Johnny Pesky, one of the most beloved Red Sox old timers, died in a hospice at 92 on 8/13/12.

[No Elephants]

If we still had posters in the DU 2 Massachusetts forum, I would have posted this there.

I know nothing about sports, but, even I know Pesky's name and that the Sox honored him earlier this year (crikey, what in hell were they waiting for, his 102nd year?). Apparently, his last visit to the park was earlier this very month.

http://news.yahoo.com/johnny-pesky-beloved-red-sox-fans-dies-92-204959967--mlb.html

I think there is even either a play or a part of the Sox ball park that is nicknamed "the Pesky."

I did not, however, know that, besides having been a player (shortstop and third baseman--just looked it up) and a forever Sox fan, he was a Sox manager and broadcaster.

He play from 1942 to 1954, mostly for the Sox, though some for the Washington Senators.


Career statistics
Batting average .307
Hits 1,455
Runs batted in 404


(From his wiki.)

And, even I know that ain't shabby, especially for that time.

Not sure, but Pesky may have been the last survivor of that Ted Williams/Sox era.






Nothing but home runs and no hitters in heaven, Johnny. RIP

[No Elephants]

1. Ah, here it is:

On his 87th birthday, Sept. 27, 2006, a plaque was unveiled at the base of the foul pole just 302 feet from home plate, designating it "Pesky's Pole."

The term was coined by former Red Sox pitcher Mel Parnell, who during a broadcast in the 1950s recalled Pesky winning a game for him with a home run around the pole. From there, a legend seemed to grow that Pesky frequently curled shots that way — actually, only six of his 17 career home runs came at Fenway.

In fact, team records show that Pesky never hit a home run at Fenway in which Parnell was the winning pitcher. Still, Pesky's spot in the hearts of Red Sox players and fans alike is indisputable.

From the story whose link appears in the OP.

No matter what the plaque says, the term I have heard is "the Pesky," not "Pesky's Pole."