific
No More Billy Goat: Buckner Throws Out First Pitch
22 Years After Notorious Error, Former Sox First Baseman Welcomed With Thunderous Ovation On Opening Day At Fenway
Red Sox Go On To Defeat Woeful Tigers, 5-0
BOSTON (CBS) ―
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Bill Buckner received a warm reception from Fenway fans before delivering the ceremonial first pitch.
Elsa/Getty Images
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Bill Buckner (file image. Gray Mortimore/Allsport)
Getty Images
The Red Sox opened their 2008 season at Fenway Park with World Series rings, trophies, Boston sports legends, the Boston Pops and a flyover of F-16 jets Tuesday. But Bill Buckner stole the show when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Buckner played for the Red Sox twice - from 1984 to 1987 and again in 1990, when he finished his professional career. But, he is best known for his infamous error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. The Mets went on to win Game 7 and the World Series.
The capacity crowd welcomed Buckner back to Fenway for the first time in years with a long, roaring ovation that brought the former first baseman to tears.
Wearing his number 6 jersey, Buckner threw out the pitch - a perfect strike - to his former teammate, right fielder Dwight Evans.
Before the players received their 2007 World Series Championship rings, they were greeted by legends from the Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins.
Tedy Bruschi, Bill Russell, and Bobby Orr led small groups from the three teams as they marched from the Green Monster in left field to the Red Sox dugout. The Celtics alumni carried the Larry O'Brien Trophy from one of their NBA titles. The Patriots held a Vince Lombardi trophy from one of their Super Bowl championships. Johnny Bucyk carried the Stanley Cup for the Bruins.
After the players received their rings, they moved to center field, where Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky greeted them for the banner raising ceremony under the flag pole, as the Boston Pops played in the background.
After the Red Sox and Detroit Tigers were introduced, the Pops then played the National Anthem, followed by a flyover of F-16 jets from the Vermont Air National Guard.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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