behaved bad in Boston," Ramirez said. "The fans

BOSTON -- Manny Ramirez apologized Wednesday for his behaviour with the Boston Red Sox in his first public appearance since being hired as a minor league player-coach with the Chicago Cubs. His apology came before a pregame ceremony in which the team honoured its 2004 team that won Bostons first World Series championship since 1918. "I realize that I behaved bad in Boston," Ramirez said. "The fans were great. I also played great when I was here, but I realized I behaved bad. I apologize for that. Im a new man." He said he has been attending church for almost a year. During seven-plus seasons with Boston, Ramirez hit .312 with 274 homers and 868 RBIs before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008. While with Boston, he often jogged to first base and after fly balls, had a physical altercation with travelling secretary Jack McCormick and exhibited quirky behaviour that led to the phrase, "Manny being Manny." Ramirez was the last of more than 30 members of the 2004 team introduced before Bostons game against the Atlanta Braves. He was the MVP of that World Series sweep over St. Louis. He threw the ceremonial first pitch, but Johnny Damon cut it off, rolled to the ground and relayed the ball to catcher Jason Varitek behind the plate. It mimicked a play in 2004 when Damon fielded a ball off the centre-field wall and threw toward third base. But Ramirez inexplicably dove and cut it off rather than let it go through, allowing Baltimores David Newhan to get an inside-the-park homer. Ramirez received a warm reception as he entered the field through a door on the left field scoreboard in the Green Monster. He occasionally would use the door to go into the cramped area behind the scoreboard during pitching changes. On Wednesday night, the crowd chanted "Manny, Manny," when he was introduced and walked toward the infield. Current designated hitter David Ortiz is the only Red Sox player remaining from the 2004 team. "Now that I see David and the rest of the guys, I wish I could have done better," Ramirez said. "I wish it turned out better than it did." Now he hopes to make a good impression on players in the Cubs farm system. "Im looking forward to that," Ramirez said. "I can go over there and meet those kids and teach them what to do in the field and what not to do off the field. Its going to be a blast. Were going to have fun out there." Other players from the 2004 team who received loud ovations where pitchers Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling and outfielder Kevin Millar. Schilling, who has skipped other Fenway Park events this season while being treated for cancer, was accompanied by his son Gehrig as they walked in together from left field. Keith Foulke, who was on the mound for the final out of the 2004 World Series, carried the championship trophy as he made his way to the infield. "You work your entire career and you always dream of being on top for at least once," Foulke said before Wednesdays game. "Were honoured to be a part of something that, unfortunately, had been set up by a lot of failure. Were proud to be a part of it, Ill tell you that." Ramirez appeared with a haircut in which the sides of his head were shaved, leaving hair only on top. "Its Manny," Foulke said, with a laugh. Jaren Jackson Jr. Jersey . This weeks topics include his take on the Kevin Pillar incident, All-Star snubs, the firing of Padres general manager Josh Byrnes and more. Allen Iverson Grizzlies Jersey . Toronto FC hosts the three-time Italian league champions in a friendly Aug. 7 at BMO Field, a game that Roma CEO Italo Zanzi said falls within a key part of their pre-season. http://www.grizzliesbasketballpro.info/Jaren-Jackson-Jr-Grizzlies-Jersey/ . The 49ers announced the deal Tuesday. San Francisco selected Lloyd in the fourth round of the 2003 draft. Mike Bibby Grizzlies Jersey .C. - Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek says guard Goran Dragic will return to the starting lineup against the Charlotte Hornets after missing the last two games with a strained back. Shareef Abdur-Rahim Jersey .During the week, McCoy told reporters he respected Hoyer for his intelligence, athleticism and how he conducts himself on and off the field. This wasnt an act, some attempt at psyching out Hoyer.Portland, OR (SportsNetwork.com) - LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and 12 rebounds as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Miami Heat 99-83 on Thursday night. Wesley Matthews netted 18 points and Damian Lillard added 16 for the Blazers, who have won six of their last seven games. Dwyane Wade tallied 23 points and seven rebounds, while Chris Bosh provided 18 points, five boards and five assists for Miami, which has dropped five of its last six contests. The Heat led 48-43 at the break, but the Blazers began the third quarter on a 17-3 run to seize control. Chris Kaman netted six consecutive points during the burst, which was capped on Aldridges putback layup for a 60-51 Portland advantage midway through thee frame.dddddddddddd Dorell Wright made a jumper at the third-quarter buzzer to stake the Blazers to a 76-64 margin going into the fourth. Portland outscored Miami 33-16 in the third. Matthews and Allen Crabbe hit consecutive 3-pointers prior to Matthews alley- oop layup, which upped the cushion to 86-69. Portland, which trailed 23-18 following a period of play, led by as many as 23 down the stretch. Game Notes Portland has won 16 of its 18 home games ... Miami hasnt won consecutive games since beating the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 22 and 23 ... The Blazers turned the ball over just seven times ... Portland held a 50-42 rebounding advantage. ' ' '