08:14 AM EDT on Wednesday, July 14, 2004

"I know I speak for Larry (Lucchino) when I say the Red Sox are proud to be associated with the PawSox. What Ben [Mondor] and Mike [Tamburro] have given to Rhode Island and professional baseball is a gift that will last a lifetime. We are pleased to be associated with this event." -- Jeremy Kapstein, Red Sox senior advisor and Rhode Island native.

"I'll wear a Cubs and Red Sox uniform, but it will never be the Yankees." -- Kevin Tolar, former PawSox pitcher.

"I had goosebumps when I heard the roar of the crowd. This has been spectacular. I've pitched in the majors in front of some ungodly crowds. (Monday) tops it all." -- Mike Griffin, PawSox pitching coach.

"It's been a fun ride so far, man. I knew this would be a first-class operation. They did a great job when I was here playing. Ben's [Mondor] a good guy and he likes for everyone to have a good time." -- Marty McLeary, former PawSox pitcher.

"I really like hitting here. If I stay in Triple A, I may have to sign with the Red Sox." -- Bucky Jacobsen, Tacoma Rainiers outfielder who won the Triple-A All-Star home run derby Monday night.

"It's nice for [Pawtucket owner Ben Mondor] to go out with a bang. This is a tremendous sendoff for the John Wayne of minor-league baseball." -- Sam Horn, former PawSox and Red Sox player.