Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Yankees Dumped Again!

Curtis Granderson and Gary Sheffield homered in the 3rd inning against rookie Phil Hughes at Yankee Stadium last night. By the time the 4th inning began young Philip was showered and out of the park. He was dumped his 4th loss of the season. Looked very uncomfortable on the mound as the Yanks lost yet again. Hughes is one of the Yankees young hopes for success in 2008. they neglected to chase Santana and are at a loss for that. The Tigers defeated the Bronx Bombers 6-4 and Jobba may be leaving the bull pen sooner than later. Just sit back and relax. Two key Yankee players are on the bench. Half a billionaire, A-Rod is out and (for the first time in his career) Jorge Posada in on the 15 day DL.

The Yanks are 14-14 on the young season and are 2 games out of the lead in the AL East. i predicted a 3rd place finish in the race for the yanks in pre-season. They are lving up to all the negative expectations i had for them. Poor pitching. Average middle relief. An excellent batting order with some nice young talent. BUT - a breaking down "older" bunch of has beens. The DL will have many visitors in 2008. Jeter, A-Rod, Posada and others have already been out for extended periods. As the season goes on the injuries will pile up -- accompanied by the losses.

Just one man's opinion here - Yankees loooose -- the Yankeeees LOOOOOOSE!

The Rocket SOARS!

I gotta give the Rocket one thing -- he has wonderful taste in his women. he may be a total ass - but wew he picks some nice looking babes! Boston Baseball Head
Mindy McCready speaks outside her Nashville studio Tuesday

Ex-bartender Angela Moyer is staying mum about her friendship with former Yankee Roger Clemens


Source: Roger Clemens had Several Women, Flew Them on Private Jet

BY TERI THOMPSON and MICHAEL O'KEEFFE in New York and Christian Red in Nashville DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Wednesday, April 30th 2008, 12:10 AM

Roger Clemens hung out with several attractive women in his baseball career, including beauties in California and Boston and a former Manhattan bartender named Angela Moyer.

Clemens, 45, flew the women around the country on his private jet and bought expensive jewelry for at least one of them, a source told the Daily News Tuesday.

As the Daily News first reported Sunday, the Rocket carried on a decade-long affair with country singer Mindy McCready, who confirmed the romantic relationship Monday.

Moyer, a 30-year-old Realtor who lives in the Harrisburg, Pa., area, worked as a bartender from 2000 to 2004 at Sutton Place, a yuppie East Side watering hole. That's roughly the same time the pitching legend played for the Yankees.

Moyer acknowledged she knew Clemens, but has declined to discuss the relationship. She was spotted driving up to her father's apartment house Tuesday night, but said only "no comment" when asked about Clemens. She then sped off.

McCready, meanwhile, appeared at a suburban Nashville studio Tuesday to begin recording the comeback album she hopes will revive her career, which has stalled as the result of legal troubles.

"I've been playing poker and I invented a new game called 'I win,'" McCready said with a laugh, still nervous from her time under the media microscope this week.

Her mother, Gayle Inge, later told The News, "I know Roger was infatuated with Mindy."
The romantic relationship with McCready could cause big problems for Clemens, who portrayed himself as a devoted family man at the Feb. 13 congressional hearing on steroids and baseball.
Clemens filed a defamation suit in January against Brian McNamee, his former personal trainer, who accused the seven-time Cy Young Award winner of using performanceenhancing drugs.
McNamee's lawyer, Richard Emery, said revelations of affairs could hamper Clemens' claims that McNamee's drug allegations damaged his reputation.

Clemens' lawyer, Rusty Hardin, did not return a call for comment Tuesday night.

The FBI is investigating Clemens for perjury after he denied McNamee's steroid accusations under oath at the February congressional hearing.

His wife, Debbie, has also emerged as a character in Clemens' Mitchell Report saga. The News first reported that McNamee injected Clemens' wife with human growth hormone before she posed for a Sports Illustrated swimsuit spread.

Former slugger Jose Canseco said he was stunned to learn his former teammate had an affair with McCready.

"I found out about it Tuesday and it took me completely by surprise," said Canseco, who wrote in his first book, "Juiced," that the legendary pitcher never strayed from his wife.
"I saw none of it. If it is true, he kept it secret."
mokeeffe@nydailynews.com

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

A Salute to the Bruins!

DO NOT hang your head New England. The spoked-B is back. So many new names and faces. So many young, talented players. And a lot to look forward to. What a ride!!!!!
http://www.bostonbruins.com/

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price stops a shot by Boston Bruins' David Krejci, from the Czech Republic, during first period of Game 7 first round NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday, April 21, 2008 in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)





In one of the most exciting hockey games played in these parts in recent memory, the gutsy Bruins staved off elimination at the Garden by erasing three different Montreal leads to rally past the Habs and force a decisive Game 7.

