RIP, Johnny Pesky: Everybody’s Grandpa

by Red on August 13, 2012

Holy shit. Word is that Johnny Pesky, everybody’s grandpa and a fixture in the Red Sox organization for as long as I can remember, has passed away at 92.

As I’ve said many times, there are three ways to get me to cry: kick me square in the nuts, make me watch the final scene of “Field of Dreams” or show me any photos of Johnny Pesky from the night the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. Experiencing the delirium of that evening through his eyes made it an even more wondrous experience.

We’ve lost one of the great ones today. And suddenly, a season that seemed lost has purpose: Win it for Johnny. Or at least try to.

He was 92 and he went too soon. Godspeed, Mr. Pesky.

17 comments

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banthonisen

He was the bridge from my dad's Red Sox to my Red Sox. Every time I see an official 2004 World Series baseball he signed with the words "Ted, we did it!" inscribed I am overcome with emotion. He loved his teammates and he loved his team. I hope he had a good idea as to just how much the fans of his team loved him, because it was a helluva lot.

YDDE

Johnny Pesky was awesome, his stories were my favorite part of working at Fenway Park from 1994-1999. Johnny Pesky would also want me to give Red and Denton shit for the Christian Mingle banner advertisement. That is all.

MrPrentiss

Win it all for Johnny!

Sharpie

1 Like

Hard to find a better Face of the Red Sox. He will be missed and spoken of for a long time.

Chris in LA

1 Like

So sad, but truly a life well lived.

I don't know why, but one of my first thoughts was shit I wish Tito was manager today. That seems an unfair slam at Valentine (lord knows there are enough legit reasons to slam him) but there it is.

Dottie Moffitt

He will be missed. His love for the Sox and baseball is unequaled!

English Sox Fan

1 Like

Another one lost from that generation for whom loyalty and decency were not dirty words. Sad news, but he had a long and happy life, and got to see his beloved Sox win it all twice before he died.

jules

1 Like

@English Sox Fan Perfectly said, ESF.

RIP, Johnny. I loved seeing him in his Sox uniform at all the celebrations. I'm glad he was able to see his Sox win it all.

BeardedInMD

1 Like

@English Sox Fan You said it better than I could have, ESF. I'm really glad that he was able to see his team win a couple of championships before he went. Godspeed, indeed.