Friday, August 29, 2008

Listen to Pic and Howe on 1510 The Zone

Listen to "Pic and Howe Replay" by simply turning up your volume and clicking the automated media player NBC Sports NFL Columnist Tom Curran joined us on Monday, Aug. 25 to talk about the Patriots' preseason struggles, and what we can expect when the regular season begins.

Tom also brought up a very familiar name in this area: Ty Law.

Listen up to see what he had to say about Law's future in the NFL, and what team he may be suiting up for come Week 1.

Listen to "The Pic and Howe Show" live every Monday from Noon - 2 p.m. on 1510 The Zone. You can also listen online at 1510thezone.com!

Let your voice be heard by giving a live call-in to 617-237-1234, or send an email to picandhowe@gmail.com!

BASEBALL HEADS REVIEW

I had the opportunity to listen to the entire Pic and Howe Show last Monday - August 25. The staff is enlightened and entertaining. A group of young energetic sports experts. All Local Guys!

Dan Picard is the Host. Picard is a BC grad made good in the world of Boston Sports. My good friend and McKay Club Team Captain - Jack Owens from South Boston is his side kick.

If you have a couple hours at work at home or in your car on the Holiday Labor day tune in to the Pic and Howe Show -- excellent sports talk. No yelling and screaming and a refreshing outlook.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

DL FOR JD!

Red Sox put RF J.D. Drew on DL with back strain
By Mike Fitzpatrick
AP Baseball Writer / August 26, 2008

NEW YORK—J.D. Drew was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a lower back strain, leaving the Boston Red Sox without their All-Star right fielder during a tight pennant race.
Boston got much better news about Josh Beckett, who felt strong in a 50-pitch side session and is on target to start Friday night against the Chicago White Sox.

Beckett missed a turn in the rotation because of numbness and tingling in his right arm.
"He's ready to go Friday and he's excited," Boston manager Terry Francona said.

Drew was put on the DL retroactive to Aug. 18, and the move opened a roster spot for right-hander Tim Wakefield. The knuckleballer was activated from the DL to start the opener of a three-game series against New York, Boston's final regular-season visit to Yankee Stadium.
The Red Sox also called up infielder-outfielder Joe Thurston, purchasing his contract from Triple-A Pawtucket. Right-hander Chris Smith was optioned to Pawtucket.

Drew left an Aug. 17 game against Toronto after experiencing tightness in his lower back and hasn't played since. He was examined by a specialist Tuesday and had tests on his back.
"I had really a good day last Thursday in Toronto -- and then it felt terrible," Drew said.
Jacoby Ellsbury started in right field again for Boston, with Coco Crisp in center. The Red Sox also are missing injured third baseman Mike Lowell and shortstop Julio Lugo.

Part-time first baseman Sean Casey, bothered by a stiff neck recently, was not in the starting lineup Tuesday night.

"It's much better today. The neck locked up for a couple of days," Casey said.

Jeff Bailey, called up from the minors Aug. 14, started at first base for the Red Sox, who began the night with a 1 1/2-game lead over Minnesota in the AL wild-card race. The Yankees were five games behind Boston.

The 32-year-old Drew has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He is hitting .280 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs, but has only six hits in his last 34 at-bats over 12 games.

Drew was a first-time All-Star this season and was selected MVP of the July 15 All-Star game at Yankee Stadium after hitting a two-run homer that tied the score in the seventh inning.
"The signs are, we are going in the right direction. That's why we got the MRIs, to see what's going on," Drew said before the Red Sox announced they had placed him on the DL. "If it continues to progress in the right direction, the guys in the trainer's room know what to do. We'll just take it a day at a time."

To make room for Thurston on the 40-man roster, right-hander Bartolo Colon (back) was transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.

Thurston was batting .314 with 10 homers and 62 RBIs in 123 games with Pawtucket. He was leading the International League with 155 hits.

Wakefield pitched for the first time since Aug. 6. He had been sidelined with tightness in his right shoulder.

As for Francona, he's not feeling particularly nostalgic about his team's last visit to Yankee Stadium. New York will move next year into a lavish, $1.3 billion ballpark being built across the street.

