Dateline DFCI
Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams demonstrated his personal touch during his 1999 visit to the Jimmy Fund Clinic.
Red Sox-Jimmy Fund alliance is still a hit after 50 years
Nearly a half century since Boston Red Sox owners Thomas and Jean Yawkey first adopted the Jimmy Fund as their team's official cause, the partnership between two of New England's most treasured organizations is stronger than ever. On Aug. 23, they kicked off the 50th year of the longest-running and most successful pairing of a professional sports team and charity in North America with a memorable program at Fenway Park.
The day featured an 18-hour, celebrity-studded radiothon for the Jimmy Fund, broadcast live on Sports Radio WEEI-850 AM. It also included several events in which contributors could mingle with Red Sox luminaries such as President and CEO Larry Lucchino and members of both the current and 1967 pennant-winning teams.
By meeting with patients on and off the field, Red Sox players like All-Star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and ace pitchers Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe are continuing the tradition of the Jimmy Fund's all-time champion, Ted Williams. When the "Splendid Splinter" died at age 83 in early July, his work on behalf of the charity received prominent mention in media tributes and during a celebration of his life held at Fenway that month.
Cancer survivor Gail Petralia (right) snagged an autograph from '67 Red Sox outfielder José Tartabull during August festivities celebrating the Jimmy Fund/Red Sox partnership.
In the earliest days of the Jimmy Fund and beyond, Williams used his celebrity status as baseball's greatest hitter to aid Institute founder Sidney Farber, MD, and his staff in their cancer research and treatment efforts. He raised countless dollars through six decades of public appeals, and he insisted that his visits with children in the Jimmy Fund Clinic and Children's Hospital Boston remain private.
"Ted signed on for life with the Jimmy Fund, helping make it New England's best-loved charity," reflects Jimmy Fund Chairman Mike Andrews, a former Red Sox second baseman. "His name is synonymous with our battle against all forms of cancer."