BASEBALL HEADS SALUTE!

The Bruins of 2007-2008 have ignited a new interest in the NHL in Boston. Right on Boys! This team has overcome the Jacob Brother's CURSE. A Curse which has subjugated the once proud Black and Gold into an also ran hockey franchise. They dwell in a league that has also deteriorated into off the chart status as a SPORT.


This year, we cheered a fresh faced group of prospects who have evolved into budding stars mixed with some gritty veterans.


The Bruins brought us off the chairs with their 7 game series against the Habs of Montreal. A super scorer would have catapulted the Bruins over the Canadians. They also scared the crap out of Montreal Fans. in the words of Jack Edwards, "..the Canadian fans were so tight tonight they were incapable of passing gas."

Saturday, April 19th was the most vibrant night in the history of the "new" Boston Gahden. The B's made sure of Game 7 with a tremendous come from behind victory at home. I was at Fewnay Park on Friday night and you could hear "...here we go Bruins -- here we Go..." all night long. Waiting for the Green Line at Kenmore the thousands of fans in line for their trip in the ditch were clapping and cheering on THEIR Bruins. WOW! That was amazing!!!!

Congratulation to Claude Julian and the Administrative Staff of the Boston Bruins. The players were the heart and soul of the franchise and made things happen. they deserve all the credit. Go Bruins!

Get some scoring talent in the off-season and Lord Stanley may be on the horizon for Boston Bruin Fans!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Highland Mint Honors Dustin Pedroia


MLB Players Highlight Collection Infield Dirt Coin and 24KT Gold Coin Photo Mint ~ $99.95

The Highland Mint presents today’s brightest Major Leaguers in action 5 times! A 14”x18” wood frame with double matting features an 8” x10” action photo, (4) 2.5” x 3” action images, a numbered Certificate of Authenticity with a 24KT Gold overlay Team Coin and a coin that includes the infield Dirt from each players respective Stadium. Each Infield Dirt coin is labeled with a numbered MLB hologram assuring its authenticity. Limited Edition 1000.
Order By Contacting:
James Kaus
Account Executive
jkaus@thehighlandmint.com
800-544-6135 ext. 130

Who Needs the Pope -- We Got Schilling!

... When We've Still Got Curt Schilling in Boston?
Fun from the archives... "When he comes into the game, people cheer him like he's the Pope. You think they'd let Pedro get away with this? Why does he get a free pass?" -- September 2005, Anonymous Curt Schilling comments from former player

Thanks to www.Bostondirtdogs.com for this great pic and post! I could not resist copying it here!

And lead us NOT into Ken Maca!

Ken Macca Fills in for Rem Dog - OH MY GAWD!

THE BOSTON BASEBALL HEAD SAYS:

My head is still spinning. Remdawg is sick - hung over or his back is hurting. Please no more days off Remy! The "fill-in" colorless ken Macca MUCKED up 9 innings of baseball on this sunny Patriot's Day morning/afternoon at Fenway.


What an amazing bungle of baseball bull shit! This guy is not even worthy of a game of the week announcers spot on Comcst Yawkey league game. He is dull - his voice quality almost non intelligible and he comes up with the most inane stuff.


Late in the game he comments how, David Murphy as played at Fenway before -- ya know why -- his is standing in the roughed up patch of grass in RF. Maybe I gotta see what JD does next inning," Come on man! Don Orsillo must have been ready to hang himself by the 3rd inning. Thank goodness there was a guest appearance or two to break up the monotony.


Why do the Sox and NESN employ these baseball rejects. there has to be an Emerson College graduate out there looking for part-time work. Macca was a loser as a manager - now he disrupted my wonderful day in front of the HD TV on my afternoon off.


John Leahy - come back from Kalamazooooooo!!!! PLEASE!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Sox Beat Pinstripes in Bronx!

I have seen 15 Red Sox games since March 1. YES --- 15. In person -- not on TV. Manny is bound to make history in 2008. Mark the words of a man who is not sticking his neack out --- but making a prediction. Remember, the words of the Boston Baseball Head!! Manny will be the KING of Baseball in 2008!

Homers -- 494 and 495 for Manny!


Manny Ramirez homered twice -- both off of Mike Mussina -- on Thursday night, pulling himself within five of an historic milestone. It was nice to see him do the trick in front of fans in The Bronx - home of the Imortal Iron Man - who he surpassed last night!




