Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Manny Berates Boston!

Baseball Heads View:

Another ingrate leaves our fair city. A place where he was adored even worshiped. Made nearly $20 million a year -- and this is what he thinks of his 8 years in a Boston Red Sox Uniform!


Manny Ramirez Rants on Hub

By Herald wire services Tuesday, September 30, 2008 - Added 46m ago

Manny Ramirez has been on fire since the Sox traded him to the Dodgers in July, and now it looks he’s burning a few bridges.

In a column by the Los Angeles Times’ T.J. Simers published Sunday, Ramirez said he was unhappy during his entire career with the Sox, despite an eight-year, $160 million deal.

“The first time I stepped foot in Boston, I said to myself, ‘Whoa.’ I told Pedro Martinez, ‘Damn, man, I just want to get traded and get out of here; this place is not me.’ I was unhappy for eight years in Boston but still put up great numbers.

“Baseball in Boston is like a Sunday football game, but played every day. We lose in LA, I go to breakfast and people say, ‘Well, you’ll get them tomorrow.’ In Boston, it’s, ‘Hey, what’s going on, the Yankees are coming.’

“It’s just a different atmosphere. The fans in Boston got your back no matter what, but I’m talking about the people who write all this bull because it means so much to them. If your happiness depends on (the Red Sox [team stats]) winning or losing, you have to get a life.”

Ramirez, who hit .396 with 17 homers and 53 RBI in 53 games after being dealt to the Dodgers, said the LA lifestyle suits his family better, too.

“I would bring my kids to (Fenway Park [map]) and I want my kids to be kids, but there’d be people trying to interview them. That’s so stupid,” Ramirez said. “I’d go to the parking lot after the game and 20 people I didn’t know would be offering food, CDs and things - then wanting something in return.

“Here the game ends, I go to the elevator, my car and no one bothers me.

“Every day I thank God I came here and had the chance to show people who I really am. The guy you see here - that’s who I am.”

Monday, September 29, 2008

Fans Rally at Fenway!!

Sox fans lined up to watch the Red Sox go on Monday. The Sox treated them to free access to the Ball Yahd and a free tonic and hot dog. YIKES!
Fans waved as the team bus pulled away from Fenway.

Thje Closah steps on the bus on Jersey St as the Sox prepare for the Angels.


MVP Candidate Bustin Dustin -- looks the part as he speaks to fans at fenway before jumping the bus to LA LA Land.

Fanatics RALLY on Monday to wish their heros well as they depart for LA to meet the Angels in the ALDS.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Sox Tank - Yanks Win = Rays Clinch AL EAST!



Boston Baseball Heads View:

The Red Sox tanked their game at Fenway Park before the smallest crowd in local baseball history. The rains came all day and the American League forced the Sox/Yanks to wait it out and "play ball". The result was the late scratching of Dice K and a 19-8 Sox loss. That would been OK - but the Eastern Division was on the line. The Tampa Bay Rays Lost to the bengals in Detroit -- but they still won the Division, because the Magic Number to clinch was ONE GAME!




Two trains of thought exist here. Mine is you play to win every game and try to win the Division for the all important Home Field advantage thru the play offs. OR - you line up your rotation and rest players for the task ahead. NOW - the Sox are forced to play the LA Angels and face a team that is ripe to beat them in post season play.




The Sox have had their way with the Angels in recent years. BUT, they were dominated in regular season play in 2008 -- especially on the road.




I am not happy with the game last night and they way in which it was handled by Terry Francona. I am only one person, but I do believe he sat back threw his hands up and said, "What the F -- who cares who we play!"




Not a good move Terry. I think this move is gonna bite you in the ass in the long run!
Her is what they are saying on the Red Sox webpage about the ALDS:

History Sides with Red Sox vs. Halos
Recent Success Bodes Well as ALDS Opens on Wednesday
By Ian Browne / MLB.com

Related Links
Loss forces Red Sox to take Wild Card
• Ellsbury's solo homer Watch
• Youkilis' two-run homer Watch
Injury returns, clouding Lowell's status
Dice-K scratched due to threat of rain
Tests on Drew's back 'reassuring'
Yanks seal Boston's fate as Wild Card
Rivera may opt to have minor surgery
Cashman says decision on future near
Red Sox Headlines
Red Sox to host 2008 Postseason Rally
Loss forces Red Sox to take Wild Card
History sides with Red Sox vs. Halos
Injury returns, clouding Lowell's status
MLB pitches in with hurricane relief
More Red Sox Headlines
MLB Headlines
AL postseason picture takes shape
Wild night enhances love of the game
Watch Octoberquest LIVE today on MLB.com
Tiebreakers on NL side up in the air
Octoberquest: Today at the Races Yesterday
More MLB Headlines
BOSTON -- Here's an omen that will bring California-type sunshine to members of Red Sox Nation. The past three times the Red Sox have gone to the World Series -- 1986, 2004 and '07 -- they've opened their postseason run against the Angels.