"What makes this place so special, I don't think is the building, it's what's happened in this stadium. So many great players and great teams have come through here," Francona said.
"Any team can erect monuments. The reason those monuments are up is because they're great players. That's no secret. But we're moving what, 100 yards? The only difference from where I sit, their payroll will probably go up a bunch more. Make it harder for us."

Sox Get Kotsay

Full Name: Mark Steven Kotsay
Born: 12/02/1975
Birthplace: Whittier, CA
Height: 6' 0" Weight: 205
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
College: Cal St Fullerton
MLB Debut: 07/11/1997

Kotsay to Boston?

Posted by Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff August 26, 2008 08:11 PM

We reported earlier that Mark Kotsay wasn't in the Braves' starting lineup, in possible anticipation of a trade.

According to an ESPN.com report, sources have told ESPN's Peter Gammons and ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney today that the Red Sox are on the verge of acquiring center fielder Kotsay from the Atlanta Braves.

Boston is talking to Kotsay about his limited no-trade clause.

The 12-year veteran is batting .289 with six home runs and 37 RBIs this season. His on-base percentage is .338, compared to .319 for Red Sox center fielder Coco Crisp, who is batting .257.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Get Well #8!

Yaz & Tom Yawkey celebrate the Impossible Dream in October of 1967!
Carl Yastrzemski during his Triple Crown season in 1967.



In this Oct. 24, 2007 file photo, backed by members of the 1967 Boston Red Sox team, Baseball Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 1 of the 2007 World Series between the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston. Yastrzemski was hospitalized for tests Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 after experiencing what his spokesman called chest pains. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)







BOSTON—Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, the last player to hit for the Triple Crown, was resting comfortably Tuesday night after having triple bypass heart surgery.




Yastrzemski, who turns 69 on Friday, had the operation at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he underwent tests after experiencing chest pains in the morning, said his spokesman, Dick Gordon.




"He just got out of surgery, had his triple bypass and is resting comfortably," Gordon said at about 8:30 p.m. "The operation was a success."


Yastrzemski's family said the triple bypass was "a complete success" in a statement released Tuesday night by the Red Sox.


"We are most grateful for all of the prayers and support we have received," the family said.
The popular Yaz was an 18-time All-Star and spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox, taking over left field for Ted Williams in 1961 and playing through 1983.


In 1967, Yastrzemski helped revitalize the flagging franchise during the "Impossible Dream" season when the Red Sox went from ninth place in the 10-team AL in 1966 to the World Series, where they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.


And all over New England that summer, kids tried to imitate his unique lefty batting stance, with the bat held high over his head.


With calls of "Yaz" echoing around Fenway Park, he won the Triple Crown that year, hitting .326 with 44 home runs and 121 RBIs. Behind the AL MVP, the Red Sox won their first pennant since 1946, but lost the World Series in Game 7.


Yastrzemski was elected to the Hall on the first ballot in 1989. He has often shied away from celebrity and rarely made public appearances, but drew a big ovation when he threw out the first ball before Game 1 of last year's World Series, won by Boston in a four-game sweep over Colorado.


Yaz finished with 452 career home runs and 1,844 RBIs. He had 3,419 lifetime hits and batted .285. He also won seven Gold Gloves, expertly playing the caroms off the Green Monster.
Yastrzemski is one of five former Red Sox players to have his number retired by the team. His No. 8 is painted on the facing of the right field grandstands at Fenway, along with those of Williams, Carlton Fisk, Bobby Doerr and Joe Cronin.


Boston manager Terry Francona remembered when Yastrzemski visited spring training camp in Fort Myers, Fla.


"He came over for a couple of weeks a couple of years ago," Francona said before the Red Sox played Tuesday night at Baltimore. "I was glad he did it. It was kind of an honor for us."
Former Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer, another Hall of Famer, faced Yastrzemski more than any batter. Yastrzemski's 197 plate appearances, 169 at-bats, 41 hits and 13 doubles where more than any other player had against Palmer, who held him to four homers, 21 RBIs and a .243 batting average.


"He could do everything," Palmer said Tuesday. "He could run the bases. He could hit for average. He could hit for power. He could hit your best pitch and he could hit your worst pitch. ... I just tried to keep the ball in the ballpark against him. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't."


