Fans excited to see childhood heroes back in uniform

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Friday was not just about the rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees. It was about bringing back famous faces from years ago.

A lot of the talk the week leading up to the centennial celebration was about reports that Terry Francona was not accepting the invitation to Friday’s festivities.

As fans filtered into Fenway several hours before the first pitch they hoped to see their favorite former Sox.

“Carl Yastrzemski. I grew up in Brockton and he was my hero when I was 12 years old. That’s the person I want to see. I got his autograph when I was 11,” said Richard Potvin, a Sox fan.

Yaz was there, as well as dozens of other former Sox stars. Older fans hoped to see the players they watched when they were kids.

“I go back to like the Fred Lynn years and that whole era of players. That’s when I was in grade school. [Those are the] players I most identify with. Even to this day,” said Jamie Brogioli, a Sox fan.

Those who wondered if Tito was going to be there, he was, and easily got the biggest ovation from the crowd. Francona left this last off season and so did former general manager Theo Epstein, who reportedly only received an invitation the night before the celebration.

“I think he should be here. He got ‘em two World Series, a little falling out I guess,” said one fan.

Former players and managers were back in uniform, back on the field, just as fans remember them.

“Dewey’s always my favorite, so Dwight Evans is the guy I enjoy seeing the most, even though he’s here quite often,” said one fan.

Who were you most excited to see at Fenway Park on Friday? Comment below!