BOSTON (AP) — On the same day the New England Patriots returned home from their sixth Super Bowl victory, the Boston Red Sox equipment truck departed for Florida for spring training.

The truck left Fenway Park at about noon Monday for the 1,480-mile trip to the club’s spring training home on Fort Myers.

Al Hartz, of Milford, took the wheel of the 53-foot truck for the 21st consecutive year.

The truck carried 20,400 baseballs, 1,100 bats, 200 batting helmets, 20 cases of bubble gum and 60 cases of sunflower seeds among other items.

The Red Sox last October won their fourth World Series of the 21st century.

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report on Feb. 13.

(Copyright (c) 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox