Fenway Fest began with a blast from the past, literally, as the 2026 Red Sox Hall of Fame class was announced in Saturday morning’s opening ceremonies.

Bill Mueller’s walk-off home run on July 24, 2004, hours after catcher Jason Varitek’s legendary brawl with New York Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez, played on the screen to loud cheers from the sold-out crowd. Mueller was then introduced to the cheering sold-out crowd, and his knock was officially named “Memorable Red Sox Moment.”

NESN’s Tom Caron then introduced the team Hall of Fame class of ‘26: right-hander Mike Timlin, who joined Mueller on stage, centerfielder Johnny Damon, left-hander Jon Lester, and the late Sherm Feller, who served as Fenway’s public address announcer for 26 seasons from 1967-93.

Damon became a fan favorite during his four seasons with Red Sox from 2002-05. He has returned to the fold after the stunning free-agency defection to the rival Yankees after the ‘05 season.

One of the greatest homegrown starting pitchers in franchise history, Lester debuted with the ‘06 Red Sox and remained with the team until the ‘14 trade deadline. After battling lymphoma during his rookie season, Lester returned to the mound in ‘07 and became a three-time All-Star and integral member of the ‘07 and ‘13 championship teams. He remains the club’s all-time leader in strikeouts by a left-hander (1,386).

Fans basked in the genuine affection between Mueller and Timlin, as the pair of ‘04 champions reminisced about their wild and wonderful championship season.

Timlin, who spent the last six seasons of his 18-year MLB career in Boston from 2003-08, described the place as home.

“I felt like I had friends and family here every day,” Timlin said.

Mueller recalled how confident and secure he felt when Ram Jam’s “Black Betty” began to blare over the ballpark speakers, knowing it signaled Timlin’s entrance from the bullpen. The infielder begged to hear his teammate’s song again, and as the panel concluded, the Red Sox granted his wish.