Boston Red Sox Nation: Boo Who? Cheer Up!

Boo Who? Cheer Up!

Oct. 20, 2004: Johnny Brings Down the House that Ruth Built

(Oct. 20, 2004: Getty Images Photo)

Stand. Because He Delivered.

"I just can't imagine anyone wanting to boo Johnny Damon... all he did was hustle here for four years." -- 4.30.06, Peter Gammons

"The right thing to do is a raucous standing ovation... show some class. Show some common sense." -- 4.30.06, The Boston Globe's Bob Ryan

“I think he’s gonna get a lot of cheers, you’re gonna have your boo-birds, (but they'll) kinda get drowned out by a lot of applause because he's done so much for this club.” -- 4.27.06, Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp

"First time up, standing ovation." -- 4.30.06, The RemDawg

"The ideas emanating from the lunatic fringe of Red Sox Nation — that Damon is a 'traitor,' that he has gone from 'Jesus to Judas,' that he should be called 'Demon' instead of 'Damon' — are not worthy of serious discussion." -- 4.30.06, Ken Rosenthal, Foxsports.com

"I think the fans will cheer for what we accomplished the last few years, and boo the fact that I'm a Yankee." -- 4.30.06, Johnny Damon

" 'I think he's probably going to get a heavy booing. You go from Red Sox Nation to a big Yankee. I'm sure there will be a lot people who will cheer him, but I think you'll hear pretty loud boos. That's just how the fans are... No one ever leaves their job for a job that pays more money,' Foulke said, his words dripping with sarcasm. 'Why would [fans] understand? We're just overpaid, spoiled kids.' " -- 5.1.06, Keith Foulke Being Keith Foulke

Oct. 20, 2004: Damon gets hugged after hitting his second home run of the night in the Bronx to send the Red Sox to the World Series.

(Oct. 20, 2004: Boston Globe Staff Photo / Stan Grossfeld)

Boston Never Forgets
Red Sox World Series Champions.
Period.

Oct. 20, 2004:
Home plate umpire Randy Marsh, New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, and Johnny Damon of the Red Sox watched Damon's second inning grand slam home run during the seventh and final game of the American League Championship Series between the Sox and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

(Oct. 20, 2004: Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Give It Up for the Guy Who
Gave His All... All the Time

Oct. 6, 2003: Damon gave a wave to the fans as he was put into an ambulance after colliding with Damian Jackson in Game 5 of the ALDS.

(Oct. 6, 2003: Boston Globe Staff Photo / Barry Chin)

Thanks for the Memories Johnny
A Look Back at the Life and Good Times of Johnny Damon

Feb. 22, 2005: The scene at the Red Sox minor league facility looked more like a rock concert than a sporting venue, and at no time did it more so than when Johnny Damon came out of the clubhouse and made his way to the field. With his hair flowing out of his hat, he was surrounded by screaming fans on his left, some young, some old, some male, some female.

(Feb. 22, 2005: Boston Globe Staff Photo / Jim Davis)

Bob Ryan: Switched Hitter | Remember, He Was a Free Man
Boston Globe Writers React on Damon's Return

Photos: Fans Chime in on Johnny | Survey: Cheer or Boo?

2004 World Series Game 4: Damon celebrates at the top of the dugout after his first inning home run.

(2004 World Series Game 4: Boston Globe Staff Photo Jim Davis)

Rob Bradford: James Damon Chimes in On His Brother