Beneath a glorious blue sky, on a crisp spring afternoon, major league baseball returned to New England for another season Friday.

The Boston Red Sox gathered at Fenway Park, a yard that has seen a century full of these home-opening celebrations.

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THE GOOD NEWS: The Boston Red Sox returned to Fenway Park in dramatic fashion Friday, winning their home opener against the Tampa Bay Rays 12-2. Above, players line up for the national anthem as fighter jets from the Vermont National Guard fly over Fenway before the afternoon game. Photos by The Associated Press

... AND THE NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS: Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury left the game when he hurt his right shoulder in a collision with Rays shortstop Reid Brignac while being forced at second base in the fourth inning. WEEI Radio in Boston reported late Friday his shoulder was likely dislocated, meaning he’ll be out 6-8 weeks – more if surgery is needed.

The Boston Pops performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Sox veterans Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek, both recently retired, threw out the first pitches.

And maybe best of all, the Sox won, beating those upstart Tampa Bay Rays 12-2.

The victory doesn’t yet overcome this season’s slow start, nor does it erase the still-fresh memory of last September’s epic collapse.

But Friday helped. Baseball is back at Fenway, with all the hope that a new season brings.

– Staff Writer Kevin Thomas