Theo Epstein accepts a Brookline High alumni honor

The man who captivated the attention of the region and broke the hearts of Red Sox Nation five days ago with his stunning exit as the team's general manager took the stage again last night, this time to receive an award as a distinguished alumni honoree of his high school alma mater.

Theo Epstein, a Brookline native and 1991 graduate of Brookline High School, accepted the school's annual Distinguished Alumni Award last night, joining a list of prior honorees that includes former governor Michael Dukakis and late-night television talk-show host Conan O'Brien.

In a short acceptance address, Epstein made only brief, lighthearted references to the Red Sox, the tumultuous week, and his future plans.

''I knew I was going to get a distinguished alumnus award -- I didn't know it was going to be from the Red Sox," Epstein told the crowd. ''So, how was your week?"

Epstein said his future remains uncertain. He also praised Red Sox principal owner John W. Henry, who, at an emotional press conference Wednesday, claimed sole responsibility for Epstein's departure.

''He is a true friend, an honorable man, and worthy of the faith of Red Sox Nation going forward," Epstein said.

Event organizers said the award, presented at a school fund-raising gala, honors Epstein's accomplishments as general manager of the Red Sox, including the team's 2004 World Series win, the first world championship for the team in 86 years. He was chosen as the honoree in February, long before turmoil began swirling around his departure, the organizers said.

''We've been grateful for having a long list of distinguished alumni," said Michael Rafferty, executive director of the school's 21st Century Fund, which organized the gala. ''We're proud of Theo, and the events of the last week have made us even more so . . . because of the way he handled himself."

Epstein is the fifth person to be honored with Brookline's alumni award. All have been well known. The first award was given in 2001 to Dukakis, followed by ''60 Minutes" journalist Mike Wallace, O'Brien, and last year's recipient, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

The media horde that has stalked Epstein all week was waiting for him again last night, prompting him to sneak into the reception through a side door.

Several Red Sox executives attended to congratulate him, including Henry, who stayed briefly at the reception.

''It's a great night for him," Henry told reporters outside the gala, also saying he hoped the award highlighted ''the kind of person he is, as opposed to the things he's accomplished."

It was a bewildering week for Red Sox fans, who were shocked Monday when, just hours before his contract was to expire, Epstein said he would leave the team.

The youngest general manager in baseball history, the 31-year-old Epstein had reportedly resolved salary negotiations with the Red Sox days before, leading many to believe he would agree to a contract extension.

But when he announced his exit, speculation about why touched off a media frenzy. On Monday, Epstein eluded reporters outside Fenway Park by sneaking past them in a gorilla costume, adding to the week's bizarre hoopla.

On Wednesday, he held a press conference and emphasized that front-office power struggles did not prompt his exit, but reiterated that his heart was no longer wholly invested in the position.