Unlike Jed Lowries “Texas League” bloop single yesterday, there aren’t many “tweeners” when it comes to Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Adored by the left and demonized by the right, he’s led a life of privileged imperfection. None of that mattered yesterday for the 77 year old Red Sox fan as he threw the first pitch to open the 2009 season for the Sox.

Boston Globe photo by Jim Davis

As he peered in at new Hall of Famer Jim Rice, the childlike glee on his face spoke a unifying language for kids of all ages:

“Play Ball!”