There will be his first Opening Day. Then will come his first home opener, when he slips into the pinstripes for the first time in a meaningful game. A few weeks later, he'll experience his first game at Fenway Park as a member of the enemy.

On Wednesday, Damon will experience something that may not measure up to any of the preceding events, but it's something that will draw some attention as Spring Training draws to a close.

It's Damon vs. the Red Sox at Legends Field.

Grapefruit League games rarely turn into a spectacle, but when the Yankees and Red Sox square off for the first (and only) time this spring, it will surely attract plenty of attention.

Damon will have the crowd on his side, as the Yankees will play in front of their home crowd in Tampa, but a few Sox fans will likely make their way into the ballpark, giving Damon a taste of what lies ahead when he makes his regular-season return to Boston on May 1.

Of course, don't ask Damon about playing the Red Sox. He's simply not that interested in the topic.

"It doesn't matter," he said, sounding like he almost believed what he was saying. "That's old news now. I've had this new team for almost four months, so that doesn't matter."

It may not matter to Damon, but to Boston fans, seeing their former center fielder in the hated pinstripes is a sight that will surely bring out some emotions.

Yankees manager Joe Torre has seen several players take part in the rivalry on both sides, but he believes that Damon will be received by his former fans with the respect that he earned while helping the Sox win the 2004 World Series.

"When you watch a guy play like he did for the four years he was there, there's no resentment you can possibly have for him," Torre said. "The way he played the game, I don't think there's any question how he'll be received. I'd be very shocked if it were any other way."

That may not be the case when Damon steps onto the field at Fenway Park, but Damon has the advantage of seeing the Sox for the first time on Wednesday on his own turf.

"It's something that happens year in and year out in baseball; players change teams," Damon said. "This was a part of it. It happened -- I'm over it, so they've got to get over it."

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Damon's primary concern right now is getting his body in shape for the season, which begins in less than two weeks. After resting his left shoulder, Damon believes that his bout with tendinitis is a thing of the past, and he could be out in center field on Wednesday night for the first time in more than a week.

"I seem to have gotten rid of that. I should be good to go," Damon said. "I plan to be in the field come Wednesday night. My legs are in pretty good shape now, but playing in the field will definitely help me out and get me more prepared."

Damon has been back with his teammates for three days now, giving him, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Bernie Williams about 10 days in Florida to play together and give Torre a glimpse of what his team will look like this season.

"Obviously, it's great to be with the team," Damon said. "I think we're pretty ready to go. We'll try to get to Opening Day as healthy as we can, and we'll be all right."

On Wednesday night, Damon will be in the spotlight. He's not fazed by it at all. After all, this isn't the first time he will be the center of attention.

"I think both sides have pretty much gotten over it," Damon said. "I've gotten over them and they've gotten over me. It's time to get ready for the baseball season."