Musical Chairs 101
Adrian is not a name you hear every day, yet this week…the Boston Red Sox have lost one Adrian, and gained another.
We are amid an offseason full of drama, intrigue…..and a boatload of cash being spent.
Money does make the world go around, and even though Baseball is our national pastime, money dictates who will play where in our beloved game of baseball.
2010 ROBERTO CLEMENTE AWARD WINNER: TIM WAKEFIELD
Red Sox Nation has shown it’s colors once again. The MLB will present it’s 2010 Roberto Clemente Award to Boston Red Sox’s senior pitcher tonight during World Series’ pre-game ceremonies at AT & T Park in lovely San Francisco. Bud Selig & company will make the prestigious award’s presentation to Timothy Wakefield for his many years of public service, far and beyond the norm….and very-well-deserved.
Tim is a resident of Melbourne Florida, and raises funds for children’s charities in his spacecoast town, as well as here in his team’s Boston-area. In New England, the Wakefields are major fundraisers for the FRANCISCAN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN and PITCHING IN FOR KIDS (Boston-based Children’s Charitable Foundation) www.pitchinginforkids.org
In his free time during the hectic baseball season, Tim always makes time to visit children in area hospitals, and he and his lovely wife Stacey dedicate their time to fundraising for New England children’s charities.
Tim is the senior player on staff in the Boston Red Sox clubhouse, and is very well-respected by the entire crew. A beloved veteran player who commands respect on the mound, as well as off the field. All of Boston is pleased to see one of our own recognized for such an admirable cause. Roberto Clemente stressed the importance of charitable giving, and so does Mr. Tim Wakefield. It is a proud moment that Red Sox Nation can share tonight…together.
Well-done Mr. Wakefield. We tip our hats to you.
- fenway fruitgirl 2010 “BEHIND THE NET”
Thank You……Mr. Mike Lowell
Today, Red Sox fans all over the country will tip their hats to a real class act, one that will never be closely followed. Our beloved #25 will be honored for his service and dedication in a Boston Red Sox uniform on the field of Fenway Park on a beautiful October afternoon, on national television….for all his fans to see. Saying goodbye to someone is never easy, and the ceremony will no doubt have eyes watering in both dugouts….around the bleachers, grandstands, field boxes, luxury boxes, and even press boxes.
The softspoken man has many accomplishments to fill himself with pride. Mike is a three-time All-Star player (2002,2004,2007) and won a Gold Glove in 2005, and was our 2007 World Series MVP. Lowell also wrote a book with Rob Bradford titled DEEP DRIVE A Long Journey To Finding The Champion Within.
Going back, Michael Averett Lowell (born February 24, 1974 in Puerto Rico to Cuban parents Carl & Beatriz Lowell) moved to Miami Florida at the age of 4. He graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School in 1992 where he met his wife Bertha. After high school, he went to Florida International University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in 1997. During his college years, he played for the Chatham A’s baseball team in the Cape Cod Baseball League in 1994.
In 1995, Mike was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 20th round, and later made his major leaguedebut for the Yankees in 1995. He was later traded to the Florida Marlins, and shortly after…discovered that he had Testicular Cancer. After having surgery, and treatment in 1999, he returned to baseball. Mr. Mike Lowell helped his team win the 2003 World Series, then was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2005.
Mr. Lowell lives with his lovely wife and two children, Alexis and Anthony in South Florida.
We honor you today, and will remember you fondly always. Come back often to visit!
please visit: http://www.redsox.com/thanksmike.
- fenway fruitgirl 2010 “BEHIND THE NET”
WINDING DOWN
The Boston Red Sox have had 52 players this season….so far, the most in the American League and only 3 behind the Pittsburgh Pirates with 55. (The Sox had 52 players last year too.) The team has used 25 pitchers so far this season, tied for the most in the American League with the Kansas City Royals.
