November 7, 2008 "Spaceman" defends Manny at Red Sox Hall ceremony Play video

(NECN: Boston, MA) - It was a special night in Boston for some former Red Sox stars. Mo Vaughn, Mike Greenwell and Bill Lee among the honorees at the the Red Sox Hall of Fame Induction Gala. Many of today's Sox fans know the Hit Dog and Gator best, but tonight, the Spaceman stole the show, when he defended Manny Ramirez.

"I think Boston kind of got fed up with Manny," Lee said Friday night before he was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame. "A prophet in his own time is not well-received in this town."

Lee was honored by the franchise that sent him away, along with 1995 AL MVP Mo Vaughn and Mike Greenwell. Also inducted were pitchers Wes Ferrell and Frank Sullivan, infielder Everett Scott, scout George Digby and executive Ed Kenney Sr.

"You pick up the traveling secretary and you dust him off," said Lee, who was traded to the Montreal Expos after he fell out of favor with Red Sox manager Don Zimmer. "You're going to see his (Ramirez's) number on the wall sooner or later. He's the greatest I ever saw."

Material from the Associated Press is included in this report.