Ebersol's Red Sox Fields Dedicated

[Janice]

Ebersol's Red Sox Fields dedicated

BOSTON -- Lifelong Yankees fan Dick Ebersol paid his late son the "ultimate" tribute Saturday.

The president of NBC Sports donned a Red Sox jacket and hat.

"Today's his 16th birthday, and I'm wearing this outfit in his honor," the chairman of NBC Sports said, following the dedication of Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields, an outdoor athletic facility only a short distance from Fenway Park.

Teddy Ebersol, then 14 and an avid Red Sox fan, died in a crash of a private plane on Nov. 28, 2004 -- his father and brother Charlie survived the crash. Teddy Ebersol, the youngest of five children of Dick Ebersol and actress Susan St. James, would have turned 16 on Saturday. Instead, his family and members of the local sports and political community gathered to dedicate this very special place named in his honor.

Already wearing a Red Sox jacket at the start of the ceremonies, Dick Ebersol said, "I want, first of all, to give my son what would have mattered to him the most on his 16th birthday, other than his driver's license, of course. And that is, Teddy, as a Yankee fan."

He then drew a huge ovation by placing the Sox cap on his head.
Later, Ebersol said, "He lived exactly one month and a day after his team, 86 years of frustration pushed aside, won a World Series and on the way beat his father's Yankees. That meant a ton to him."

And this day, despite the latest in an incredible spring of rainstorms, was truly special.

"It's his birthday today, and I'm sure he's smiling because his name will be forever linked to the team he loved," said senator Ted Kennedy, whom Ebersol said his son, Edward "Teddy" Ebersol, was named after.

Teddy Ebersol's Red Sox Fields, located in Lederman Park on the Boston Esplanade, includes three youth baseball/softball diamonds -- complete with mini Green Monsters -- a T-Ball field and five youth soccer fields. The complex is the result of a plan hatched by Sox chairman Tom Werner, a close friend of the Ebersols. During his comments, Ebersol became emotional when he turned to Werner and thanked him for this "absolutely staggering" gesture.

"You've given us a fantastic living legacy to Teddy's life," he said to a large crowd.

In attendance were current Red Sox players Curt Schilling, Mike Timlin and Lenny DiNardo, past Sox greats Jim Rice and Luis Tiant -- and even longtime Red Sox nemesis Lou Piniella, who was in town doing TV work for Fox. Red Sox principal owner John Henry, president CEO Larry Lucchino and general manager Theo Epstein sat in the front row.

Former Red Sox second baseman and current TV analyst Jerry Remy emceed the festivities, calling the Fields, "An incredible labor of love." He also thanked Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his family -- noting the Krafts called and donated heavy plastic flooring that allowed the event not to be washed out by the heavy rains falling outside.

When the speaking portion of the program ended, all in attendance were asked to march to another tent, this one covering one of the fields.

There, Dick Ebersol threw out a "first pitch" and all in attendance were asked to help cut the ribbon. The Ebersols were presented with a bronze casting of Teddy's favorite baseball glove [ball inside], which will be placed on a grave that is also adorned by a David Ortiz bobblehead and Red Sox banner.

Dick Ebersol announced on Saturday he was donating a half-million dollars that he hopes will be matched by contributions for the upkeep of the public park.


Dick Ebersol, Susan St. James and Ted Kennedy at dedication.



Teddy Ebersol with his parents before tragedy.

[Rene]

i thought that was nice but kinda weird i mean- im very sorry that he died but other Red Sox fans have and they get nothing dedicated to them but i guess its because dick is famous, but once again im very sorry that his child passed away

[Janice]

Originally Posted by darlene_conner

i thought that was nice but kinda weird i mean- im very sorry that he died but other Red Sox fans have and they get nothing dedicated to them but i guess its because dick is famous, but once again im very sorry that his child passed away

I see your point. I think it's a case of being connected and having money.

Dick Ebersol, the father, donated a lot of money to the project. The family is very close to Ted Kennedy....Teddy Ebersol was named after him.

It is very sad that the poor boy died, but yeah, what you said.

[Rene]

Originally Posted by Janice

I see your point. I think it's a case of being connected and having money.

exactly, i was afraid you'd think i was being insensitive