So here we go again. After officially being eliminated from American League East contention with Friday's 19-8 loss to the Yankees, the Red Sox now know that they will play those Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the American League Division Series.

It will begin on Wednesday in Anaheim, as the Angels -- by virtue of having the best record in the AL -- had the right to choose which series to take.

By choosing Division Series B, there will be an off-day on Thursday. Game 2 will be on Friday, Oct. 3, and Game 3 will be at Fenway Park on Oct. 5. Game 4 (if necessary) is slated for Oct. 6. If it goes the distance, Game 5 would be back in Anaheim on Oct. 8.

With that setup, both managers could deploy a three-man rotation if they choose, and the top two starters for both teams could pitch twice if the series goes the distance. The Red Sox had the best record last year and made the same choice, though it wound up being a moot point when Boston swept the ALDS in three games.

Pitching strategy aside, this figures to be a fascinating series with several subplots.

Perhaps foremost among them is whether the Angels can exact revenge against the Red Sox for ruining two of their recent Octobers with those sweeps in 2004 and '07.

But revenge is also a factor on Boston's side. After all, the Angels took eight of the nine head-to-head meetings with the defending World Series champions this year and looked dominant in doing so.

"Shoot, they've been the best team in baseball all year long, them and Tampa Bay," said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. "We've got to find a way to beat those guys. They really took it to us all year long in the season. I think it's just getting back to playing good baseball at the right time. Hopefully, we can do that and get on a little run here."

The one reason the Red Sox can take their fruitless matchups with the Angels with a grain of salt is that six of the eight losses came from mid-to-late July. That was when the Red Sox were in, well, a bit of a mess over Manny Ramirez's growing dissatisfaction in Boston.

In fact, the last time the Red Sox played the Angels was the last series Ramirez played in a Boston uniform. The day after the Angels took it to the Sox to the tune of 9-2, Ramirez was traded to the Dodgers in a three-team swap that brought Jason Bay to Boston.

"We've played well -- really well -- since the Trade Deadline," said Red Sox catcher and captain Jason Varitek. "I think this is a good ballclub."

Now, the Red Sox will get the truest test of all against the Angels -- opening on the road, no less.
The 2007 version of the Red Sox had home-field advantage in every round, so the road to repeating will be harder right from the outset. But Boston was also the Wild Card team in 2004, when it took home-field advantage away from Anaheim.

The Sox were also successful in the Division Series without home-field advantage against the Cleveland Indians in 1999 and the Oakland Athletics in 2003.

"I think that's where experience could play a factor for us," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, "and I'm not always sure in a short series the visiting team is at such a disadvantage. If you split when you come home, you kind of stole home-court [advantage]. Of course you have to hold it when you come back. [In] a short series, anything can happen. Wherever we go, we're going to be ready to play. It's going to be an exciting series."

Game 1 figures to be a brilliant pitching matchup between Josh Beckett, who has been a legend in his two Octobers, and Angels ace John Lackey.

"Well, the last time we faced [Lackey], he almost no-hit us," said Pedroia. "He threw the ball great. He does a lot of things well. He always keeps his defense on their toes. He attacks the strike zone. Cutter, sinker -- a lot of weapons. We have to find a way to score some runs on him."
But the Angels should have a similar challenge against Beckett, who was 4-0 with a 1.20 ERA last postseason.

"It's great, because Josh has pitched so many big postseason games," said Red sox right fielder J.D. Drew. "You realize when he's on the mound, you've got a great chance to win. Just give him enough runs to do it."

Speaking of scoring runs, these Angels are far more adept at that than the decimated unit they were at this time a year ago. They've added Torii Hunter and Mark Teixeira to a lineup that already included the great Vladimir Guerrero.

Then, there is the bullpen. As always seems to be the case, the Angels are dominant in relief.
"They've got a good club," said Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey. "They've got a good pitching staff, a good lineup from top to bottom. They do things to harass you during the games, as far as guys stealing and hit-and-runs. They've got a good bullpen. They do everything. They're a solid baseball team."

If the Red Sox have a concern going into this ALDS, it is health. Both Lowell and Drew are question marks.

Drew has played in just one game since Aug. 17 because of lower back woes. Lowell is playing with severe pain, thanks to a partial tear of the labrum in his right hip.

The Red Sox will do their best to get as healthy as possible before Wednesday.

"The important thing for us is to get our house in order, be healthy and try to get everybody enough at-bats, but not too many," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

YAWKEY LEAGUE BLUE FISH HONORED BY BOSOX CLUB



YAWKEY LEAGUE NEWS

BLUE FISH BASEBALL HONORED BY BOSOX CLUB

The 2008 Thomas A. Yawkey Baseball League Champions Blue Fish under the direction of Sean "Skip" McCarty were honored by one of the largest Major League Booster Clubs on Friday, September 26. The BoSox presented the YBL Champs a special trophy marking their historic win in the 2008 Championship Tournament.

