They rode before us on Duck Boats and flat-bed trucks, with microphones and punk bands, flags and signs. Some came with camcorders, others with disposable cameras.

Your 2007 World Champion Boston Red Sox lineup consisted of a group of men united under a team name and cause, but let's face it: we had one really eclectic bunch of characters. Tuesday's Rolling Rally celebration gave the fans quick opportunities to see just how different the guys really are. We offer you an equally quick guide to the players and what we like to imagine what through their minds as the rally passed our vantage point. In our minds, little gestures say a lot:

Curt Schilling: Can you make a call, write a letter, do something that will seal the deal on my staying here for one more year? If you can make it happen, I'll give you my shirt...Shonda...No, I will give you THIS HERE TROPHY. Seriously. Look at it. You know you want it.

Josh Beckett: Almost hunting season. I am almost there. So close. I can almost feel the gun in my hands - oh, hey! Hi. 'Sup?

Johnny Pesky: I love this team, and I love each and every one of you.

Photos by Victoria Welch and C. Fernsebner. Read the rest after the jump!

Dustin Pedroia: This goes out to all those tall guys who gave me noogies and threatened to kick my ass growing up. Rookie of the Year, bitches. Get ready for it. See you at that high school reunion.

Eric Hinske: This! Is! Amazing!

Kevin Youkilis: [As the sound of "Yooooooook" fills the air] I will never get tired of this sound. Ever.

Jon Lester: This camcorder is the best Best Buy buy I've ever made. I can't wait to show this to Mom and Dad.

Daisuke Matsuzaka: Arigatou gozaimasu! Arigatou gozaimasu! I will be better next year. But for now, I smile at you and bow to Beckett.

Kyle Snyder, Brendan Donnelly, Manny Delcarmen, Javier Lopez, Bryan Corey: Rat-tat-tat-teeteetee-tah!

Eric Gagne: I don't know how Pedro got beaned in '04 and I'm getting through this parade route injury-free, but I like it.

Hideki Okajima: How did I draw the short straw and wind up on the flatbed with the crazy man?

Jonathan Papelbon: The people have come to party and I will be their ringmaster. I ain't never seen Michael Flatley dance AND smoke AND prep for Letterman AND hear the crowds AND get my kilt ready. It's official: I AM the Lord of the Dance. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Mike Timlin: I don't want to say goodbye to this. Not quite yet.

J.D. Drew: Hello, Boston. My name is J.D. You may have seen me during the post-season. I'm looking forward to my first full season with Boston in 2008.

Bobby Kielty: SUCK IT, OAKLAND!

Jacoby Ellsbury: But I don't want a taco...

Royce Clayton: YES YOU DO.

Coco Crisp: Sweetie, wake up and look out! This is one of the coolest things you're ever going to see!

David Ortiz: My people! Send any and all post-surgery cards to David Ortiz, care of...

Manny Ramirez: You know, Boston almost in a way doesn't seem half bad right now.

Julian Tavarez: One of these days, maybe I'll tell you why you didn't see me pitching in the post season.

Jason Varitek: Thank you, Boston.

Doug Mirabelli: Thank you for bringing me back, Boston.

Kevin Cash: And thank you, Tim Wakefield!

Tim Wakefield: Seriously guys, it wasn't a big deal, I was just doing what anyone else would have done. Each of you out there would have done the same thing. No big deal. Seriously. But thank you.

Mike Lowell: RE-SIGN LOWELL!

Julio Lugo: I know you guys gave me a hard time with that whole mid-season slump thing, but you're pretty OK, Boston! I like you!

Alex Cora: ME TOO!

Terry Francona: I solemnly swear not to go near a piece of Double Bubble until April.

Theo Epstein: Oh great. Now the real work begins. And I KNOW! Shut up about Lowell, already!