My Feelings about Having my Number Retired
The retirement of my number 14 at Fenway Park was an emotional and sentimental experience. Prior to the ceremony I was talking to Joe Cochran, the long time Red Sox clubhouse manager. I asked Joe why he never gave out the number 14 to another player after my retirement in 1989; there had been hundreds of players added to the organization in the two decade gap between my retirement and the retirement of the number 14. During those two decades I didn’t feel that 14 was “my” number, it belonged to the Boston Red Sox.
Joe’s response was that he never gave out my number because he liked me. When I think back about the ceremony to retire my number, I’ll think about the fans, watching the game from the suite with my family, appearing on TV and the Radio with Mayor Menino, and also how fortunate I have been to make lasting relationships in and around the game I love.
August 13th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Congrats Jim! I was there for your number retirement ceremony, and it was great. I had movers coming first thing in the morning the day after that game, but I knew there was no way I was going to miss seeing the ceremony live. You were my childhood hero, and that day (and the Hall of fame induction) were long overdue!
August 15th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I had been wondering the last few years why I never saw another number 14. At first I thought it was because you worked for NESN and the comparisons would have been a bit to much for any young player. I am sadly not well enough to attend games any longer, but I was touched and tearful to watch your number be retired.
Congratulations on reaching the Hall of Fame, and on being an amazing person and baseball player.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Dear Jim, Thank you so much, truly brought me joy seeing you at Vanity Fair,in Dartmouth. You have wonderful manners and patience.
Sincerely, You are True Hall of Famer!
(neck brace)