In a short time, the Red Sox 2004 World Series champion team will gather at Fenway Park for a special recognition before the first home game. Most players will be there, but two who won't attend are Tim Wakefield and Curt Schilling.
Tim Wakefield and his wife Stacy recently passed away from cancer, and the team plans to honor them during the pregame events. Schilling, who upset his teammates and club officials by sharing the Wakefields' cancer diagnoses without their consent, was asked to join but declined to ensure the focus remained on the Wakefields.
Initially, there were concerns that Schilling's presence might cause problems with former teammates. However, ex-outfielder Trot Nixon, a member of the 2004 Red Sox, stated there was no player resistance. He explained that the situation was unfortunate but doesn't believe Schilling's presence would have been a distraction for him, at least.
Nixon expressed that the situation was regrettable and could have been handled differently. He hopes there was no animosity towards that. He also mentioned his disbelief over Tim Wakefield's absence and expressed that Stacy Wakefield wanted the team to be together. He clarified that Schilling's absence was his choice and wasn't a request from the team.
Nixon will be present at Fenway Park next Tuesday and still feels like the 2004 World Series victory happened recently. He mentioned that he hadn't realized the 20th anniversary of the historic season was approaching until Derek Lowe brought it up recently.
Nixon, who spent 10 of his 12 big league seasons in Boston, expressed how quickly time passes and that the 20-year milestone is a reminder of his aging.
Now 49, Nixon has settled into family life since his baseball career ended in 2008. He spends a lot of time watching his sons, Chase and Luke, play Division 1 baseball at North Carolina State. He still feels deeply connected to the Red Sox and their fans, many of whom still discuss the 2004 championship with him.
Nixon expressed tremendous gratitude when fans recognize him, particularly those from Massachusetts who approach him even in North Carolina.
Apart from his activities in Worcester and the Red Sox home opener, Nixon will also be inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame this spring alongside former teammates Dustin Pedroia and Jonathan Papelbon.
Nixon expressed that his time in Boston was like a dream coming true. Winning a championship and playing in Fenway Park for 10 years was the greatest thrill for him.
