But in an instant, the good times ended.
Britton died suddenly of a brain aneurysm on July 1, 2003, while visiting his brother in San Diego. He was only 25. The devastated family wrote to Red Sox president Larry Lucchino. They wanted to scatter Britton's ashes at his favorite place: Fenway Park.
Initially, there was no response.
The Broatch family had bleacher tickets at Fenway for an August game against the Twins. As they were leaving the house, they took Britton's ashes with them.
Then the phone rang.
"We were literally in the driveway, heading up to Boston," said Britton's mother, Cydney. "We had to go back and answer the phone. A representative for the Red Sox said, 'Your request has been granted.' "
The Red Sox gave the Broatches a VIP tour of the park. The family watched batting practice from the field. Principal owner John W. Henry shook their hands, and they watched a Red Sox victory.
They were invited back the next morning. It was an off day before a big Yankee series.
"The park looked beautiful in the early-morning light," recalled Cydney Broatch. "It was so amazing because it was so quiet. You'd think of how many times you'd gone there and the thousands of people.
"There was the [grounds] crew there and they were working and raking and doing their thing. Then, all of a sudden, like magic, everything stopped."
The family walked to home plate. Britton's father, James, said a prayer. The family, including three brothers and a sister, solemnly scattered Britton's ashes around the plate. One of the brothers wore a Red Sox jersey with "B. Broatch" stenciled on the back. It had been given to him by a Yankees fan at the wake.
"The gentlemen that were working and raking and scrubbing and cleaning and getting ready took off their hats and just stood there with their hats over their heart," said Cydney. "They were just amazing."
The brief ceremony was kept secret.
"They didn't want to tell the team," said Kierran. "I don't know why, superstitious or what?"
The next evening, the Yankees marched into Fenway and the Red Sox pounded them, 10-5.
