WATCH: Brianna Wakefield, daughter of Stacy and Tim Wakefield throws ceremonial first pitch ahead of Red Sox home opener
It was an emotional home opener for the Boston Red Sox as Brianna, daughter of Stacy and Tim Wakefield, threw the ceremonial first pitch on Tuesday afternoon. On a day filled with nostalgia and fond memories, it was the ceremonial first pitch that stole the show.
Brianna was one of the special guests brought to Fenway Park on Tuesday as part of the franchise's celebration of the 2004 World Series-winning championship team. The team invited Wakefield to throw the pitch to former catcher Jason Varitek.
"Brianna Wakefield, daughter of Tim and Stacy Wakefield, threw out the first pitch to Jason Varitek at the Red Sox home opener (via@Steve_Perrault)" - @BRWalkoff
It was a heartwarming and emotional moment for Brianna Wakefield, as both of her parents passed away recently from battles with cancer. It was not soon after the revelation that the beloved pitcher was fighting a brain cancer diagnosis that he died at 57 years old.
Only a few months after Tim's passing, Stacy also died of cancer. It has been a difficult time for the Wakefield family, who have received an outpouring of love a support from the Boston Red Sox and their fans.
Brianna Wakefield's opening pitch was part of a historic day in Boston Red Sox history
Prior to Boston's game against the AL East rivals, the Baltimore Orioles, the franchise honored a number of their greatest modern icons and their accomplishments in 2004. That season, the BoSox broke their 86-year World Series drought.
"Members of the 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox team rode duck boats to Fenway Park ahead of today's celebration before the home opener. The 2004 team “Reversed the Curse," ending an 86-year championship drought." - @WCVB.
Dubbed the "Curse of the Bambino,” Boston had not won a title since they controversially traded all-time great Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. The 2004 finally broke that curse, with the likes of Tim Wakefield, David Ortiz, and Manny Ramirez playing pivotal roles during the title run. The team has won the title three times (2007, 2013, 2017) since their historic 2004 drought-ending run.