BOSTON -- Kevin Youkilis made it a point to quickly make his way through a crowd of players because he wanted to shake Bill Buckner’s hand. The current Red Sox first baseman – a winner of two World Series Championships – wanted the former Red Sox first baseman – the goat of one World Series defeat – to know how impressed he was of his Opening Day actions.

Boston invited Buckner to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park yesterday, and after much thought, he accepted. He walked out from under the Red Sox championship banner in left field to the mound to a standing ovation from the 36,567 in attendance, along with players from both teams.

The emotion of the moment was long overdue for everyone involved and Youkilis was blown away with the event.

“To be honest,” he said. “I have almost never been close to tears for someone else on a baseball field. But that was the most unbelievable thing. It shows how great of a man Bill Buckner is. There aren’t too many people who can do what he did today. He faced thousands of people who booed him, threatened his life and did horrific things towards him. When they think of his name, they think horrible things.”

Youkilis recently set a new major-league record for 194 consecutive games at first base without an error, surpassing Steve Garvey. Buckner’s career will forever be remembered for his one miscue during Game Six of the 1986 World Series.

“For a man to step out there on the field, it shows how much of a man he is,” said Youkilis. “I tip my cap to him and I just wanted shake his hand because that’s a true man in life. . . He’s been through some tough times in his years.”

Youkilis said it’s a funny thing to hear fans talk about overpaid athletes who just play a game. He thinks that’s simply not true and yesterday was a perfect example of that.

“I think if you ask Bill Buckner, part of his life wasn’t a game,” Youkilis said. “People threatened his life over a game. Sometimes this is more of a game. It’s life here in Boston. To me, it was awesome. I was literally almost in tears for the guy because for Bill Buckner to come out here and throw out the first pitch it says a lot for the man.”

Youkilis wasn’t the only one touched by the moment. Every Red Sox player, including manager Terry Francona thought Buckner deserved it.

“That was one of the most special things I think I’ve ever seen,” said Francona. “To watch his reaction and to watch the fans reaction was very special. I was happy for him. I was thrilled for our fans. I was happy for the organization. I thought it was a very special moment. It actually lasted more than a moment, which I think is also appropriate.”

Youkilis was impressive himself yesterday. He continues to be an offensive force this early in the season, including his 3-for-3 performance with two RBI yesterday. He has now hit safely in six of seven games this season with 2 doubles, 2 triples and three RBI. It’s becoming familiar territory for Youkilis to begin the season strong, but he couldn’t really answer why he always seems to get off to a fast start time and again.

“I’m basically just putting some good at-bats together,” he said. “I’m having some balls fall in for me, but right now I’m just trying to concentrate. I play the game the same way every day from Game One to Game 162. Sometimes it just falls my way.”

Yesterday was his second three-hit game this season.