Boston Red Sox's Manny Ramirez connects for a two-run home run against the New York Yankees during the third inning of a baseball game Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Yankee Stadium in New York. David Ortiz scored on the home run which was Ramirez's second of the game. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)





NEW YORK—Manny Ramirez hit two more homers off an ineffective Mike Mussina, leading Josh Beckett and the Boston Red Sox past the perturbed New York Yankees, 7-5 in a game that nearly got testy Thursday night.

With Ramirez enjoying his latest outburst against his favorite foe, Yankees reliever Kyle Farnsworth threw a 97 mph fastball behind the slugger's neck on the first pitch of the seventh inning, drawing cheers from the sellout crowd of 55,088.
Ramirez flinched and dropped his bat, but never made a motion toward the mound. Plate umpire Larry Vanover immediately warned both dugouts, and Ramirez eventually grounded out to second. The Red Sox never retaliated.



Ramirez hit his 494th home run in the first, passing Lou Gehrig and Fred McGriff for sole possession of 24th place on the career list, then added No. 495 an inning later with a mammoth, two-run shot to left.


That gave Ramirez, who likes to admire his prodigious drives, five homers this season -- three in six days off Mussina (1-3). It also gave the slugger 13 hits in his past 26 at-bats against the right-hander, with four homers and 11 RBIs.


Ramirez finished with three hits for the second consecutive night and scored three times. J.D. Drew added a two-run double for the Red Sox, who earned a two-game split after losing 15-9 Wednesday night in a plodding game that took 4 hours, 8 minutes. This one was played in 3:20.


Boston won for the fifth time in six tries and snapped a five-game skid at Yankee Stadium since its previous win on May 22 last year. The next time the rivals meet is a four-game series July 3-6 in New York.


Handed a 7-0 lead, Beckett (2-1) pitched a season-high eight innings and stopped New York's three-game winning streak. He allowed Derek Jeter's two-run single and Bobby Abreu's RBI double in the fifth.


Jason Varitek and Dustin Pedroia each had an RBI single in a four-run third against Mussina, who hit Jacoby Ellsbury with pitches his first two times up. Mussina gave up five runs and seven hits in three innings, foiled again by his long-haired nemesis.


Ramirez, who grew up minutes from Yankee Stadium, has 55 homers against New York. Jimmie Foxx (70) and Ted Williams (62) are the only players with more.
Ramirez has homered at Yankee Stadium in 10 consecutive seasons. He has 29 home runs at the ballpark, which is in its final season before the team moves into a new stadium under construction across the street.


Beckett beat Mussina 4-3 in a rain-delayed game last Saturday at Fenway Park, where Ramirez hit a long homer off Mussina and a go-ahead, two-run double after the Yankees chose not to walk him with first base open in the sixth.


Beckett, who pitched Florida to the 2003 World Series title from the Yankee Stadium mound, struck out five in his third start of the season after being sidelined by a balky back in spring training.


Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth, allowing an RBI groundout to Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera's two-out solo homer before striking out pinch-hitter Hideki Matsui to end it.


The 39-year-old Mussina dropped to 19-17 against Boston. He remained tied with Hall of Famer Bob Gibson for 42nd place on the career wins list at 251.


Notes:@ Boston's Kevin Youkilis, back in the lineup at third base, got two hits and scored twice. Youkilis left Wednesday's game after fouling a ball off his left big toe. ... Boston manager Terry Francona said the odds are against 3B Mike Lowell (sprained left thumb) being able to come off the disabled list as soon as he's eligible, on April 25. ... The Red Sox were still waiting for MRI results on reserve INF Alex Cora, on the DL with a sprained right elbow. ... New York's Jorge Posada said his ailing throwing arm felt better and he hopes to catch Saturday in Baltimore. Posada hasn't started behind the plate since April 8 because of a dead arm. He was the DH on Thursday night and Chad Moeller made his fourth straight start at catcher. ... RHP Bryan Corey chose to become a free agent rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A Pawtucket. Corey was designated for assignment by Boston last Friday.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Welcome to the POPE!

The leader of the "free world' greeted the leader of the "Christian world" in Washington, DC today. As usual baseball settings have a key role in the honor of a Papal Visit. Pope Benedict will say mass in Washington at the new Nationals Park and in NYC, His Holiness will make a stop at the Cathedral of Baseball - Yankee Stadium. I bet no one will be yelling Boston Suks in the Bronxs that day. Welcome to the gentle old man who leads our Christian community. It is hoped that his message will be heard around the world when he speaks at the United Nations - the pulpit of politics world-wide!

