The Red Sox honor the 2004 championship team, Tim Wakefield’s family before the home opener

BOSTON (AP) — When the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals to capture the World Series title in 2004 to end their 86-year drought, Johnny Damon was one of the first to win the trophy. He immediately found Tim Wakefield – who had bounced back from giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs.

As Boston celebrated the 20th anniversary of that title team, Damon once again put the trophy in the hands of a Wakefield, only this time the knuckleballer’s daughter.

“I thought it was appropriate for her to walk off the field with the World Series trophy,” Damon said after Tuesday’s ceremony before the home opener against Baltimore. “Such a great day. These kids are going through a lot and they know they have a lot of family, the team we had in 2004. They can always count on us. And especially if Brianna ever gets a boyfriend, she needs to check with all her uncles.”

Wakefield died of brain cancer in October at the age of 57. His wife, Stacy, died less than five months later after her own battle with cancer. Boston wears patches no. 49 in the shape of a heart in honor of the knuckleball pitcher this season.

A video tribute was played for both, known for their philanthropic work in the Boston area, along with highlights from the 2004 race.

It was part of an emotional day at Fenway Park. The ceremonies included former manager Terry Francona, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Damon among the more than 40 members in attendance from the 2004 team.

The most noticeable absence was Wakefield.

Tim and Stacy’s children, Brianna and Trevor, led members of the ’04 team onto the field for the ceremony while carrying the World Series trophy. Brianna then threw out the ceremonial first pitch to former catcher and current Red Sox assistant coach Jason Varitek, flanked by her father’s former teammates.

The team previously gathered for the 10th anniversary of the championship, and Damon, sporting the long hair he was known for during his time in Boston, said, “For the most part, our team ages pretty well.”

“We still like each other. We’re just missing a few guys that we really wish were here,” Damon said.

Damon said the excitement that filled Fenway Tuesday underscored how much Wakefield and the 2004 team mean to the city.

“We’re a family over there,” he said. “(Tim’s) kids are going to count on us moving forward and we’re all going to be there for them.”

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Kyle Hightower, Associated Press