Palmer allowed what would have been Yastrzemski's final homer, but it was erased when the game was rained out.

Current Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Remy was one of Yastrzemski's teammates.
"I don't think he became the most talented of the Hall of Famers, but no one outworked him," Remy said. "Up until the day he retired, he wanted to be the best. ... He spent hours and hours and hours hitting."

Monday, August 18, 2008

Hail to the King of the Pond!


USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!

The Greatest Olympian of All Time
King of the POND!


A humble young Marylander has taken the world by storm. What a thrill it has been to see him smash Olympic records all last week. The top medalist of all time is a kid no one will ever forget - Michale Phelps!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Thanks to a Great Team!


I sent this letter to the 2008 McKay Club Beacons. I wanted to share these comments with those who take the time to read this Blog:


To The McKay Club Beacons of 2008

Gentleman:


Forty years ago I began a Baseball Journey. That journey has brought me to many benches full of bright, young energetic faces full of a love of the GAME! I have experienced the joy of watching players develop in Little League, Babe Ruth, American Legion, College Ball and in the Yawkey Baseball League.


My journey has been a labor of love not just for the GAME but for my kids.I was never a good player, but I watched enough baseball to learn the intricacies of the game. By osmosis -- I guess, baseball became a fabric of my makeup. Many people in City Hall refer to me as Big Dave the Baseball Guy. I like that. I developed a cable show called the Boston Baseball Heads last year to take my love of the game a bit further. I also have been welcomed to the table to share announcing duties on the YBL Games of the Week.


My time in the Yawkey League sustains me every year. I am sad that I will not get any more TM’s about guys being late or that they are “almost to the park”. I will miss Nick O’Keefe’s late night phone calls! I will miss the numerous TM’s and calls from “GM” Reinfurt every day! I will also miss being a part of your lives until next spring. I am 55 years old, but you would never know it. I am as young as you are, because of the vitality I share every night when I sit on that bench and work with you.Two years ago, I was carted out of City Hall. I was dying! I ballooned to over 450lbs and my health was affected to the point that I was placed in a weight loss program, which helped me lose 120lbs.


That day, when I was a bit delirious in the ambulance and in the EW, I kept saying, “what are my kids going to do?”. The MD’s & RN’s attending to me told me that when I was revived. I was talking about YOU. You guys and the hundreds of others who have sat on that bench with me over a period of 40 years are the sons I never had.


We had a lot of fun this summer. I do believe we shocked some of the cocky teams in the YBL. I know Somerville, Malden, East Boston, South Boston and Revere will not forget the games they played against the 2008 Beacons. You were an offensive power house in the top 3 this summer! Pitching was solid, but not as deep as needed to get us to the top.


Our defensive team came to maturity when a little guy with a huge baseball heart joined us in mid June. Ryan Oshima is a baseball dynamo. He made some plays that I will never forget and he was an absolute pest at the plate.


Our team Captain “Happy Jack” Owens is one of the finest young men I have met in baseball. He leads by example. Jack is a hard nosed-gritty tough player, who never quits. A coaches dream!


I want to thank Dan Ciocca for opening the door to the many wonderful players who play UMass Boston Baseball. Your efforts will never be forgotten!


Our infield anchored by Oshie at SS; Connor Reinfurt at 1B; Dan Ciocca at 2B and The Brad Gerbus Experience at 3B was dazzling at times. Those close BIG GAME victories would never have been possible without your solid play and strong arms.


In the Outfield we had the Captain in CF tracking down tumultuous drives and making diving catches. To his right was an incredible athlete – Drew Tambling. Fast, aggressive and a top threat at the plate. Our young friend from Emerson, “PK” - Peter Karl was amazing all year long. Who will ever forget the pick me up catch & throw to the plate to nail the runner to save the win at Malden!


Behind the plate is a master of the “tools of ignorance” – Andy McAllister. It frustrates me why he never gets any league wide recognition. But, that is fine by Andy. He always had a solid in the clutch bat for us when needed.Our pitchers upgraded this franchise in 2008.