Red Sox 3B Adrian “The Enforcer” Beltre is only 1 shy of reaching 100 RBI this season. (He is 10th in the American League so far in 2010).
PULL-OUT ALL THE STOPS
The time is here, no time to waste…..the stakes are about as high as they can get in baseball for our Boston Red Sox.
It’s Do-Or-Die time in the next 10-12 games. Simple as that…..nuf ced Red Sox Nation !!
No-way are the Sox contenders for the top spot in the American League East, so the Wild Card race is our ONLY OPTION. Now we must rely on a familiar foe to assist us in this chess match, we need the New York Yankees to kick Tampa Bay butt in their next 7 games with them. The Yanks are going to keep winning, because they can. We need Tampa to lose. It’s not just enough for the Sox to win anymore, that’s not enough for us to get the job done. The Rays have to go down, and that’s all there is to it. Oh, and the Chicago White Sox need to lose a few and back off on this Wild Card race to the finish.
Asking a lot…..yeah, but it can happen….we’ve seen all the pieces miraculously come together before…..and it can happen again!
Lester and Beckett need to stablize, they’ve got to focus and get these wins. Buchholz needs to keep shining bright…there may be quite a reward at the end of this rainbow for him! Lackey and Matsuzaka need to show Red Sox Nation why they are being paid so much money, time to show what you’re made of & step-up! Wakefield needs to go back to the bull pen, no time left in this super-tight race to play honorary veteran….maybe on October 3rd.
Ortiz and Beltre need to stay healthy & keep eating their Wheaties, they are quite the Dynamic Duo & I hope to see them both on the 2011 roster. Varitek’s back and needs to hit the ground running (sorry, Captain…you are REALLY needed to hit like you did this spring) and Martinez has to hold it together and try to stay healthy-enough to get through these games in the home stretch….you’re not in Cleveland anymore! (Did not impress in 2009 postseason games vs. the Angels) Drew and Hall have to improve their at-bats, and make quality strategic hits more often…and we love those HR’s too. Lowrie and Scutaro need to keep chipping-away and focus on fielding. First Base….we need someone at first base!! Whether it is Martinez, Ortiz or Anderson…if Lowell cannot return….someone’s gotta do it!
The rest of the outfield…well, Terry will surely earn his pay this year, won’t he? Kalish and McDonald are my picks, but Patterson isn’t too bad either. The Bull Pen….geesh! Bard is not the super pitcher people make him out to be, he can cave-in a game just as much as his buddy Papelbon can (but for a lot less pay). I am liking Atchison, Bowden & Okajima, the others should pay attention!
New York and Tampa both also had a day off on Thursday, and are also playing games on the road – but they have tougher matchups than the Red Sox do. NY plays the Rangers in Texas, and the Rays play the Jays in Toronto while we (play well on the road in 2010) play the Oakland Athletics, then the Seattle Mariners on the West Coast.
The Time Is Now….We Have Our Fingers-Crossed For The Boston Red Sox. GO SOX!
- fenway fruitgirl 2010 “BEHIND THE NET”
SEPTEMBER CHANGES EVERYTHING
There are 29 games left in the regular 2010 baseball season for the Boston Red Sox.
Do they want to stop playing baseball on October 3rd, 2010 ? No, they don’t.
Beltre, Drew, Ortiz, Scutaro, Lowell, Martinez & (soon) Varitek know how to play ball, they are great position players, and can rack-up the numbers at the plate – against all odds – like no others. The kids are doing the best they can to hold things together. Kalish, McDonald, and Nava were literally thrust into the MLB spotlight and expected to be “RED SOX WORTHY” from day one….and they have been great. (But our division is the AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST)
We do not have the talents of Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Mike Cameron to help fight the tough battles…..and there is simply no use crying over spilled milk. The fans & media need to focus on what we DO have, not what we DON’T.
