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Francona will attend Fenway Park anniversary celebration on Friday

Print | Comments () Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff April 18, 2012 05:30 PM

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By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona has changed his mind and will attend Friday's pre-game ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the first game at Fenway Park.

Francona, who is now with ESPN, said earlier this month that he turned down the invitation from the Red Sox because of lingering resentment from his ouster last season.

But Francona told ESPN today that he believes he owes it to the fans to show up.

The Red Sox invited all of their former players and managers to the event, which will take place on the field before the 3:05 p.m. game against the Yankees. It is expected Francona will be introduced to the crowd.

"I think the fans will give him a good reception. It’ll be a good day for Boston sports," Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury said.

Francona is scheduled to call Sunday's game for ESPN.