Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Red Sox Winter Weekend: Here’s What To Expect

Author Jeff Gorra

Though we are still a month out from the Major League Baseball season getting started with pitchers and catchers reporting, the pre-season fun is about to get started. This weekend, the Red Sox will host their traditional Winter Weekend. Here is everything you need to know.

This year marks the 8th edition of Winter Weekend. It will take place on January 19 and 20 in Springfield. Though there will be events spread across multiple venues, the big parties will be mostly located at the MGM Springfield and at the MassMutual Center.

Jonathan Papelbon In The House

Legendary Red Sox pitcher, Jonathan Papelbon will be the featured biggest star this year. As you probably recall, Papelbon is a Red Sox World Series champion (2007), recording the final out in the World Series vs. the Colorado Rockies. Furthermore, he was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2023. Papelbon will host Winter Weekend and get things started Friday, starting with an official welcome gathering. “The event will open with the introduction of the 2024 players and coaches followed by “The Cinco Ocho Show with Jonathan Papelbon,” a late-night talk show-style segment,” the Red Sox said in a press release.

In addition, Tom Caron of NESN will then join Papelbon for a sit-down to preview the upcoming season. This opening session is scheduled to take place from 6-8 pm at the MassMutual Center. Then, from 8 pm-10 pm the fan fest exhibit will first open at Exhibition Hall.

Saturday

There’s a full lineup of thrilling action to take part in on day two. In fact, this is your opportunity to snag some signed merchandise. The schedule for Saturday’s portion of the Red Sox Winter Weekend is as follows:

  • 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Fan Fest at the MassMutual Center open to fans
  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Season Ticket Holder Lounge open at the Armory at MGM Springfield (proper credentials required)
  • 9:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Autograph and photo sessions will occur throughout the day at MGM Springfield and the MassMutual Center
  • 9:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Panel discussions will occur throughout the day in the MassMutual Center Arena

Lastly, the late great knuckleballer Tim Wakefield will be honored during Winter Weekend as well. The Red Sox explain that this will take place on night one, “The evening will conclude with a reflection on the life of Tim Wakefield.”

What are the Boston Red Sox Retired Numbers?

Boston Red Sox left fielder Alex Verdugo wears number 99. Closer Kenley Jansen wears number 74. At first glance, you may think these are not typical baseball uniform numbers. The organization has 11 options that are immediately unavailable. The Red Sox retired numbers include 10 players that are forever Yawkey Way legends, and one player who is forever a MLB legend.

The Red Sox first retired a uniform number in 1984. It was #4 which belonged to Joe Cronin, who spent 48 years in baseball. The nod was to honor the fact that Cronin was a player, manager, and executive with Boston. Five days later (May 29, 1984) the Red Sox retired Ted Williams’ #9. It would be four years until another number was retired with Bobby Doerr.

In April of 1997 all of Major League Baseball retired #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.

Walking into Fenway Park you will see banners draped along the outside walls of the stadium honoring each player who has their number retired. You will also see them displayed high above right field inside the park, complimenting the Pesky pole.

So, if you are catching a game this year and wondering why a starting pitcher like Nick Pivetta is sporting #37, it’s important to know what his options were to select from. Here are the Red Sox retired numbers.


Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

Get The Country 102.5 Special Access Newsletter Sent To Your Inbox.

Enjoy the latest Country music, entertainment news, local happening you need to know, plus exclusive contests, games, and more!

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Jeff Gorra
Category:
Tags:

More Country 102.5

Load More