Where IS NOMAH????

Full Name: Anthony Nomar Garciaparra
Born: 07/23/1973
Birthplace: Whittier, CA
Height: 6'0" Weight: 190
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
College: Georgia Tech
MLB Debut: 08/31/1996
What has become of our old pal - Nomah? He is once again on the 15 day DL. The 40 man LA Dodger roster lists him, but will he ever play again. Nomar as we all know him has declined since his abrupt trade in 2004 from Boston to the Cubs. He did experience a resurgence in 2006 - NL Comeback Player of Year with 20HR; 93 RBI and a .303 BA. BUT he slumped into the abyss of baseball obscurity. In 2007 Nomah had only 7 HR's; 59 RBI and had a .293 BA. DL after DL have labeled #5 as a baseball also ran -- instead of a Hall of Famer in the making. It is too bad that bad breaks and poor health have eliminated this once great star from the galaxy of baseball greats!!!!!

Follow The Red Sox Affiliates

Lowell Spinners (A)
Edward A. LeLacheur Park 450 Aiken Street Lowell, MA, 01852
Phone: (978) 459-2255 Fax: (978) 459-1674
Greenville Drive (A)
West End Field 945 S. Main St.Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: (864) 240-4500 Fax: (864) 240-4501
Lancaster JetHawks (A)
Clear Channel Stadium45116 Valley Central WayLancaster, CA 93536
Phone: (661) 726-5400Fax: (661) 726-5406


Portland Sea Dogs (AA)
Hadlock Field 271 Park Avenue Portland, ME, 04104
Phone: (207) 874-9300 Fax: (207) 780-0317


Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA)
McCoy Stadium One Columbus Avenue Pawtucket, RI, 02860
Phone: (401) 724-7300 Fax: (401) 724-2140


2008 will be exciting for MLB fans of Red Sox Nation. You may want to travel or watch online the teams that feed Sox so many great stars and prospects. Check them out and support the Red Sox Affiliates.





Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Manny STILL THE MAN in Cleveland!

Boston Red Sox's Manny Ramirez drops his bat after hitting a two-run home run off Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Joe Borowski in the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, April 14, 2008, in Cleveland

CLEVELAND—Six months later, the Red Sox came back on the Indians again. Manny Ramirez hit a two-run homer -- No. 493 of his career -- and Boston rallied for three runs in the ninth inning against closer Joe Borowski for a 6-4 win Monday night over Cleveland in a stunning rerun of last October's AL championship series.


Ramirez's shot to left off Borowski (0-2) was just the latest Red Sox comeback against the Indians. Last fall, Boston rallied from a 3-1 ALCS deficit to beat Cleveland and advance to the World Series. The stakes weren't nearly as high this time, but the Red Sox came through again.
And so did Ramirez.


With the Indians leading 4-3, Borowski, whose every appearance is an adventure, came in to try to close it out.


But the right-hander, who led the AL with 45 saves in 2007, gave up a leadoff double in the ninth to Julio Lugo, snapping the shortstop's 0-for-16 slump. Coco Crisp sacrificed on a bang-bang play at first and Dustin Pedroia followed with a sacrifice fly to deep left, scoring Lugo to tie it 4-all.


With the Indians shifted to the right, David Ortiz dropped a bloop single into left -- his second hit. Ramirez then belted Borowski's first pitch into the left-field seats, a place he frequently visited with long balls while a member of the Indians.
The homer tied the long-haired hitting machine with Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig and Fred McGriff for 24th on the career list.


Mike Timlin (1-1) pitched a perfect eighth and Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth for his fifth save.


Ortiz, benched Sunday in the throes of his worst career hitting slump, went 2-for-5 and raised his average from .070 to .104.


Kevin Youkilis' homer in the eighth off reliever Rafael Betancourt pulled the Red Sox to 4-3. In last year's ALCS, Youkilis homered in Game 7 and batted .500 (14-for-28) with three homers in the series.


Jake Westbrook, the loser in last October's decisive game, was in line to get the win before Borowski threw it away. The closer has lost significant velocity on his fastball in the season's first month, leading some to wonder if he's injured.
It was another bitter loss for the Indians, who were one win from a trip to the World Series last fall when they collapsed. They lost once at home before being trounced twice in the shadow of the Green Monster. Cleveland was outscored 23-4 in Games 6 and 7 by the Red Sox, who went on to sweep Colorado for their second title in four years.


Travis Hafner had two RBIs and Victor Martinez added three hits and an RBI for the Indians.


Two walks by Boston starter Jon Lester set up a two-run fifth that put Cleveland ahead 4-1.


