Boston Red Sox Photos: Monday, April 18, 2016 vs. Toronto Blue Jays.

As is tradition in Boston every year on Patriot’s Day, the Red Sox hosted an 11:05 AM game at Fenway Park against the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday. The early start time – the only morning game in Major League Baseball – coincides with the Boston Marathon. Runners pass just a few blocks away from Park as they approach the end of their 26.2 mile journey. Although the Red Sox weren’t able to pull out a victory over Toronto, the mood was festive and cheerful inside Fenway. Before the game, Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman and actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who is playing Bauman in the upcoming movie, ‘Stronger,’ threw out a ceremonial first pitch together.

It’s hard not to think about where we all were three years ago on this day, in the immediate aftermath of the bombing. Living through that week was surreal for everyone involved. I found myself thinking about it a lot yesterday. 

BOSTON RED SOX PHOTOS: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 Vs. Washington Nationals.

Above is a selection of images from an emotional day at Fenway Park. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, all players and coaches on both teams (and across Major League Baseball) wore the number 42 on their jerseys. 

Today also marked the two year anniversary of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. In recognition, the Boston Red Sox invited survivors and heroes involved with the Marathon to come back and take part in some special pre-game ceremonies. At 2:49 PM, the time of the explosions, the ballpark, along with the entire city, paused for a moment of silence.

Days like these are a tough but necessary reminder of how precious life can be, and it’s amazing to see how those there today have managed to resume their lives with such strength and resilience. 

Photos and Video: Boston Marathon Weekend at Fenway Park.

"Young fans reach for a baseball during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Young fans reach for a baseball during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"A father holds his daughter up as they cheer during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“A father holds his daughter up as they cheer during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hits a solo home run during the fourth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hits a solo home run during the fourth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Red Sox third baseman Brock holt dives for a ground ball during the sixth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Boston Red Sox third baseman Brock holt dives for a ground ball during the sixth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Fans do the wave during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Fans do the wave during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara jogs toward the mound during the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Boston Red Sox pitcher Koji Uehara jogs toward the mound during the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 19, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman walks alongside Boston Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes before throwing batting practice to Gomes and Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, April 20, 2014."
“Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman walks alongside Boston Red Sox outfielder Jonny Gomes before throwing batting practice to Gomes and Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, April 20, 2014.”
"Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman throws batting practice to Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross and outfielder Jonny Gomes at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, April 20, 2014."
“Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman throws batting practice to Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross and outfielder Jonny Gomes at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, April 20, 2014.”
"Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman reacts as he throws batting practice to Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross and outfielder Jonny Gomes at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, April 20, 2014."
“Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman reacts as he throws batting practice to Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross and outfielder Jonny Gomes at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Sunday, April 20, 2014.”

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"Boston Marathon survivor Marc Fucarile prepares to enter the field during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Boston Marathon survivor Marc Fucarile prepares to enter the field during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Marathon rescuer Carlos Arredondo waits to be introduced during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Boston Marathon rescuer Carlos Arredondo waits to be introduced during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Marathon survivor Jeff Bauman and rescuer Carlos Arredondo are introduced during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Boston Marathon survivor Jeff Bauman and rescuer Carlos Arredondo are introduced during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Marathon running duo Dick and Rick Hoyt are introduced alongside runners injured last year during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Boston Marathon running duo Dick and Rick Hoyt are introduced alongside runners injured last year during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Marathon bombing survivor Marc Fucarile kisses his son Gavin alongside his wife, Jen Regan, as they are introduced during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Boston Marathon bombing survivor Marc Fucarile kisses his son Gavin alongside his wife, Jen Regan, as they are introduced during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"An American flag is dropped over the Green Monster during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts."
“An American flag is dropped over the Green Monster during a ceremony recognizing the Boston Marathon bombings before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.”
"Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia reacts after scoring the winning run on a throwing error in the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park Sunday, April 20, 2014. The Red Sox won 6-5."
“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia reacts after scoring the winning run on a throwing error in the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park Sunday, April 20, 2014. The Red Sox won 6-5.”
"Members of the Boston Red Sox celebrate after second baseman Dustin Pedroia scored the winning run on a throwing error in the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park Sunday, April 20, 2014. The Red Sox won 6-5."
“Members of the Boston Red Sox celebrate after second baseman Dustin Pedroia scored the winning run on a throwing error in the ninth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park Sunday, April 20, 2014. The Red Sox won 6-5.”
"Members of the Hanscom Air Force base stand as an American flag is unfurled over the Green Monster during a pre-game ceremony before a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox. "
“Members of the Hanscom Air Force base stand as an American flag is unfurled over the Green Monster during a pre-game ceremony before a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014.”
"An American flag is unfurled over the Green Monster during a pre-game ceremony before a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014."
“An American flag is unfurled over the Green Monster during a pre-game ceremony before a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014.”
"A boy holds an American flag as it is unfurled over the Green Monster during a pre-game ceremony before a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014."
“A boy holds an American flag as it is unfurled over the Green Monster during a pre-game ceremony before a game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014.”
"A fan cheers as she holds her dog during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014."
“A fan cheers as she holds her dog during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014.”
"Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia laughs after losing his bat during the first inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014."
“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia laughs after losing his bat during the first inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014.”
"Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014."
“Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014.”
"Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia dives as he tags catcher Steve Clevenger at second base during the eighth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014."
“Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia dives as he tags catcher Steve Clevenger at second base during the eighth inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014.”
"Fans hold a sign reading 'Boston Strong' during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014."
“Fans hold a sign reading ‘Boston Strong’ during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Monday, April 21, 2014.”

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since the bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. There were lots of things happening at the park in what was overall quite a festive weekend.

It’s amazing to see what a difference just one year can make in people’s lives. Here are my photos and videos from all the highlights this weekend. 

Boston Red Sox Photos: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 vs. Philadelphia Phillies.

"Jeff Bauman, who lost both of his legs during the Boston Marathon bombings, waves to the crowd before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, May 28, 2013."
“Jeff Bauman, who lost both of his legs during the Boston Marathon bombings, waves to the crowd before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, May 28, 2013.”

"Jeff Bauman, who lost both of his legs during the Boston Marathon bombings, is wheeled onto the field by Carlos Arredondo, a Marathon spectator who carried Bauman to safety, before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, May 28, 2013."
“Jeff Bauman, who lost both of his legs during the Boston Marathon bombings, is wheeled onto the field by Carlos Arredondo, a Marathon spectator who carried Bauman to safety. Bauman and Arredondo threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, May 28, 2013.”

"Fenway Park is shown during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday, May 28, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts."
“Fenway Park is shown during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday, May 28, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts.”

"Fans watch as a boy is shown on the centerfield scoreboard during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, May 28, 2013."
“Fans watch as a boy is shown on the centerfield scoreboard during a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts Tuesday, May 28, 2013.”

I don’t have much to show from last night’s game itself, but it’s what happened before the game that was most important. Throwing out the ceremonial first pitches last night were two faces of the Boston Marathon bombings.

The first was Jeff Bauman, a Marathon spectator who lost both of his legs in the bombings. The second was Carlos Arredondo, the now recognizable man in the cowboy hat who wheeled Bauman to safety. Both were captured in this memorable photo by Charlie Krupa of the Associated Press.

An emotional pre-game ceremony last night for sure.