David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, other Red Sox legends pay tribute to the beloved television station

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

After a long and brave battle with lung cancer, Remy died Saturday night. He was 68, and most of his life was dedicated to the Red Sox, first playing for seven seasons before becoming a beloved television station for more than three decades on NESN. He touched the lives of so many – from Red Sox fans around 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 Red Sox and NESN.

Dennis Eckersley, Remy’s broadcast partner and former teammate: “The Red Sox Nation lost a beloved icon. I lost a longtime friend, teammate and broadcast partner. He will be missed by everyone. 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 excellent player. He brought the same work habits over to the broadcast booth. We were a couple of closets down so we talked a lot. We became very good friends. It’s a sad day. ”

David Ortiz, former Red Sox designated hitter: “A funny person to be around and an incredible human being has just left us. We’ll miss you, brother. Thank you for calling me Big Papi in the air – I’ll never forget that. Miss you already, Rem Dawg.”

Dustin Pedroia, former Red Sox second baseman: “It’s hard to put into words what Jerry meant to me and our entire organization. I will miss our baseball conversations, fun and laughs 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 whole family. ”

Pedro Martinez, former Red Sox pitcher: “Ever since I set foot in Fenway Park, you’ve been there to call it, feel it and appreciate it. Like your voice with a good smile, right along with some of the greatest memories of my career in Boston. I will never Forget how supportive you were of 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 sympathy to your family. ”

John Henry, Red Sox main owner: “We are saddened by the loss of a beloved player, TV station and 13-year-old cancer fighter,” said lead owner John Henry. “Jerry’s love and connection to baseball allowed nothing to stand between the game and him, including cancer for many years. He devoted his entire career to baseball, and whether he was from his seat in the clubhouse or from his seat across the court in the broadcast booth, he took generations of rising Red Sox stars and a host of fans on the tour, and during his lifetime he witnessed great triumphs and terrible tragedies that handled it all with grace, dignity and a big heart, leaving an indelible mark imprint on this club and on an entire nation of Red Sox fans. ”

Chaim Bloom, Chief Baseball Officer for the Red Sox: “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 television broadcaster, his insights enriched the lives of the Red Sox Nations on a nightly basis. Most importantly, 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 received me here and for the things he taught me, and will never forget his kindness. I join a shattered baseball department to send love and sympathy to his family and many friends. ”

Brian O’Halloran, Red Sox general manager: “Jerry was a cruel player who got the most out of his talent and cared as much about winning as anyone else. He took on a new challenge as a TV station and became one of the best analysts in the industry. “It was always a pleasure to see him in the clubhouse and talk baseball with him. Jerry was a real New Englander, a Red Sox throughout, and he will be greatly missed.”

Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox shortstop: “It’s such a sad day. My thoughts go to Jerry’s family and his loved ones. As a player, I have always loved watching Rem in our clubhouse at Fenway every day. He was the first person you saw when you came in. Regardless. “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 always pulled for us. He will be missed.”

Alex Cora, Red Sox manager: “Like everyone else in the Red Sox Nation today, I’m completely devastated by Jerry’s passing. We connected because of our love of the game of baseball. I’m going to miss all our conversations about the game and just spend time together over the years, no matter what. whether it’s 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 all the way – especially in October.We kept in touch almost every day and encouraged each other to keep fighting.It was great to see him at Fenway when we started our race, he was a source of inspiration for so many of our players.My condolences go to his wife, Phoebe, and his children and their grandchildren. We’ll miss you, Rem! ”

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