I have seen miracles happen at Fenway Park, and I’ve watched my team steal a victory out of the clutches of their opponents many, many times…..and I think that 8 games back in the standings with 29 games left to play still holds some hope, and I want to see the boys play hard to climb that ladder….not just for our sake, but for their own.
I love my team. God Bless The Boston Red Sox.
- fenway fruitgirl 2010 “BEHIND THE NET”
Enough Left In The Tank ??
…. to make it to the postseason ?
Beckett Bowl 2010 Was Fantastic!
On Thursday July 29th, Foxwoods Resort & Casino presented the 4th Annual 2010 Beckett Bowl at LUCKY STRIKES in the shadow of historic FENWAY PARK (Boston). The neighborhood normally busy with t-shirt clad families and friends milling around before taking in a ball game, had an upscale look and funky beat on this warm mid-summer evening. As the sun began to mellow, the people began to arrive as did Boston-area athletes and celebrities to the comfortable and hip spot to take your bowling game to the next level.
The Red Carpet entrance brought Josh Beckett, Shawn Thornton(Bruins), Scott Atchison, “Coach”Willie Maye, Akrobatik(Rapper), Mike Lowell, Erika Lawler(Olympian), and lots of New England Revolution soccer players to pose with a great group of patients from Children’s Hospital in Boston at the logo-ed backdrop on the way into the event. (Isabella, Patrick, Maggie, Charlie & Nicholas)
Inside was a substantially-larger silent auction area than in previous years, a well-stocked bar area with ample supply of ABSOLUT Vodkas(sponsor) on hand. This year’s Beckett Bowl featured a roof terrace also.
Introductions were made to the celebrity team captains, then the 1st bowl or roll of the event was recorded with little Maggie Federico of Norwood, MA. starting things off ahead of the evening’s host: Mr. Josh Beckett and his unique baseball bowling ball. Sox Captain Jason Varitek was “in uniform” but he did not play because of a foot injury that landed him on the DL since July 2nd. He told me he will know more of his updated prognosis on Friday (today). Mike Lowell and Dustin Pedroia (sans crutches) were two other Sox players on the DL that were team captains at the event.
Exceptional starting pitchers and expectant fathers Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz (late arrival because of an autograph signing in Bulington,MA. for Sureshot Promotions) were also in attendance. Newlywed Daniel Bard joined veteran favorite Tim Wakefield and newly-acquired ace John Lackey and relievers Scott Atchison and Manny Delcarmen as team captains and ambassadors for the evening…..and added to my entertainment !
Outfielder Jeremy Hermida and re-acquired catcher Kevin Cash joined the group and seemed to be having a wonderful night of fun. The boys were all very happy to be back in Beantown last night, and their big smiles were contageous to the entire room.
Boat-loads of money were raised Thursday evening for the Beckett Foundation from proceeds of ticket sales, raffles, silent and live auction, and t-shirt and novelty sales. Boston’s Children’s Hospital will be the recipient of the proceeds raised, thanks to the generosity of our Ace Beckett and his fundraising team and volunteers, as well as sponsors.*
Some items auctioned-off were original paintings and artwork, signed items, 1st Pitch at Fenway, a hunting expedition at Beckett’s Herradura Ranch (Texas), Custom Red Sox Poker Table, Jerry Seinfeld tickets, and a jet getaway to NY for a Sox/Yankees game.
Special thanks to Colleen White, Jason Oberle, the Josh Beckett Foundation, and to Josh and his teammates for a beautiful evening.
* Sponsors: LG Luxury Gaming, Foxwoods/MGM Grand Resort, Red Sox Foundation, ABSOLUT Vodka, NESN, The Upper Crust Pizzeria, EMJ Construction, COOLEY LLP, Commonwealth Wordwide Transportation, WAAF, Country 102.5, American Airlines, REEBOK, COMPUTERWORLD, Liberty Bay Credit Union, The Improper Bostonian, Sheraton, Pro Print, AFTERFXCUSTOMS, High Rollers Lounge, and Magellan Jets.*
- fenway fruitgirl 2010
Record Sellouts & July Baseball
Game 92 of the 2010 baseball season for the Boston Red Sox was at Fenway Park, and happened to be a celebrated milestone in major league baseball history. July 18th was Maine Day at the nation’s oldest major league park, and had a sellout crowd of 37,431 to mark it’s 600th CONSECUTIVE SELLOUT … extending the park’s major league record. Comemorative balls were tossed and given out to the sweltering crowd before and during their game against the Texas Rangers.
