The year of 2021 has not been great for professional athletes both past and present. It seems like this year there have been more sports related deaths than ever before. Every week it seems as if a professional sports team is announcing the death of a past or present player. The most recent tragic news comes out of the Boston Red Sox organization last weekend.
Jeremy Remy played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a second baseman for ten seasons — three with the California Angels (1975–77) and seven with the Boston Red Sox (1978–84). After retiring from professional play, he served for 33 years as a color commentator for televised Red Sox games until his death.
Remy began commentating with the cable channel New England Sports Network (NESN) in 1988, and later expanded to over-the-air television in 1995. A native of Somerset, Massachusetts, Remy was a popular local figure, known for his exuberance, humorous non-sequitur game commentary, and thick New England accent that endeared him with Red Sox fans. He was given the nickname “RemDawg” and was elected “President” of Red Sox Nation in 2007. Remy also owned restaurants in the Boston area, and wrote books about baseball.
Fellow Boston Red sox Legends David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez reacted to the passing of Remy:
“A fun person to be around and incredible human being just left us. We are going to miss you, brother. Thank you for calling me Big Papi on air— l will never forget that. Miss you already, Rem Dawg.”
Credit: Boston Globe (David “Big Papi” Ortiz)
“Ever since I laid foot at Fenway Park you were there to call it, feel it and appreciate it. Just like your voice with a great smile, right along with some of the greatest memories in my career in Boston. I’ll never forget how supportive you were towards me and my career, Rem Dawg. Your memories will always live with me, as well as my respect and mutual admiration. Rest in peace and my deepest condolences to your family.”
Credit: Boston Globe (Pedro Martinez)
