Johnny Pesky

ABOUT JOHNNY PESKY

Legendary Red Sox player, manager, and broadcaster who was an indelible part of the organization for more than 60 years.

He set a major league rookie record with 205 hits in 1942 - Hall of Fame-caliber numbers - but spent the next three years in the Navy serving in WW II.

In 2006, on the occasion of his 87th birthday, the Red Sox unveiled a plaque at the base of the foul pole in right field, dubbing it 'Pesky's Pole' - supposedly, for his propensity to curl home runs toward it.

He was born John Michael Paveskovich in Portland, Oregon, the son of Croatian immigrants.

Curt Schilling , the pitcher for the 2004 Boston Red Sox team that won their first World Series in 86 years, remembered kissing and hugging Pesky during the celebration.