The Boston Red Sox announced that they will distribute their 2004 World Series rings to players and staff on opening day at Fenway Park this April 11. Their opponents will be their arch rivals, the New York Yankees.

The Red Sox will also have a day set aside after the home opener for fans to view the rings and the championship trophy that commemorate the Bosox's first World Series title in 86 years.

Charles Steinberg, a spokesman for the club said, 'Parents can bring children in a casual setting and actually see the rings up close, and perhaps that's for a very modest contribution to the foundation, so it ends up being a triple crown.'

All proceeds will go towards Red Sox charities.

Initially, Red Sox owner John Henry wanted to award the rings to the players and employees at a private ceremony but Boston fans would not have it. The team was flooded with phone calls and e-mails demanding that the team present the rings on opening day. After a meeting yesterday between the owners, that decision was finalized.

Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling was pleased with the decision. 'The fans deserve to be a part of that,' said Schilling. 'Especially here, given what's happened in the last century. The fans deserve to see that and be a part of that. I know a lot of people were talking about it being the Yankees. I couldn't care who the opponent was. It's not going to be rubbing it in. They've done it enough times to know it's an honor to honor the fans in the city.'

The best part for Red Sox fans is that the opponent on opening day this year will be the dreaded New York Yankees who the Red Sox defeated last season in the ALCS. Could anything be more glorious for the Red Sox Nation?