Starters:

Mike Barthel was a bull on the mound all year long. No one was more disappointed than Mike when he did not succeed. But that was rare. His return to the ball club made us a contender. Mike’s bat is always solid – but - never more affective than in 2008.


Adam Kulis grew some huge balls in 2008! I admire his kewl handed approach to the game. His performance against Somerville a 1-0 loss was just marvelous. Adam is now one of the top pitchers in the YBL! Also, thanks to Amity and congratulations on your degree.


Brian Curran will be a force in the YBL in 2009 if he makes a decision to play for one team – the Beacons! No one will ever forget his mastery over Malden in that 3-2 win!


Nick O’Keefe is a classic lefty! His wins against Savin Hill and the Brighton Braves were great. He pitched 4 innings and did not get the win against Chelsea but deserved the victory. He is a true character as well fun – with a bright future. I do believe if Nick was 100% healthy – we would have been in 1st place in our division.


Bull Pen:

Ryan Thomas is a great friend of this team. He could drop us in a minute and get on a better YBL team, but he stays because he likes it here. Ryan is a quiet leader, who also is nasty on the bump. I value his advice and presence. I also have to thank Stephanie. She is a huge part of our Club.


Big Baby! This youngster also has a huge baseball heart! I predict many star filled years for this kid. He can not only pitch, but he plays the field and hits. Jonathan Pelletier’s two victories in relief were a tremendous part of our success.


Sean Sandonato was stronger and more aggressive in relief in ’08. He will only get better as helps to lead Bentley College. He is a dog on the mound and fun to be with on the bench. I hope we will need him more as a “closer” in ‘09.


Bench:

Tom Michael will be a starting player in this league in ’09 if he can make a 100% commitment. He will also be a threat on the bump as a starter as well.


Alva Drucker was loyal right to the end. He was a great asset to this team helping prepare pitchers before and during games. His abilities were over shadowed by Andy, but he stayed the course and I respect that.


Brendan Lahr was another vital part of our bench. He never shut up on the bench and was energetic at all games. He always backed up his team even though he had limited PT.


It will be nice if we could add good guys like young Tom Connolly from Quincy and Danny “Baseball” Sweeney in ’09. They will help to bring us to a championship level.


I also want to thank: Carl Rodriguez, Nando Trindade and Tom Prykucki for thier contributions in 2008. We missed you the rest of the way.


Once again -- many thanks boys. Keep in touch if you ever need anything just give me a call.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The BYRD is Back in Boston!


RED SOX ACQUIRE RHP PAUL BYRD FROM CLEVELAND

The Red Sox made a move to bolster their starting rotation Tuesday with the acquisition of veteran right-hander Paul Byrd from the Indians in exchange for a player to be named or cash considerations. Byrd is 7-10 with a 4.53 ERA this season but he's 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five starts since the All-Star break. The loss of Tim Wakefield to the disabled list and struggles of Clay Buchholz created a need for starting pitching.Byrd has a career Major League record of 104-91 in 330 games/242 starts with the New York Mets (1995-96), Atlanta (1997-98; 2004), Philadelphia (1998-2001), Kansas City (2001-02), Los Angeles Angels (2005), and Cleveland (2006-08).
He has won 10 or more games five times, including four of the previous five seasons (2002-07). Byrd has issued just 2.12 walks per nine innings in his career, the sixth lowest figure among active pitchers with at least 1,500 innings. He was a member of the 1999 NL All-Star Team with the Phillies.Byrd established career bests for wins (17), starts (33), innings (228.1), and strikeouts (129) with Kansas City in 2002.
Last season, he was 15-8 with a 4.59 ERA in 31 starts for the AL Central Division champion Indians and led the AL with a ratio of 1.31 walks per nine innings. Byrd was 2-0, 3.60 in his two postseason starts, including a 7-3 victory over the Red Sox in Game 4 of the ALCS on October 16 in Cleveland. He also won the fourth and deciding game of the ALDS on October 8 at New York. READ MORE »

Monday, August 11, 2008

I am Geeting very tired of the 2008 Presidential Election!