Huge congratulations to our designated hitter Mr. David Ortiz for winning the 2010 Home Run Derby in Anaheim California on July 12th. And the National League has won the “Home Advantage” in the World Series in 2010, as winners of the 2010 All-Star Game on July 13th.
*There is an upcoming schedule update for the early August roadtrip to NY. On August 8th, ESPN will cover the game, so the gametime will be at 8pm. On August 9th, the gametime will be at 1:35pm. (Red Sox/Yankees)*
The Boston Red Sox have 123 home runs overall so far this season, 2nd in the league after Toronto (141). The boys only have 2 days off in the next 37 days (7/29 & 8/16) ….not much rest for the wounded. Slowly, the injured will return to us and beef-up our lineup (not soon enough) but after seeing Beltre’s struggled jaunt on Sunday after hitting the ball, I have to wonder if they are being rushed. Boston’s boys are certainly plagued with injuries that may prove to be the cause of less-than-anticipated season ending totals in the WINS column at seasons’ end. The remaining 69 regular season games will hopefully prove to the world that Boston can prevail (or at least make the playoffs) even though they have been absolutely bombarded with injuries, and playing with minor league substitutes for a large bulk of the summer.
I eagerly anticipate the day that I sit in my red plastic perch behind home plate and watch my real starting 9 run onto the field to play again at Fenway Park. I miss you Jason Varitek, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, Josh Beckett, Victor Martinez and Jeremy Hermida.
On the schedule for the series in Oakland, are Tim Wakefield (Tues) and Clay Buchholz (Wed). After that, Francona may be making a pitching order change just as Josh Beckett is slated to return to the mound.
- fenway fruitgirl 2010 “BEHIND THE NET”
(thank you to my little friend ELLA for entertaining me Sunday at Fenway)
Fun At Captain Jason Varitek’s Putt Putt Event
On July 1st Jason Varitek’s 5th Annual Celebrity Putt Putt Fundraiser was at the Tsongas Center Arena in Lowell Massachusetts. The fun family event was well-attended and presented by The Celebrities For Charity Foundation (Andover, MA) to benefit JOURNEY FORWARD. *
The Arena was decked-out for the Miniature Golf event with numbered holes, each manned by professional athletes and local celebrities, and a $10,000 50-foot Putt was featured – for anyone skilled or lucky-enough to win it, as well as a band on stage to entertain the crowd. Athletes/Celebrities in attendance were: Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Mike Lowell, David Ortiz, Josh Beckett, Scott Atchison, Cedric Maxwell, Charlie Moore and Cleon Daskalaskis.
Unlike previous years, this event was held indoors, likely to prevent re-scheduling in case of inclement weather.
There was an extensive sports-themed silent auction and the Boston Red Sox 2004 World Series Harley Davidson Motorcycle on the upper level. Cakes For Occasions (Danvers, MA) supplied treats and a beautiful, custom cake to the Captain for the event…sorry, no photos.
A very entertaining professional magician named DARREN YONG amused and thrilled people with his magic, and Furry Creatures also entertained the young and old in the lobby.
Thanks to Cleon Daskalaskis, Erin Murphy, and Adam Benoit of Celebrities For Charity.
- fenway fruitgirl 2010
email for Magician: darren.yong@live.com
* Journey Forward was created by Dan Cummings, who sustained serious injury when diving off his boat, and had to undergo extensive rehabilitation. www.journey-forward.org
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