Jerry Remy was the ceremonial pitcher of the first pitch before the Yankees faced the Red Sox in an American League Wild Card Game. (0:33).
Jerry Remy, a former Boston Red Sox player who became part of the NESN broadcast booth covering the team, died Saturday night at the ripe old age of 68.
Remy, who was NESN's Red Sox analyst on August 4, had resigned to receive treatment for lung cancer. Remy stated that he would fight this disease with all of his resources, as he had done in the past and will continue to do.
On Oct. 5, the Red Sox faced off against the New York Yankees in an American League Wild Card Game. He was back to throw the ceremonial first pitch. He was brought to the field by a cart, and while wearing a nasal cannula for supplemental oxygen, he threw the pitch to Dennis Eckersley (his former teammate and one his broadcast booth partners).
Jerry Remy was back at Fenway Park to give the ceremonial first pitch before Dennis Eckersley, a former teammate of NESN broadcaster, won the AL Wild Card Game. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
John Henry, Red Sox owner, said that he was saddened by the death of his beloved broadcaster, player, and 13-year-old cancer fighter. "Jerry's passion and connection to baseball meant that nothing could stand in his way, even cancer. His entire life was dedicated to baseball. He took many generations of Red Sox players and fans along on the journey, whether he was in the clubhouse or in the broadcast booth. He witnessed many great victories and tragic losses, but he handled them all with dignity, grace, and a big heart. His legacy is felt throughout the Red Sox and across the nation.
Remy, who was a former smoker, first got diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008 Remy, a former smoker, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2008. He had relapses several times including this year.
"Jerry Remy was born in Massachusetts and grew up rooting for the Red Sox. He became a beloved broadcaster and player with the team. He made a strong connection with Boston fans, and was an inspiration to many through his fight against cancer. The MLB Players Association released a statement saying that it joined Jerry's friends, family and fans in grieving his loss.
Fred Lynn, a former teammate, was one of those who paid tribute to Remy via social media. He tweeted: "I lost an amazing teammate and friend today. He was a true player and an important part of the Red Sox Nation. R.I.P. Remdog."
Don Orsillo was his once broadcast partner with NESN. He tweeted: "Thanks for 21 years of friendship. Without you, I would not be where I am today. You showed me the @MLB right way. I am sure I will text you at least three times per day. I'm lost. #RIPRem @RedSox @NESN
We are grateful for the 21 years of friendship. Without you, I would not be where I am today. You showed me the @MLB right way. I am sure I will text you at least three times per day. I'm lost. #RIPRem @RedSox @NESN pic.twitter.com/GB9wU8TKQl Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) October 31, 2021
Red Sox Nation lost a loved icon. I lost a friend, colleague, and broadcast partner. All will miss him. Eckersley stated that Fenway Park would never be the same after his death in a statement released to NESN.
Remy was born in Fall River (Massachusetts) on Nov. 8, 1952. He played second base for Red Sox between 1978 and 1984. In 1988, he joined the NESN booth, becoming a beloved broadcaster of the franchise.
Generations of New Englanders have called Remy "RemDawg" and he was elected the first president of Red Sox Nation late in 2007. In order to capitalize on the passions and support of their followers, the club created a formal fan club.
In 1978, he was chosen to the All-Star Game. He hit.278 with 24 doubles and 6 triples. He also had 2 home runs, 33 RBIs and 2 home runs. He also stole 30 bases.
Remy started his major league career in 1975 with the California Angels and spent his first three years with the team. He hit.275 with 140 runs, 38 triples and 7 home runs, as well as 399 RBIs. During his 10 years in major leagues, he also stole 208 bases.
His wife Phoebe, his two sons, and one daughter, are his survivors.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
