Red Sox remember Mike Greenwell before Spring Training home opener

JetBlue Park buzzed with excitement as the Boston Red Sox returned for their Grapefruit League home opener. However, the day also served as a moment of reflection as the team honored former All-Star and Lee County commissioner Mike Greenwell, who passed away in October.

Before the first pitch, silence fell over JetBlue Park as Greenwell's life and career were fondly remembered. Members of Greenwell's family and fellow commissioners gathered on the field for a pregame tribute.

Lee County commissioner Cecil Pendergrass shared his memories of Greenwell, saying, "I knew Mike early on when we were in high school. We worked together at the mall in the food court together. We were young teenagers working together. The next thing I know he comes to work one day and says I'm going to go play baseball in Boston. So an unbelievable career and a life he lived."

Greenwell's son, Bo, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, with his father's former teammates Jim Rice and Dwight Evans present. Evans even caught the first pitch, adding to the emotional tribute.

Pendergrass also said, "It was so nice to have Tracy, the boys there with their grandchildren to be out there to remember their husband, father, and grandfather."

The ceremony concluded with Greenwell's grandkids announcing the start of the game, eagerly declaring, "Play ball."

Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 11-10.