One of the original "Dirt Dogs" is going to get the festivities started Friday night at Fenway Park. Trot Nixon will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to start the ALDS in Boston.
Not only is he bringing good vibes from the 2004 World Series Champion team, he's also raising money for a good cause. He'll be on hand before the game to collect money to benefit those affected by Hurricane Florence in his home state of North Carolina. The collection will take place from the time gates open at 5:32 p.m., through the second inning. Proceeds from the collection will benefit American Red Cross relief efforts in North Carolina.
If it turns out to be the Athletics as the Sox opponents, they could be haunted by the memory of Trot in the 2003 ALDS against the A's, when he stepped into the batter's box in his pine tar encrusted helmet and smashed a walk-off homer in the 11th inning of Game 3. The blast sparked a comeback for the Red Sox, who won the best-of-five series despite losing the first two games in Oakland.