Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, MVP of the 1967 AL champs, will toss out the ceremonial first pitch tonight before Game 1 of the World Series.

Though Yastrzemski has been a semi-hermit since his 1983 retirement, appearing at spring training briefly and spending most of his time fishing, the Red Sox have been able to persuade him to make an appearance at Fenway from time to time. He was here on Opening Day when the Red Sox honored the Impossible Dream team.

Former Boston Pops conductor John Williams will handle the National Anthem tonight; James Taylor is down to sing it before Game 2 on Thursday night.

As of 4:30, the tarp is off the field and the teams are planning to take batting practice, as scheduled.

- Alan Greenwood