Fenway Card Show To Feature 2004 Red Sox Stars

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox triumphantly defeated the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series in 86 years. On the weekend of May 17 this year, while the Red Sox are playing a three-game series in St. Louis, their stadium will be hosting the Fenway Card Show with players from that 2004 team in attendance.

Described as a "two-day multi-sport collectible and memorabilia show," this year's Fenway Card Show will take place Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19. The fun begins at 9 AM both days and goes until 5 PM on day one and 3 PM on day two.

Given this season is the 20th anniversary of that legendary 2004 team that won it all, the Boston Red Sox are honoring that championship team in various ways throughout the season. For this event, part of the unique attraction will be that many of the 2004 players will be in attendance at the card show.

As a result, it is expected that one of the biggest draws throughout the weekend will be the autograph sessions. In fact, the Fenway Card show has some specific information about autographs that interested guests will want to know about. The first thing is that you must have an autograph ticket in advance.

The options here include a "Super Ticket" that allows you to receive one autograph at each Red Sox session. Or you can buy a specific player's autograph session.

Here Are The Red Sox Players Scheduled To Attend The Fenway Card Show

Saturday will include:

Sunday will include:

More information can be found here including what how to purchase a ticket for each player's autograph session.

In addition, this event brings in 100 top collectors, exhibitors, dealers, and industry experts. "From new and vintage sports card products, to memorabilia, autographs, and groundbreaking physical and digital collectibles, the Fenway Card Show aspires to become the landmark showcase and gathering place for the hobby's most influential players, enthusiasts, media, and spectators," the Red Sox explain.

Boston Red Sox left fielder Alex Verdugo wears number 99. Closer Kenley Jansen wears number 74. At first glance, you may think these are not typical baseball uniform numbers. The organization has 11 options that are immediately unavailable. The Red Sox retired numbers include 10 players that are forever Yawkey Way legends, and one player who is forever a MLB legend.

The Red Sox first retired a uniform number in 1984. It was #4 which belonged to Joe Cronin, who spent 48 years in baseball. The nod was to honor the fact that Cronin was a player, manager, and executive with Boston. Five days later (May 29, 1984) the Red Sox retired Ted Williams' #9. It would be four years until another number was retired with Bobby Doerr.

In April of 1997 all of Major League Baseball retired #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.

Walking into Fenway Park you will see banners draped along the outside walls of the stadium honoring each player who has their number retired. You will also see them displayed high above right field inside the park, complimenting the Pesky pole.

So, if you are catching a game this year and wondering why a starting pitcher like Nick Pivetta is sporting #37, it's important to know what his options were to select from. Here are the Red Sox retired numbers.