The Red Sox had a very touching ceremony at Fenway Park this morning to unveil a statue in honor of team icon Carl Yastrzemski. But it was touching not because it was scripted that way, but because Yaz made it so.

A man known for lots of hits but very few words, Yaz said the statue unveiling was as important to him as being enshrined in the Hall of Fame and having his No. 8 retired.

He also used the occasion to make reference to his late son, Mike Yastrzemski, a former professional baseball player who died in 2004.

“I wish my son, Carl Michael, could have been with us,” Yastrzemski said. “He was my biggest fan.”

Hundreds of Captain Carl’s biggest fans were in attendance as the statue unveiling, which began at 11 a.m. outside Fenway Park, was open to the public.

The statue depicts Yastrzemski doffing his helmet to the Fenway Park masses prior to his last major-league at-bat on Oct. 1, 1983.

Following opening remarks by master of ceremonies Dick Flavin, two of Yaz’ former teammates, Jim Rice and Dwight Evans, addressed the gathering. Outgoing Boston mayor Thomas Menino was on hand to proclaim “Carl Yastrzemski Day” in the city of Boston, adding that Yaz “… was good for the neighborhood, good for the people.”

Rice, well aware of Yastrzesmki’s distain for long speeches, said, “I’m not going to bore you. I know he’s looking at his watch.”

Yet Yaz seemed to revel in the moment. He was visibly moved when the statue was unveiled, and he went to great lengths to congratulate the 2013 Red Sox for winning the American League East championship.

“What a difference between this year and last year,” Yastrzemski said. Comparing this season with his own career, he spoke of having played on losing teams his first six years in the big leagues, “… and then 1967 came along, and baseball was fun again. And you (players) made it fun again for the fans of Boston.”

Representing the current Red Sox were manager John Farrell, outfielders Daniel Nava and Jonny Gomes and second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

Former Red Sox players in attendance were: Rich Gedman, Dick Drago, Joe LaHoud, Bill Lee, Luis Tiant, Ted Lepcio, Frank Malzone, Bill Monbouquette and Bob Montgomery.