Former Red Sox Jake Peavy, Jarrod Saltalamacchia deliver popular appearance at Polar Park

WORCESTER — Jarrod Saltalamacchia wasn’t expecting Jake Peavy to deliver such a perfect ceremonial first pitch Tuesday night at Polar Park.

The former teammates, and members of the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox, were in attendance as the WooSox hosted the Buffalo Bisons. In fact, they shared the duties of carrying out the World Series trophy during pregame ceremonies.

Saltalamacchia grabbed a catcher’s mitt, got into his crouch before Peavy unleashed his pitch.

“I didn’t know he was going to fire it that hard,” Saltalamacchia said with a smile. “I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been out of the game that long, or he’s just gotten his rest. He fired that thing about 96 with sink. I loved it.”

Peavy just smiled.

“I had the juices going a little bit,” he said. “I was loose. I’ve been throwing all day.”

Life doesn’t slow down for players who win a World Series, especially when it happens in Boston. The Red Sox organization does a solid job celebrating the memories of the 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018 championships, and they keep the alumni heavily involved.

Saltalamacchia played for seven teams, but he admits his time with the Red Sox was the best.

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“By far it’s always been my favorite,” he said. “I tell these younger players, ‘Enjoy what you’ve got, because when it’s gone, it’s gone. The game forgets you.’ So, anytime I get an opportunity to do something like this, I jump on it.

"I know in about 10, or 15 years there will be other guys in my shoes who will get called to come up here, and I’ll be a distant memory. I enjoy every moment I get.”

There’s no chance Red Sox fans will forget either one of them. Case in point: After the battery mates participated in the ceremonial first pitch, fans both young and old asked for autographs and pictures. Of course both Red Sox legends obliged.

In need of pitching help during the 2013 season, the Red Sox acquired Peavy as part of a three-team, seven-player trade at the deadline. The right-hander was instrumental both on and off the field for the Red Sox.

“It’s the biggest blessing of my career,” Peavy said.

It was a difficult year in Boston. The Marathon bombing rocked the city, and sports helped it to heal. After the Boston Bruins lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup, the Red Sox finished the 2013 season with a World Series.

“Someone tonight said, ‘Thank you so much for ’13. We got on your guys’ backs.’ I truly see it the opposite,” Peavy said. “There was an energy and hunger in Boston, and it was larger than life. We all rode that wave to a larger-than-life outcome for an unlikely team to get it done.”

Of course, Peavy is best known for the Duck Boat he purchased after the Rolling Rally that fall, and now it’s on display as part of a Wiffle Ball field in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

His memories of 2013 seem fresh even though it’s almost been a decade since the legendary World Series victory.

“It was ultra special while it happened because of all those feelings, but for it to be almost 10 years, and to bring the trophy out tonight, throw out a first pitch and spend some time with people who care, it’s amazing," Peavy said. "It makes everyone smile. It makes us smile really big.”

—Contact Joe McDonald at JMcDonald2@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeyMacHockey.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Former Sox Jake Peavy, Jarrod Saltalamacchia on hand to deliver perfect strike at Polar Park