Red Sox Celebrate 1986 Team at Opening Day Ceremony

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 3, 2026 2:13 PM ET

Red Sox Celebrate 1986 Team at Opening Day Ceremony

Fenway Park reopened for the 2026 season on Friday, April 3, 2026. The Red Sox came home after a 1-5 road start to the year.

Manager Alex Cora said being back in Boston helps the club reset. He added players used the break to reconnect with family ahead of a long season.

Opening Day details

Boston hosted the San Diego Padres, who include Xander Bogaerts on their roster. First pitch was scheduled for 2:10 p.m., with fans asked to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Boston’s all-time record in home openers stands at 73-52 (.584). At Fenway Park, the mark is 64-50 (.561).

Honoring the 1986 team

The Red Sox will celebrate the 1986 team during the Opening Day ceremony. The club marked the 40th anniversary of the squad that won the American League pennant.

Close to 25 players from that roster were expected to return for the celebration. The visiting alumni list included many familiar names.

Tony Armas
Marty Barrett
Wade Boggs
Oil Can Boyd
Mike Brown
Steve Crawford
Pat Dodson
Dwight Evans
Rich Gedman
Bruce Hurst
Rene Lachemann
Tim Lollar
Spike Owen
Jim Rice
Ed Romero
Joe Sambito
Dave Sax
Calvin Schiraldi
Jeff Sellers
Bob Stanley
Mike Stenhouse
Marc Sullivan
Mike Trujillo
Rob Woodward

Ceremony elements

Rosters from both teams were introduced along the baselines during the ceremony. Boston native and Broadway actor Nik Walker performed the national anthem.

Colors were presented by members of the Vermont Army National Guard. Massachusetts Army and Air Force National Guard personnel from Hanscom Air Force Base also participated.

No flyover

The Red Sox confirmed no military flyover would follow the anthem. Officials cited ongoing mission operations and unit commitments as the reason.

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis of the Vermont Air National Guard said unit duties prevented participation. The decision came amid wider operational commitments in the region.