Can we hold the Presidential Election Today? I am sick of it. This pic illustrates my attitude about the net wits who have come to the table and run for President. No matter who is elected we will get a "Flake" to replace another "Flake" on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The "Flake" that I am endorsing in a War Hero and a Great American. he has huge flaws, but there is no other choice -- John McCain must be elected. That "other guy" - I can not even spell his name - is too shaky for my tastes.

Friday, August 8, 2008

YES - There will be something OTHER than baseball on for 2 weeks!

The Olympic Torch is lit in China. Opening Ceremonies on NBC @ 8AM today!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

USS New York - We will NEVER Forget!


Here SHE is, the USS New York, made from the World Trade Center!
USS New York
It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center . It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists.
It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft. Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section.
When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.' Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.
'The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Pacitti Cup Tournament - August 9-10

A Dorchester All Time great - Richie Pacciti. A fellow 1970 graduate of Columbus HS in the North End. One of the top people in our community!
Tony King is the Man in Savin Hill. He presents Charlestown Couch with the '07 Cup!

I was very honored to be the MC of the Tournament last year and will be pleased to be at much of the festivities this weekend.


2007 Cup Champion - Charlestown

2007 Cup Runner-up South Boston

2007 Pacitti Cup Awards


The 2008 Richard P. Pacitti memorial Cup Tournament will take this weekend at Savin Hill's - McConnel park. Opening festivities begin at 10;30PM. A Round Robin Tournamnet will pit teams from all over Boston against each other for a fun and serious competition for the coveted Pacitti Cup.

The Objective of the Tournament is: To honor the memory of Richard Pacitti by providing opportunities to achieve personal, scholastic and athletic growth to the youth of Dorchester and participating towns. The goal is to mentor and teach young people to embrace the concept of community and responsibility.

About Richie

Richard Pacitti was a Savin Hill resident and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Director of Communications and External Affairs before his untimely passing on January 8, 2006. Whether supplying members of the Department’s Community Works Program (CWP) to the Savin Hill Clean Up year after year, coaching neighborhood youth T–ball, softball, and soccer teams, or just lending a hand to a neighbor, Richard was the kind of active community member who would often be the first to roll up his sleeves and offer his service for any and all situations that would arise in his beloved neighborhood of Savin Hill.
Pacitti Scholarship Info

The Richard Pacitti Scholarship Committee welcomes all Dorchester youth and all participants of the Richard Pacitti Little League Tournament within grade levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 to enter the Pacitti Cup Scholarship essay contest. Whether paying a tuition or not, every student has expenses for school such as buying school supplies, clothes, etc.
The scholarship is open to any youth attending any school. There will be one scholarship given to a 5th or 6th grade student and one scholarship given to a 7th or 8th grade student each of $1000. Scholarships will be given at the award ceremony and fundraiser.
Please personally write an essay of any length and describe any/all options listed below:

How can I make a difference in my community?
How would I improve my neighborhood?
How do I, or would I participate and become involved?
Like Richard, how can I make a positive impact upon others?

2008 Memorial Cup Tournament
The 3rd annual Richard Pacitti Memorial Cup Youth Baseball Tournament will take pace on August 9th and 10th, 2008. Opening ceremonies will begin August 9th, 10:00 a.m. at McConnell Park in the Savin Hill section of Dorchester. There will be fun for all ages on the 9th including: the Boston Fire Department, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, raffles, cook-out, a DJ, and much more.The Home Run Derby will take place at 8 p.m. on August 10th, immediately following the Mass Brass band. Make sure to visit the information tables at the ballgames to purchase raffle tickets for some very special prizes.

Entry Fee: $250 per team

View any and all info about this great program at: http://www.pacitticup.com/

Monday, August 4, 2008

I tought I killed our SS!

I thought I killed my SS! 4 BEERS and some wild food at the Amvets Post before the National Anthem KO'd our pal Oshie at McCoy Stadium Sunday - August 3. The ladies at the Banshee are wearing this poor guy out!



UMass Boston All Stars and YBL McKay Club Beacon players Ryan Oshima & Connor Reinfurt enjoy a sweet afternoon at the PawSox game on Sunday. BUT!



Saturday, August 2, 2008

Out with the OLD in with the NEW!

Welcome to the BAY State Jason!

Adios Manny - Enjoy La-La Land!