Sports in brief: Kennedy honored at Fenway Park

Baseball: The Boston Red Sox honored the late U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy before their game on Wednesday night, paying tribute to a lifelong fan whose family was as much a part of Boston history as the team itself.

The U.S. flag flew at half-staff at Fenway Park, where Kennedy threw out the ceremonial first pitch on opening day, 97 years after his grandfather, Boston mayor John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald christened the ballpark that is now the oldest in the major leagues.

A lone Air Force bugler played “Taps” as both teams lined up on the baselines – a tradition usually reserved for playoff games or opening day. The national anthem was sung by the a cappella group “Hyannis Sound” in recognition of Kennedy’s connection to Cape Cod.

Associated Press

Spokane golf tourney nears

Golf: The 2009 Spokane City Golf Championship, featuring a full field of 120 participants, will kick off its three-day run on Friday afternoon with a shotgun start at Esmeralda Golf Course. The event will shift to Downriver Golf Course on Saturday and wrap up at The Creek at Qualchan on Sunday.

According to Esmeralda head professional Rick Schultz, the tournament, which started as the Spokane Municipal Championship back in 1943, has continued to grow in popularity since it was reestablished under its current name in 2005 following a 20-year plus hiatus.

“I actually thought we’d have a hard time getting as many players as last year because of the economy,” Schultz said. “But we ended up with more than I expected.”

Area volleyball seasons begin

Volleyball: The area’s three Division I programs open their seasons Friday in tournaments.

Washington State is host to the two-day Nike Cougar Invitational, playing host to Portland, Montana State and UC Davis in a round-robin format. WSU’s first match is against UC Davis at 7 p.m. Friday following the 4:30 match between Portland State and Montana State.

Idaho opens the season against Appalachian State in the Crowne Plaza Titan Classic in Fullerton, Calif.

Eastern Washington travels to Eugene, Ore., where it will play Missouri State at the Oregon Classic.