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BOSTON -- Manny Ramirez apologized Wednesday for his behaviour with the Boston Red Sox in his first public appearance since being hired as a minor league player-coach with the Chicago Cubs. Zach Parise Jersey . His apology came before a pregame ceremony in which the team honoured its 2004 team that won Bostons first World Series championship since 1918. "I realize that I behaved bad in Boston," Ramirez said. "The fans were great. I also played great when I was here, but I realized I behaved bad. I apologize for that. Im a new man." He said he has been attending church for almost a year. During seven-plus seasons with Boston, Ramirez hit .312 with 274 homers and 868 RBIs before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008. While with Boston, he often jogged to first base and after fly balls, had a physical altercation with travelling secretary Jack McCormick and exhibited quirky behaviour that led to the phrase, "Manny being Manny." Ramirez was the last of more than 30 members of the 2004 team introduced before Bostons game against the Atlanta Braves. He was the MVP of that World Series sweep over St. Louis. He threw the ceremonial first pitch, but Johnny Damon cut it off, rolled to the ground and relayed the ball to catcher Jason Varitek behind the plate. It mimicked a play in 2004 when Damon fielded a ball off the centre-field wall and threw toward third base. But Ramirez inexplicably dove and cut it off rather than let it go through, allowing Baltimores David Newhan to get an inside-the-park homer. Ramirez received a warm reception as he entered the field through a door on the left field scoreboard in the Green Monster. He occasionally would use the door to go into the cramped area behind the scoreboard during pitching changes. On Wednesday night, the crowd chanted "Manny, Manny," when he was introduced and walked toward the infield. Current designated hitter David Ortiz is the only Red Sox player remaining from the 2004 team. "Now that I see David and the rest of the guys, I wish I could have done better," Ramirez said. "I wish it turned out better than it did." Now he hopes to make a good impression on players in the Cubs farm system. "Im looking forward to that," Ramirez said. "I can go over there and meet those kids and teach them what to do in the field and what not to do off the field. Its going to be a blast. Were going to have fun out there." Other players from the 2004 team who received loud ovations where pitchers Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling and outfielder Kevin Millar. Schilling, who has skipped other Fenway Park events this season while being treated for cancer, was accompanied by his son Gehrig as they walked in together from left field. Keith Foulke, who was on the mound for the final out of the 2004 World Series, carried the championship trophy as he made his way to the infield. "You work your entire career and you always dream of being on top for at least once," Foulke said before Wednesdays game. "Were honoured to be a part of something that, unfortunately, had been set up by a lot of failure. Were proud to be a part of it, Ill tell you that." Ramirez appeared with a haircut in which the sides of his head were shaved, leaving hair only on top. "Its Manny," Foulke said, with a laugh. Ryan Suter Jersey . -- The Chicago Bears say they have agreed to a one-year contract with centre Roberto Garza. Eric Staal Jersey . -- Matt Rupert scored once in regulation and again in the shootout as the London Knights extended their win streak to nine games by defeating the Owen Sound Attack 4-3 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League action. http://www.authenticwildpro.com/Jason-zucker-wild-jersey/ . The Raptors (15-15) posted six road victories last month and have won seven of their last nine games overall. Toronto visits the Washington Wizards on Friday night. OSLO, Norway -- Italy beat Norway 2-0 in its opening European Championship qualifier on Tuesday as Antonio Conte extended his winning start as coach. Simone Zaza scored his first international goal in the 16th minute as Italy showed little sign of missing suspended striker Mario Balotelli. Strike partner Ciro Immobile was offside and in the goalkeepers line of vision, but the referee waved away Norways protests. Leonardo Bonucci doubled Italys lead shortly after the hour mark. Zaza also hit the crossbar late on and had an effort cleared off the line. "Ive had a dream week," Zaza said. "Now my aim is to remain in this squad and continue doing well." In the other matches in Group H, Bulgaria won 2-1 in Azerbaijan, while Croatia beat 10-man Malta 2-0. It was Contes first competitive match in charge after steering Italy to a 2-0 friendly win over the Netherlands on his debut last week. "It was an important match," Conte said. "It wasnt easy, its been a very long time since we won in Norway. These are three important points. In nine days we have managed to do important things with the lads, now we have to continue, get to know each other better to improve. "But I dont remember (Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi) Buffon getting his gloves dirty, while I remember several good chances for us to round out the scoreline. Its never easy to come here so Im happy. Obviously we need to improve but Im happy with the lads attitude." Conte replaced Cesare Prandelli, who resigned immediately after Italys first-round elimination from the World Cup. The former Juventus manager caused a stir when he left out Balotelli from his first squad -- although the new Liverpool striker was suspended for the qualifier. With Giuseppe Rossi out with kneee problems, Conte started again with Immobile -- last years top scorer in Serie A -- and Zaza. Joel Eriksson Ek Jersey. Zaza, who was the first Sassuolo player to win an Italy cap, looked dangerous early on and he broke the deadlock following a mazy run with a shot from a tight angle which took a slight deflection to wrongfoot Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. Norway almost levelled immediately but Joshua King fired over the bar under pressure from Andrea Ranocchia. Italy went close to doubling its lead when a fierce effort by Emanuele Giaccherini stung Nylands gloves and Immobile couldnt fire home the rebound. The Azzuri did score a second when Bonucci was left unmarked at the far post and headed in a cross from substitute Manuel Pasqual, who had just come off the bench. Zaza almost doubled his tally but saw his fierce effort crash off the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area. The 23-year-old was injured in the move and limped off. However, he was able to come back on after treatment on the sidelines and moments later saw an effort cleared off the line by Vegard Forren. Immobile was stretchered off in stoppage time but team doctor Enrico Castellacci later said it was "nothing to be concerned about." Elswhere, second-half goals from Luka Modric and Andrej Kramaric gave Croatia victory. Malta defender Steve Borg was sent off shortly after the half hour mark for hitting out at Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic. Substitute Ventsislav Hristovs late header saw Bulgaria snatch a 2-1 win in Azerbaijan. Ilian Micanski had scored the opener for Bulgaria before Dimitrij Nazarovs leveler. The top two teams from the nine groups qualify automatically, as does the best third-placed nation. The other eight third-placed teams can qualify through a playoff. 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