Yankee Stadium, which has been the scene for so many remarkable memories, certainly created another one in an extra-inning thriller that tied as the longest All-Star Game in history. I was honored to be there.

My own personal recollections of the ballpark started in 1958, when I saw my first professional game at Yankee Stadium. Holding my father's hand, I still remember seeing the green outfield for the first time, while enjoying the exploits of Mantle and Berra and Ford. What a thrill to be here fifty years later, accompanied by my friend Sarah, my daughter Amanda and her boyfriend Steve.

The pregame ceremony was unforgettable, rivaling the 1999 All-Star experience at Fenway. Never before have so many Hall of Famers congregated at one place. Commissioner Bud Selig said there were 49 Hall of Famers on the field (out of a possible 57 who are living). Ernie Banks and Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken and Willie Mays, Tony Gwynn and Hank Aaron, Bob Gibson and Yogi -- these were just a few of the greats who assembled.

While I generally respect Yankee fans for their knowledge of the game and their passion, I was disappointed with the reception that greeted our Red Sox All-Stars. Here we were, at an exhibition celebrating the best players in the game, and every one of our players (as well as Terry Francona) received boos. I'd like to think that our fans would be more respectful -- and that our boys were grinning through it all. I secretly hoped that Tito would exact some revenge. Since he was using Joe Girardi's office, perhaps he took a peek at some of Joe's files.

The game itself, while longer than trying to watch Sean Casey leg out a double, had its special moments. When J.D. Drew hit his home run to tie the game, I saluted the Yankee fans around me and displayed my World Series ring to those who continued to boo him. I wanted to see a Rodriguez to Pedroia to Youkilis double play, and, while that never materialized, there were remarkable moments, including some great defense by both teams in extra innings (for example, Russell Martin's play at the plate blocking the winning run).

As a Mariano Rivera fan (who can forget his on-field heroics and his smile during our ring ceremony in 2005), I appreciated his performance in this All-Star Game at his home. Rivera may very well be the most valuable baseball player over the last fifteen years.

And finally, what sweet redemption for J.D. Drew, our All-Star. After some bumpy times in his initial season at Fenway, Drew was on base four times out of five appearances and received the MVP Award. No one was more deserving. How special to have a Red Sox player win the honor at Yankee Stadium this season.

This game was a star-studded affair. I said hello to Billy Crystal and George Will. From afar, I saw Sheryl Crow and even George Steinbrenner. But what was most special about it was being at the House That Ruth Built with my daughter. Baseball is a game most enjoyed with family.

So many great games have been played at Yankee Stadium. It has been a house of horrors at times for the Sox (Aaron Boone's homer in 2003) as well as a place of bliss (the sixth and seventh games of 2004). Maybe I will return one more time before its final farewell later this year. It would be a fitting tribute if the 2008 pennant was won by our team in the Bronx, but I wouldn't be terribly disappointed if the Yankees' final home game was played in September.

Talk to you all soon. Let's have a great second half. Go Sox!