BOSTON — The Sports Museum inducted six more members Wednesday night to join several familiar faces that shaped Boston sports history during “The Tradition” at TD Garden.
The 2024 class featured Terry Francona (Red Sox), Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), Dee Brown (Celtics), Brad Park (Bruins), Scott Hamilton (figure skating) and Dara Torres (Olympic swimming).
The class spoke with the media at TD Garden Wednesday and shared what the honor means to them with so many legends inducted before them.
“When you start getting lifetime achievement stuff, that means you’re getting old,” Francona said. “I feel it. These were eight years. We won two World Series and had some really good teams. You make a lot of really close relationships. It’s a good time to remember a lot of the good.”
“Had a great career, loved every minute of it in Boston,” Brown said. “Good to come back and represent the Celtics. Just to be part of this great group with Gronk and Francona and all the other people here as well. It’s a special moment.”
“I love this town,” Hamilton said. “I know it’s a big sports town and to be included on a night like this is like, ‘Really?’ I’m honored and thrilled just to be in this building with these athletes. To be listed among them is surreal.”
“This is a great place,” Park said. “Family-oriented, easy to get around.”
“To look back on my career, it’s just the longevity,” Torres said. “You don’t have to be a certain age to do things. When I was growing up, my first Olympics was in ’84. … I think proving to people you don’t have to put an age limit on your dreams is really important.”
“It’s an honor, first off,” Gronkowski said. “Just to receive such a prestigious award here in the best city, best sports city in America. No doubt about it.”
“The Tradition” airs Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. ET on NESN.
