Carl Yastrzemski

Carl Yastrzemski. "Yaz". , During a memorable weekend to conclude the 1983 regular season, Carl Yastrzemski capped his Hall of Fame career before a pair of sold-out Fenway Park crowds. First, on Saturday, October 1, Yaz was recognized in an emotional pregame ceremony that concluded with the slugger's triumphant jog around the field as he touched hands with adoring fans. The next day, the legendary left-fielder played his final game, his 3,308th - all with the Red Sox – and at the time, the most ever played in the history of the American League. , Yaz retired having played 23 years, amassing 452 home runs; 3,419 hits; 1,816 runs scored; 1,844 runs batted in; 646 doubles; a .379 career on-base percentage; seven Rawlings Gold Gloves; 18 All-Star Game selections; and one unforgettable Triple Crown season leading the "Impossible Dream” team to the American League pennant in 1967. , For reasons beyond these numbers, however, Yaz became an everlasting icon. He was instrumental in saving the franchise in 1967, following a decade-and-a-half malaise for the franchise amid increasing apathy and thousands of empty seats. Spirit was renewed in that "Summer of Love," and a Nation was born… Red Sox Nation. , The pose captured here depicts Yaz's acknowledgment of the Fenway Park crowd during his final at-bat, a moment of mutual gratitude and affection. With his loyalty, commitment, and blue-collar style, winning was his only goal. May future generations learn the story and tell the story, of this hero, the man we call "Yaz." , Dedicated on this 22nd day of September, 2013 , Mayor of Boston and Red Sox officials , Sculptor: Antonio Tobias Mendez