Stanley Hears Only Cheers in Return to Fenway

In 13 major league seasons, Bob Stanley was one of the most popular players with the Boston Red Sox.

He heard the cheers of thousands with each success. He also heard boos after failure.

There were no boos Monday night, though, as 35,000 fans saluted the big right-hander on “Bob Stanley Night” at Fenway Park.

Stanley returned to Fenway Park for the testimonial, accompanied by his wife, Joan, two daughters, Kristin and Kerri, and son Kyle.

It was an emotional time for the Stanleys, just 11 months after he retired from baseball at the age of 34 to spend more time with his family.

Stanley didn’t have much time to adapt to life without baseball. Late last October Kyle, then 8, became ill.

The diagnosis: cancer. The youngster had a massive tumor near the brain.

Stanley, who often had given time as a player to cheer cancer-stricken children, and his wife faced a new battle.

Kyle has undergone chemotherapy and other treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a short distance from the ballpark. His mother and father have been with him constantly, in the hospital as well as at home.

Kyle’s condition has improved. He has regained strength and the tumor is reducing in size.

“If it hadn’t been for the Red Sox and thousands of fans, my son wouldn’t have had a chance,” Stanley said in recognizing contributions to the Jimmy Fund for cancer research.

Stanley set three Boston records in his career, pitching in 637 games, winning 85 in relief and earning 132 saves. He had a 115-97 record.

“What a way to end a career; this is a great honor,” Stanley said. “We had great times, a couple of disappointments, but a great career.”

Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, a longtime teammate, and Dennis Eckersley, former Boston ace now Oakland’s top reliever, joined in saluting Stanley.

Yaz called Stanley “a fierce competitor, a great asset to the Boston Red Sox.”

“It seems like only yesterday that we played together,” Eckersley said. “There are a lot of good memories. Now, as a reliever, I can appreciate more what Bob did out of the bullpen.”

The Red Sox players’ wives gave Joan Stanley flowers and former teammate Dwight Evans presented a gift certificate for a family trip to Bermuda.

Jean Yawkey, majority owner of the Red Sox, and Mike Andrews and Rico Petrocelli of the Jimmy Fund joined in presenting Bob and Joan the Thomas A. Yawkey Memorial Award.

The annual award of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, it was given to the Stanleys for “long-standing dedication and compassion to helping children and adults with cancer.”

Charles Scoggins, chairman of the Boston Baseball Chapter, presented a $1,000 check to the Jimmy Fund in Stanley’s name.

The Red Sox gave Stanley a golf cart, while front office personnel presented a gift to the family.

Ken Coleman, who retired with Stanley after many years as the radio voice of the Red Sox, served as master of ceremonies, calling it “a very special night.”