Red Sox to honor Tim Wakefield, 2004 champions at home opener

The Red Sox will honor members of the 2004 championship-winning club before the team's home opener at Fenway on April 9.

Members of the curse-breaking championship team are invited to join the festivities ahead of the 2:10 p.m. game against the Baltimore Orioles, the team announced on Tuesday.

The champions will be feted before the first pitch, along with a ceremony marking the life and legacy of Tim Wakefield and his wife Stacy. The long-time Sox knuckleballer died in October at 57 after battling brain cancer. Stacy died of cancer just five months after her husband.

The Red Sox will wear a patch bearing Wakefield's number, 49, on their jerseys all season long. The badge is heart-shaped to represent the Hall of Famer's work as an Honorary Chairman of the Red Sox Foundation, the team said. The patch will be available for purchase later in the season and the proceeds will go towards the foundation. Fans at opening day will get a free pin that matches the patch.