CNN

The ailing Massachusetts senator threw the ceremonial pitch before the Red Sox took on the Tampa Bay Rays at the Boston team's home opener.

(CNN) – Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, who has made limited public appearances over the past year, took the mound Tuesday at Fenway Park.

The ailing senator, currently undergoing treatment for cancer, threw the ceremonial pitch before the Red Sox took on the Tampa Bay Rays at the Boston team's home opener.

Before a crowd of cheering fans, Kennedy fired a ball to Hall of Fame electee Jim Rice, who played 16 seasons in left field for the Red Sox.