Notes:@ Ortiz snapped an 0-for-17 slide with a first-inning single. ... Jim "Mudcat" Grant threw out the ceremonial first pitch, marking the 50th anniversary of his major league debut for the Indians. Signed by Cleveland in 1954, he was the first black pitcher to win 20 games in the AL, with Minnesota in 1965. Grant was joined by J.R. Richard and Al Downing, who were also 20-game winners. ... Grady Sizemore and C.C. Sabathia as well as Boston's Crisp, coach DeMarlo Hale and Ortiz will each wear No. 42 on Tuesday to honor the 61st anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut. ... Sunday's game against Oakland, played in blustery, brutally cold conditions, was about as bad as Indians manager Eric Wedge could remember. "We had some cold games in Buffalo, maybe more games with snow, but that one yesterday was probably the coldest I've ever been in baseball," he said.


Sunday, April 13, 2008

Francona Gets No Respect?

Two World Series victories in four years. his teams have made the play offs all but once in his 5 year tenure. But, Terry Francona still struggles in the minds of Red Sox nation as a top manager. it took the red Sox a long time to give Terry "big money". The fans do not seem to warm up to the congenial and sometimes glib Sox manager. But, who cares. You can not deny it! Terry Francona can no longer be identified as FRACOMA! This Sox team was built around one of the best managers in Red Sox history. he is in my mind a manager who relates well to the veteran and younger players. He sits well amongst his peers over a period of more than 100 years of Sox History!

Boston College National Champions!


DENVER - This time, it was not going to elude them. This time, it was not going to end in devastating disappointment. This time, it was going to be theirs.

After losing in the NCAA Frozen Four championship game two years in a row, this time it was Boston College's turn to raise its collective arms in triumph, beating upstart Notre Dame, 4-1, last night in front of 18,632 at Pepsi Center.


The Eagles' superior scoring - led by junior left wing Nathan Gerbe's two goals and two assists - and the remarkable poise of freshman goaltender John Muse (20 saves) resulted in BC's third national title and first since 2001.


At times this season, it appeared that BC was going to be an also-ran in its conference. But then came the Beanpot championship, the Hockey East championship, and the Northeast Regional title, leading to the ultimate prize.


"I couldn't ask for a better way to end my career at BC," said senior center Dan Bertram. "I'm on Cloud Nine right now. I am speechless. I am just so proud of everyone in this locker room to accomplish what we did this year. I think there were some doubters in midseason but we rebounded and we got it done when it counted the most."


Gerbe, who was named the Frozen Four's Most Outstanding Player, tied the record for goals in an NCAA Tournament with seven. He finished as the nation's leader in points (68), goals (35), and points per game (1.58). Coach Jerry York, who earned his third title (Bowling Green in 1984 and BC in '01), moved into a tie for all-time NCAA Tournament wins with 26, equaling Boston University's Jack Parker.


The scoreless first period was defensive oriented, playing into the hands of the Fighting Irish. BC (25-11-8) had to adjust in the second period for a couple of reasons. One was because the Eagles were reduced to five defensemen after sophomore Carl Sneep was struck in the right ankle by a Notre Dame shot at 16:36. He did not return.


Gerbe and his teammates took charge in the second period and took a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.


At 2:23, Gerbe broke the ice with his first of two goals. Freshman center Brian Gibbons, positioned deep in the left circle, backhanded a pass to Gerbe at the left faceoff dot. Gerbe's shot beat junior netminder Jordan Pearce.


At 5:37, Gerbe boosted the lead to 2-0 with a power-play strike. He picked up a loose puck off the end boards and while diving forward, beat Pearce from just outside the right post.
Freshman left wing Joe Whitney, who was the overtime hero against Miami University in the NCAA Northeast Regional final, netted BC's third goal at 8:11, another power-play score. Gerbe, with the puck in the right circle, dished a pass to Whitney, who was high between the circles. Whitney's shot glanced off the right skate of freshman defenseman Teddy Ruth, changed direction, and beat Pearce to the blocker side.


Notre Dame (27-16-4) got one back at 9:07 on an even-strength goal. With the teams skating four a side, sophomore center Kevin Deeth fired a shot from the left circle that beat Muse to the glove side.


There was a controversial call at 4:56 of the third, which went against Notre Dame and changed the tenor of the contest for good.


