Sept. 5, 2008

The Boston Red Sox honored the Yale-Harvard football rivalry last night at Fenway Park by having the 2008 captains of both squads throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

Linebacker Bobby Abare (Acton, Mass.) and Harvard defensive lineman and fellow Massachusetts native Matt Curtis, strolled to the mound as P.A. announcer Carl Beane paid tribute to the legendary contest that will be played for the 125th time this November at Boston.

Abare and Curtis wore game jerseys, posed for numerous photo opportunities and did a great job promoting one of college football's most storied rivalries.

Abare, who watched his hometown team beat Baltimore 14-2, visited the press area during the game, including the WEEI/WRKO Red Sox radio broadcast booth, to talk Yale football and the upcoming game at Harvard. He also spoke with some Sox officials -- like general manager Theo Epstein '95 -- and numerous fans about Yale football and his local upbringing.

"It was a tremendous experience. Throwing out the first pitch was a little nerve-wracking," said Abare. "That's something kids dream about getting to do, and it was a lot of fun, especially being on the field and meeting some of the people in the organization. I think last night served as a good reminder to mark November 22 on your calendar."