Oldtime Baseball game grateful for Pesky

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WHDH) -- Many people inspired by the sox great were out on the field for a game of their own in the 19th Annual Oldtime Baseball game and event that is very near and dear to Johnny Pesky.

When Johnny Pesky heard that the Oldtime Baseball Organization was having a tough time getting started, he called up and offered his help. Pesky didn’t stop there, for years, Pesky would hit balls so players would warm up and would drum up the publicity. He was out batting with the team until about two years ago.

Organizers said he wasn’t just an ambassador for the Red Sox but for baseball. His stories and connections span several generations. In fact, the crew on the field tonight includes one of Pesky’s former teammates.

“Teammates. It’s very difficult to have him relate to me any other way than the teammate. It’s kind of special when you played with him, as a teammate. And the city will miss him because he was the PR guy for the organization. And he was just great,” said his former teammate, Ted Lepcio.

Another player on the field is wearing Pesky’s number 6 jersey, the jersey that Pesky used to wear at the Oldtime Baseball games.

“I am just honored to wear it. I will wear it proudly tonight like everyone was saying. Just have fun with it,” said the player.

Pesky has inspired generations with all of his stories with his playing. Johnny Pesky was not just a player; he was a coach, commentator and ambassador and as one writer said, the grandfather of Boston.