The Fighting Irish rushed up ice during a three-on-two break and freshman defenseman Ian Cole threw the puck at the net from the left circle. Sophomore defenseman Kyle Lawson, positioned on the right side of the crease, had the puck first hit his left skate. He tried to kick it to his right skate to gain control of it and then put it on his stick, but the puck went off his right skate and slowly trickled over the goal line as BC defenseman Tim Filangieri took Lawson out of the play. It was ruled no goal because video replay official Greg Shepherd ruled Lawson had used a distinct kicking motion with his right skate to propel the puck.


Only 35 seconds later, the Eagles put it out of reach. With the top line cycling low, Gibbons fed Gerbe, who threw the puck to Ben Smith in the slot. Smith's shot bounced off the chest of Irish defenseman Brock Sheahan and past Pearce at 5:31. The Irish, in their first ever title game, simply didn't have the firepower to climb back.


Experience didn't hurt the hungry Eagles.


"I know in the previous two years we were nervous and maybe a little more uptight," said Bertram of the title-game defeats. "But we had the philosophy tonight that we were going to go out, play our game, and just enjoy it. I think that's the best mentality we've had so far, especially now with the national championship, but it's just a great feeling."

Big Pappi IS Poopi!

David Ortiz grimaced after yet another bad night at the plate.


It has become increasingly more evident that Big Pappi is not well. The leading RBI Machine in MLB since 2004 has gone 3 for 42 since Opening Day in Japan. He has left a platoon of runners on base and in scoring position. His knee has not healed. Being a large framed person, I know how painful a knee injury can be. Your entire body is affected and it is sure that Pappi needs more time to heal and get ready.



I suggest a 15 day stay on the DL. He should go to an extended Spring Training in Warm Ft Myers. A May return will suit him fine! Sean Casey can take the DH spot. It is time for Jed Lowery to step up to the plate or bring Brandon Moss up to play 1B. In all the Sox will not succeed without a healthy Pappi. This is only MY OPINION!! I know millions of dollars are at stake, but another turn at the World Series will be lost if David Ortiz continues to fail at the plate!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Curt's RINGS!


Comments Taken from 38 Pitches

Not the greatest picture, but it works. From left to right: 2007 WS Ring, 2004 WS Ring, 2001 WS Ring, 1993 NLCS Ring.

Pretty incredible day, from the rogue jet looping the formation on the flyover to seeing Bill Buckner finally lauded for being what he was, a great player, to Pesky and Ortiz raising our second world series banner in 4 years, today went off without a hitch.

Then add Dice-K dominating and us winning the home opener. Oh and one of the coolest parts was seeing our own Baghdad Jamie carrying the flag of Iraq onto the field for the pre game ceremony and Sox Nation, I think, had a pretty good day.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Remember The Ring Ceremony


Red Sox 2008 Ring Ceremony 24KT Gold Coin Photo Mint ~ $89.95

The Highland Mint commemorates the 2007 World Series Championship Ring ceremony presentation at Fenway Park! This unique collectible is presented in a 13” x 16” Frame with double matting and features an 8”x10” image of the Ceremony taking place on the field combined with a minted 2007 World Series Champions 24KT Gold overlay Coin and a 24KT Gold overlay Boston Red Sox Team Coin. A numbered certificate of Authenticity is matted between both Gold Coins and lists the specifics of the Ceremony. Limited Edition of 2008 and Officially licensed by MLB and MLBPA.



Red Sox 2008 Banner Raising / Ring Ceremony Special Edition ~ $295.00

The Highland Mint commemorates the 2007 World Series Championship Ring ceremony presentation at Fenway Park! This unique collectible is presented in a 24"” x 30” x 2 1/2" Frame with double matting and features an 13”x19” image of the Ceremony taking place on the field. Featured with the photos is a minted 2007 World Series Champions 24KT Gold overlay Coin, a 24KT Gold overlay Boston Red Sox Team Coin, 24KT Gold overlay Fenway Park Coin and a minted Coin with Fenway Park Infield Dirt embedded in the center! A numbered certificate of Authenticity is matted between the Coins and lists the specifics of the Ceremony. Limited Edition of 199 and Officially licensed by MLB and MLBPA.



James Kaus
Account Executive
jkaus@thehighlandmint.com
800-544-6135 ext. 130

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

OPENING DAY --- 2008!

Bill Buckner returned to Fenway Park for the first time since September 1997 when he was the hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox. One of the classiest moves the "new" Sox Ownership has ever orchestrated. Billy Buck came HOME! All is forgotten and everyone loved Bill on this great day in Red Sox history.


The Tigers and Red Sox lineup to honor America as the Boston Pops plays the National Anthem at Fenway Park on Opening Day - 2008.

The Bull Pen is armed and dangerous. Sox arms show off their digits adorned by their WS Rings. Mike Timlin has FOUR now. Manny Delcarmen is trying to believe this all is happening. He is just a few years away from playing baseball for West Roxbury HS & the South End Astros in the Yawkey League of Boston. Okie Dokie is far from Japan and Jonathan is still on his own planet. BUT, they are united to save games for the starting rotation in 2008.


Big Pappi shows the hard-wear. Two rings. David -- there is room for 8 more. Go for it baby!


A beautiful - bright sunny April afternoon at the cathedral of baseball in the Fens. April 8, 2008 marked the celebration that all of us are wagging our heads about. YES - the Boston Red Sox hoisted its second World Series Banner at the Old Ball Yahd in 4 years. I am still shaking. The day was emotional and memorable. Pesky & Pappi did the honors -- the "old and new" of Red Sox Nation. They actually convinced Bill Buckner it was time for him to come home. When the crippled former first baseman, who helped the Sox win the AL Pennant in 1986 came on the field - the house came down. Ahhh - forgiveness!

Celtics, Bruins and Patriots Championship Trophies (the grand daddy of 'em all Lord Stanley's Cup) were joined on Monday by the MLB World Series Trophy! Boston is Champions Town once again.


Yes - that is right. We are 2007 World Series Champs! YES!!!!!


Rob Crawford - VP of Red Sox nation & Yawkey Hall of Fame Member has written a song expressing his sentiments on OPENING DAY of the Red Sox Season.

Here it is:



Opening Day!
by Rob Crawford

Well it’s Opening Day Winter’s gone, let’s celebrate Skipping school for the game Got no choice, it’s in my D.N.A.Baseball everyday ’til fall Sing Spangled Stars, then let’s play ball Yes it’s Opening Day Life’s good again

Opening Day!Opening Day!

Well it’s Opening Day Winter’s gone, spring starts today Skipping work for the game Guess I’ll update my resume From Japan to CanadaU.S.A. to Latin America Yes it’s Opening Day Life’s good again

Opening Day!Opening Day!

This is the year we go all the way - It all starts on Opening Day

Well it’s Opening Day Winter ended yesterday. Skipping school for the game. It’s a Red Sox Nation holiday. And the rockets’ red glare. The bombs bursting in air. Yes it’s Opening Day Life’s good again - Baseball everyday ’til fall

No more hot stove, let’s play ball Yes it’s Opening Day Life’s good again - Opening Day!

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Former Yawkey League Voice moves to Kalamazoo Kings Baseball


LEAHY MOVING TO KALAMAZOO FOR BASEBALL

(April 4, 2008)

When one door was closed on John Leahy, he worked hard to open another. A play-by-play veteran and an STAA client, Leahy is the new radio voice of the Kalamazoo Kings baseball club of the Frontier League.

The Kings games will be heard on ESPN 1660 AM and online at www.kalamazookings.com.
Leahy spent the past three seasons calling games for the North Shore Spirit of the Can-Am League. When the Spirit folded after last season, Leahy went into overdrive in the job market.
"After the Spirit went under, I decided to correspond with every independent league team in North America and Canada," Leahy says. "I sent out a series of emails. Of course, Kalamazoo was one of those teams. Through the course of emailing them, they asked for my CD and demo.
"When I first made contact, obviously they had questions for me regarding what my work was like. I sent them my complete portfolio from STAA, including letters of recommendation. They were immediately impressed with the portfolio. I think that is the primary the reason I got a call back. I really wouldn't have had a chance to demonstrate my skills without a really decent portfolio."


Another key to Leahy getting the job was his consistent follow-up.

"I would say at the outset that that I followed up once every couple of weeks," Leahy says. "Then once I determined they had a real interest I was basically getting back to them on a weekly basis. By the end, I was talking to them twice a week."

Leahy's new opportunity isn't coming without a major sacrifice. Leahy's wife Lori-Ann is staying behind in Blackstone, MA while her husband spends the summer in Kalamazoo.

"The notion of me being away from my wife for four months is the most painful part of the decision," Leahy says. "But my wife Lori-Ann deserves the most credit in the world for her support. I wouldn't be where I am today without my wife. She understands my level of commit to the industry and she is always so supportive."

After the baseball season, Leahy will return to Massachusetts and will continue handling play-by-play for Merrimack College hockey.

In Kalamazoo, Leahy replaces fellow STAA client Mike Levine who is now at WQAM in Miami.
Leahy isn't the only King with connections to the defunct North Shore team. The Kings are managed by Fran Riordan who played for the Spirit prior to Leahy's arrival. "I have heard great things about Fran and I am looking forward to working with him a great deal," Leahy says.
"I am excited to work in a new league. There is a bit more travel in the Frontier League than in the Can-Am League. I'm also interested in comparing the differences between Midwestern ball and Northeastern ball. It’s a challenge that I'm excited about.


