Sox honor 2004 WS title team before Game 2

BOSTON -- For as long as the Red Sox and Dodgers are participating in the World Series, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts, for the most part, is the proverbial enemy.
Well, sort of.
Sure, Roberts is managing the team that is trying to prevent the Red Sox from winning the World Series. But, really, what's the harm in everyone taking 15 seconds to acknowledge Roberts' permanent status as a part of Red Sox history, both for the iconic team he played on and the role he had in its triumphs?
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Fourteen years have passed since Roberts stole the base that sparked the most dramatic comeback in postseason history, but for Red Sox Nation, it was enough to make Roberts, regardless of his current employment status, a forever beloved figure in Beantown. He was given his first ovation before Game 1 on Tuesday night at Fenway Park. The next day, he got another one.
The Red Sox honored several members of their 2004 World Series championship team during the Game 2 pregame ceremony on Wednesday night, and they worked in Roberts in a tasteful and fun way that allowed for them to recognize him, without going overboard, respecting that Roberts is occupying space in the opposing dugout.
• Roberts says hello to his pals on the 2004 Red Sox
The Red Sox introduced eight members of the 2004 team, seven of whom walked onto the field, one by one, from Boston's dugout. Former catcher Jason Varitek was first, followed by knuckleballer Tim Wakefield and infielder Kevin Millar.
Then the camera panned to the Dodgers' dugout, where Roberts tipped his cap, gave a big smile and then quickly ran onto the field to give quick bear hugs to the three Sox alumni who had already been introduced.
It was a fitting moment for a 2004 alum who will always fit in at Fenway Park.
The ceremony continued with more Red Sox filing onto the field. Pitchers Alan Embree and Keith Foulke emerged, and were followed by the two most popular 2004 members, Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez and likely future Hall of Famer David Ortiz.
The group of seven then threw ceremonial first pitches to current members of the Red Sox's American League championship team.
• Yadi recognized with 2018 Clemente Award

The Game 2 pregame ceremony was packed with activity. It began with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina being recognized as the winner of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, becoming the fourth Puerto Rican-born player to earn that honor.
• Breaking Barriers essay winner feted at Fenway
Jesse Quist, a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Wyoming was introduced as the grand-prize winner of the 2018 Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life essay contest. He's one of two grand-prize winners, selected out off thousands of essays written from around the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

The Chevy Cares Award Trophy was presented to Mike Van Cleve, who received a new Chevy Traverse for his dedication and commitment to coaching youth baseball, after 50 years of involvement with the Claremont Hilltoppers.
Van Cleave began by playing Little League at age 8, and never left, transitioning into a coach, umpire and board member. He has coached hundreds of kids over the past 45 years and has gone above and beyond in his dedication to volunteer work, making him a fitting recipient of the Chevy Cares Award.
The Game 2 ball was delivered to the mound by Boys & Girls Club member Jajuan Julian, an 18-year-old senior at Edward M. Kennedy High School. Julian delivered the ball with former Red Sox All-Star second baseman and current NESN analyst Jerry Remy.

The national anthem was performed by Boston Pops, with vocalists from the Tanglewood Chorus and the Boston Symphony Children's Chorus, under the direction of Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart.