The Return of Pedro

The Return of Pedro

By Brad Danielson as Dan Shaughnessy

BOSTON- The man who doesn’t get any respect returns to the old ballpark by the Muddy River. Folks it’s not Rodney Dangerfield, but Pedro Martinez. It’s a game for the ages where Pedro seeks to show John Henry & Co. that he isn’t in the twilight of his career.

The mere sight of Pedro rekindles memories of the past from the 2004 World Series to his relief appearance in Game 3 of the ALDS in Cleveland. Most of all, Red Sox Nation anticipates the return of it’s former savior who skipped town for more respect in the form of a larger contract. The Dominican who once wanted to break the Curse and drill the Bambino in the behind comes to the ancient ball yard on Yawkey Way as a New York Met.

This interleague series will remind us of the past. Buckner, Gooden, Rice, McNamara, and the ’86 World Series will be on the minds of the Fenway faithful. It’s an interleague series with a meaning in many ways.

Fenway fans, sitting in the most expensive seats in baseball, will be filled with anticipation when Pedro, who once sat under a mango tree in his native Dominican Republic as a young man, comes out of the bullpen. Will he arrive late to the ballpark like the good old days? We will see on Wednesday night when he attempts to prove he is the same old Pedro. Will the Nation reward him with a standing ovation or boo him for leaving for the Big Apple? Pedro always demanded respect and nothing would make him happier than pitching a gem against the Old Town Team.

Pedro’s career in Boston was an interesting one for the once poor Dominican who broke into the league with the Dodgers. Everything changed when he was traded from Montreal to Boston and became an instant superstar in the Hub. His list of accomplishments in Boston includes, a World Series Ring (could have been 2 if not for He Who Shall Not Be Named), two Cy Young Awards, an MVP performance in the ’99 All Star Game, and countless outstanding pitching performances.

Pedro’s tenure in the Hub was not without controversy. He consistently showed up late to the ballpark, bumped heads with managers, including calling Tito Francona a “puppet.” He knocked old man Zimmer to the ground in an ugly scene, was known as a headhunter on the mound, and regularly displayed diva-like behavior.

Now Pedro joins the many former players to make their return to Friendly Fenway from the 2004 World Series Championship team. A ceremony brought to you by Dr. Charles will be held to honor Pedro, Manny (unless he needs another day off), and Ortiz prior to the first game. Once again, these former teammates will share the field where they lived through the glory of the 2004 season to break the Curse. After that, the gloves are off and Pedro will be pitching for respect with his new team.

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