"Kalamazoo is also only about two hours east of Chicago so I’m hoping to catch a Cubs game while I'm out there."

(Visit John's STAA Talent Page. John has also had his demo and resume constructed by STAA).

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Commemorate the End of a Baseball Cathedral




Just think of all the great history that occured here....all the hits and homeruns that TED WILLIAMS had here, where Carlton Fisk won many battles with Thurman Munson, where Johnny Damon had those great homeruns in the 2004 ALCS and where the RED SOX clinched the AL CHAMPIONSHIP in 2004, and where many more great RED SOX moments might occur this season !!

To commemorate Yankee Stadium's Final Season, The Highland Mint has released the following limited edition collectibles!

Even if you're not a Yankee Fan, this stadium is one of the oldest and is considered the most famous cathedral in baseball history!

1-Yankee Stadium "Final Season" Special Edition Photo Mint. It is a LIMITED EDITION OF ONLY 500 and is presented in a 24" x 30" black molded frame that is 2.5" thick. It features an exclusive and individually numbered 11" x 16" horizontal image of Yankee Stadium taken at night from the press box giving a clear view of the famous Yankee Stadium facade! The photo includes the Final Season logo along with the years (1923-2008) and is collaged with the Yankee team logo and Monument Park which includes all of the Yankee's retired numbers. Located on the right side of the 11" x 16" image are (4) 5" x 7" images of Yankee Stadium that include:
a black & white image of Yankee Stadium from the inaugural 1923 season
an aerial view of Yankee Stadium noting its landmark in baseball history
an image of Memorial Park along with the respective monuments of past Yankee greats
a beautiful image of the facade of Yankee Stadium featuring the renowned bat!
Matted above the images are (4) minted coins measuring 1.5" in diameter:
24KT Gold New York Yankees Team Coin
MLB Authenticated Yankee Stadium "Infield Dirt" Coin
24KT Gold Yankee Stadium Coin
24KT Gold Yankee Stadium "Final Season" Color Coin
Finally, matted in the center of the coins is a numbered Certificate of Authenticity (COA) based on the design of the Final Season Opening Day Ticket. The COA commemorates the history of Yankee Stadium. The entire piece comes triple matted in navy, white, and red.
LIMITED EDITION OF ONLY 500! ($295).

2-Yankee Stadium "Final Season" Photo Mint. It includes an 8" x 10" dual collage image of Yankee Stadium that features a black & white image from 1923 along with a color image from the 2008 season. The "Final Season" Logo is also included featuring the dates of existence (1923-1008). Matted next to the photo are an MLB Authenticated Yankee Stadium "Infield Dirt" Coin and a 24KT Gold Yankee Stadium "Final Season" Color Coin. A numbered Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is also included. The entire piece comes double-matted in team colors and presented in a 13" x 16" black molded frame.
LIMITED EDITION OF 2008 ($79.95).

All items are licensed with MLB. Please contact me directly if you would like to place an order.


James Kaus
Account Executive
jkaus@thehighlandmint.com
800-544-6135 ext. 130
BASEBALL HEAD SAYS: I just ordered #2. Ya may not like the Yankees, but there is no better place to worship the Game -- like The Yankee Stadium! God Blessed that place!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Kyle McKay named NESCAC Player of Week

Colby College, ME Team Captain - Kyle McKay takes command behind the dish.





Kyle McKay Earns NESCAC Baseball Honor


Contact: William Sodoma -- Date: March 31, 2008


Kyle McKay - WATERVILLE, Maine --- Colby College junior catcher Kyle McKay (Bedford, N.H.), who was strong offensively and defensively for the Mules in an 8-2 week, was honored as the New England Small College Athletic Conference Player of the Week for the week ending March 30.


McKay batted .560 and was errorless behind the plate as the Mules already have surpassed last year's win total. McKay had 14 hits in eight games, four doubles, walked four times, and was hit by four pitches. The .560 average is best among NESCAC hitters.


Besides not having an error at catcher, McKay also threw out four runners trying to steal bases during the team's trip to Arizona. McKay had four hits and scored twice in Colby's 18-17 win over Castleton during the 10-game trip. He had seven hits in his last nine at-bats over the final three games.


McKay had just two errors for Colby last season.
Colby College Department of Athletics
4180 Mayflower Hill • Waterville, ME 04901-8841
P: 207-859-4900 • F: 207-859-4902