Red Sox to honor Luis Tiant, members of 1975 team at Friday’s home opener
Tiant, known for his unique delivery and outsize personality, died in October at age 83.
Before the Red Sox take the field at Fenway Park for the first time this season, members of the 1975 team will return for a pregame ceremony honoring the 50th anniversary of their American League championship.
The ceremony at the Red Sox’ home opener on Friday will honor Luis Tiant, a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame who led his team to the 1975 World Series. Tiant, known for his unique delivery and outsize personality, died in October at age 83.
“El Tiante” played for six major league teams during his 19-year career from 1964-82, including eight seasons in Boston, where he won 122 games and was the centerpiece of several pennant races.
The Red Sox held a similar ceremony ahead of the 2015 home opener, marking the 40th anniversary of the 1975 team’s run to the World Series. A group of 26 players, including Tiant and Carlton Fisk, were in attendance.
First pitch for Friday’s opener against St. Louis is set for 2:10 p.m., and the Red Sox encourage fans to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m. in order to see the full pregame ceremony, which will feature a fly-over by three military aircrafts: two F-35s and one KC-46.
The full pregame ceremony will be broadcast as part of NESN’s pregame coverage, which begins at noon.
Friday’s pregame ceremony kicks off a month packed with fan-engagement activities.
On Monday, Red Sox players and coaches will join Mayor Michelle Wu and Red Sox executives to distribute 40,000 hats to Boston Public Schools students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, an annual tradition since 2017.
Other events include Little League Opening Day (April 12), a fan photo on the warning track (April 20), theme nights (April 6, 9, 28, 19, and 22), and giveaways (April 7, 21, and 24).
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