In May 2002, a package of ashes that was dropped from a plane hit the roof of Safeco Field in Seattle and opened on the field, prompting a tour evacuation and hazardous material scare. In 2005, a fan ran onto the field during a Packers-Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and scattered his mother's ashes before being arrested for defiant trespassing.
"This is for you, Mom," said Christopher Noteboom as he made the sign of the cross and surrendered.
The Broatches say they, too, were willing to risk arrest, before Lucchino invited them to Fenway,
"Gavin, my older brother, was going on the field no matter what with the ashes," said Kierran, smiling under his Red Sox cap. "My brother was determined to do this."
Good things have been spawned from the Sox' generosity.
There is the annual Britton John Broatch Memorial Wiffle Ball Tournament - to be held this year July 12 (thebjbtournament.com) - that funds two scholarships for high school seniors. The only stipulation is that the student be a Red Sox fan. The Broatches also raise money for the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Oxfam, Americares, and other charities.
Cydney Broatch still lights a candle for her son every night. She says the Sox saved her life and never asked for anything in return.
"It gives me peace, because my other sons have peace and I know that helps them," she said. "We'll always be tied to the Red Sox.
"We always have a smile on our face when we see Fenway Park. We know Britton is there. Part of him is alive there."
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