Nomar Garciaparra Disappointed by Lack of Red Sox Players at Johnny Pesky’s Funeral

Nomar Garciaparra would have liked to seen more representatives from this version of the Red Sox on hand to say goodbye to a Red Sox legend. But he also knows that it’s about more than that.

The former Sox shortstop spoke with WEEI on Friday afternoon, and he reflected on the life of Johnny Pesky, praising the ambassador, while also expressing issues with the Red Sox no-shows.

“There’s definitely some disappointment,” Garciaparra said on Mutt and Merloni. “You would have liked to have seen more there. There’s no question about that. But at the same time, for me, it wasn’t about who showed up and not. It was about a day to honor this amazing man’s life and not forget what he meant and how many lives he impacted and what he represented. Hopefully, that’s really the focus.”

Garciaparra, who is currently working for ESPN, made the trip to Swampscott from Williamsport, Pa., where he’s currently covering the Little League World Series for the network.

“That’s what I’m going to remember — what he meant to me, personally. That’s what it was about, that’s why I was there. I was there to just honor this man and be eternally grateful for the impact he’s made on my life.”

Garciaparra has noted many times in the past the impact that Pesky had on him during his playing career, and the two had a touching moment at Fenway Park in April at the park’s 100th anniversary celebration.