Jerry Remy remembered: David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, other Red Sox legends pay tribute to beloved broadcaster

It’s hard to imagine Red Sox baseball without Jerry Remy, and he’s already dearly missed.

After a lengthy and courageous battle against lung cancer, Remy died Saturday night. He was 68, and most of his life was dedicated to the Red Sox, first as a player for seven seasons before becoming a beloved broadcaster for more than three decades on NESN. He touched the lives of so many — from Red Sox fans all over the world to Red Sox players.

From Carl Yastrzemski to David Ortiz to Dennis Eckersley and many more, here’s how those who knew Remy best remembered him, as written in statements through the Red Sox and NESN.

Dennis Eckersley, Remy’s broadcast partner and former teammate: “Red Sox Nation lost a beloved icon. I lost a longtime friend, teammate and broadcast partner. He will be missed by all. Fenway Park will never be the same again.”

Carl Yastrzemski, former Red Sox outfielder and teammate: “In baseball he was a very, very hard worker. He made himself an outstanding player. He carried those same work habits over to the broadcast booth. We were a couple of lockers down from each other so we would talk a lot. We became very good friends. This is a sad day.”

David Ortiz, former Red Sox designated hitter: “A fun person to be around and incredible human being just left us. We are going to miss you, brother. Thank you for calling me Big Papi on air—l will never forget that. Miss you already, Rem Dawg.”

Dustin Pedroia, former Red Sox second baseman: “It’s difficult to put into words what Jerry meant to me and our entire organization. I will miss our baseball talks, joking and laughing together, and our friendship. Jerry helped me so much as a young player and I looked up to him. He helped me see the game in different ways. He left his mark on everyone and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.”

Pedro Martinez, former Red Sox pitcher: “Ever since I laid foot at Fenway Park you were there to call it, feel it and appreciate it. Just like your voice with a great smile, right along with some of the greatest memories in my career in Boston. I’ll never forget how supportive you were towards me and my career, Rem Dawg. Your memories will always live with me, as well as my respect and mutual admiration. Rest in peace and my deepest condolences to your family.”

John Henry, Red Sox principal owner: “We are saddened by the loss of a beloved player, broadcaster, and 13-year cancer warrior,” said Principal Owner John Henry. “Jerry’s love and connection to baseball didn’t allow anything to stand between the game and him, including for many years cancer. He devoted his entire career to baseball and whether from his seat in the clubhouse or his perch above the field in the broadcast booth, he took generations of rising Red Sox stars and a multitude of fans along for the ride with him. During his lifetime, he witnessed great triumphs and terrible tragedies handling all of it with grace, dignity, and a huge heart. He left an indelible mark on this club and on an entire nation of Red Sox fans.”

Chaim Bloom, Red Sox chief baseball officer: “Jerry Remy was more than a Red Sox legend; he was a New England institution. As a player, he showed us the right way to work on your craft and compete. As a broadcaster, his insight enriched the lives of Red Sox Nation on a nightly basis. Most important, he was a beloved member of the Red Sox family and he cared about the organization and everyone in it. I am so grateful for how he welcomed me here and for the things he taught me, and will never forget his kindness. I join a heartbroken baseball ops department in sending love and sympathy to his family and many friends.”

Brian O’Halloran, Red Sox general manager: “Jerry was a gritty player who made the most of his talent and cared as much about winning as anyone. He took on a new challenge as a broadcaster and became one of the best analysts in the business. It was always a treat to see him in the clubhouse and talk baseball with him. Jerry was a true New Englander, a Red Sox through and through, and he will be sorely missed.”

Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox shortstop: “This is such a sad day. My thoughts are with Jerry’s family and his loved ones. As a player, I always loved seeing Rem in our clubhouse at Fenway every day. He was the first person you’d see when you came in. Whether it was just to say hello or to talk baseball, he was always there. You knew he loved the Red Sox and that he was always pulling for us. He will be missed.”

Alex Cora, Red Sox manager: “Like everyone else in Red Sox Nation today, I’m absolutely devastated by Jerry’s passing. We connected because of our love for the game of baseball. I will miss all of our conversations about the game and just passing time together throughout the years, whether in the clubhouse or dugout. Jerry was so passionate about the Red Sox and even though he had to step away for treatment late in the season, he was with us every step of the way—especially in October. We kept in touch just about every day and encouraged each other to keep fighting. It was great seeing him at Fenway when we started our run; he was a source of inspiration for so many of our players. My condolences go out to his wife, Phoebe, and his children and their grandchildren. We will miss you, Rem!”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2ZNIYOD