MC for the event, held at the Newton Mariott was Dan Roche of WBZ Fame. Manny Delcarmen was awarded the Bosox Club Man of the Year for 2008 for his tremendous Community Service work. Manny you know is a former player from the South End Astro and West Roxbury High teams before he was signed by the Red Sox.

This is a tremendous honor for our League Champs to be recognized by this respected Booster Club of our beloved Home Towne Team! We thank all of the members of the BoSox Club for taking the time to recognize our Champions - Blue Fish Baseball!!!


WEST ROXBURY AND CAMBRIDGE NO LONGER IN YBL

The West Roxbury Devils and the Cambridge Spinners will not return to the YBL in 2009. There is no plan in focus to replace these teams.

"It is with regret that we cut back on teams in the YBL" said Dave McKay. "Our objective has always been to be inclusive not exclusive. But, many factors entered into this contraction and more may come. The Board of Directors is currently doing a serious study of the feasibility of every team in the League. We are going to make sure that any team that continues its involvement in this premier league can handle the rigors of a 32 game schedule," McKay concluded.
The YBL thanks the Tufo Family of Cambridge and Sean Tynan and Mike Ryan for their years of dedication to producing quality amateur baseball teams in the Thomas A. Yawkey League of Boston!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Historic Boston Ball Parks


This poster features uncannily accurate representations of the great ballparks of Boston's past.
The Grand Pavilion version of South End Grounds is shown. Its Victorian splendor lasted only 6 years before being destroyed by fire to be replaced by a much simpler single grandstand scheme.

Huntington Avenue Grounds (the former home of the Boston Red Stockings) is displayed hosting the first World's Series game in 1903.

Braves Field (home of the Boston Braves) and Fenway Park round out the lot. Fenway is pictured as it was originally built, with the 6 to 10 foot (no one knows for sure how high) incline known as Duffy's Cliff leading up to the pre Green Monster wall. Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are the lone hold outs in the age of revenue generating "retro" parks. Fenway has probably changed the most of the two. This is its original incarnation. Where else are you going to find an image of it like this?
Available at www.ballparks.com @ $25!

D-Lowe, Nomah and Manny are IN!

Derek Lowe is 14-11 with a 3.29ERA. D-Lowe has pitched 33 games and 208 innings. He has amased 145 K's in the 2008 season for the LA Dodgers.


Nomar Garciaparra hits a home run to lead off the fourth inning.



Manny Ramirez waves to the crowd after his two-run homer during the sixth inning Wednesday. (AP) Manny has a .398 BA; 17 HR and 53 RBI since joining the Dodgers. What a differnece from his lack luster play with the Red Sox!

(click here for all the details/stats and video)

Manny, Nomah and D-Lowe will be in the post season in 2008. NOT with the Red Sox but with Red Sox West - the LA Dodgers. The Dodgers are 1 game away from clinching the NL West. they won tonight and lead the D-Backs by 4 games.


Manny and Nomah combined for HR's on Tuesday. 44,776 came to Chavez Ravine tonight to view their "new heroes". BUT are they NEW? I dunnow -- maybe the fans rooting for our LOST SOX are just red Sox fans in disguise.


Whatever the situation calls for a Dodger spot in the Play off scrum. Good luck guys and maybe we will see u for the World Series. Would that be a hoot?????

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Hit SupaFans for a Play Off Wear


Back & Forth, LLC is doing business as SupahFans.com
We're available at 866-SupahFans
Located at:165 Bow St, 2nd FloorEverett, MA 02149

Hit this page for great and affordable sports tees and wear. Good friend, Keven Kruger is the guy who will set you up with the best STUFF on the market. I am getting the new SOXTOBERFEST TEE ABOVE.



SI Salutes The Stadium!

RIP
THE YANKEE STADIUM
1923 TO 2008
GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!

Sox to Honor Mr. RED SOX - Johnny Pesky!


The Boston Baseball Head pictured here at City of Palms Park in 2007.
BOSTON -- Johnny Pesky, who has been a beloved ambassador of the Red Sox for nearly six decades, will have an unforgettable day at Fenway Park later this week.

The Red Sox announced at a 5:30 p.m. ET news conference on Tuesday that Pesky's No. 6 will be retired on the right-field facade at Fenway Park in a ceremony before Friday's game against the Yankees. The momentous occasion will take place on the eve of Pesky's 89th birthday.

"When they told me about this, I was flabbergasted, and I'm very fortunate to have this to say," said Pesky, who has served 57 years in the Red Sox organization. "I'm very flattered about the whole thing. I didn't think I was that good a player -- I wasn't in the Ted Williams or Bobby Doerr class. I played with some good guys, and I'm quite flattered by this announcement. I'm really going to enjoy it."

So will all those who have grown fond of Pesky over the years.

"It's terrific," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "He's very special to a lot of people here, and I'm sure it will mean a lot to him. And because of that, it's going to be a pretty neat day."
The Boston Herald reported earlier on Tuesday that the Red Sox have had internal meetings over the past couple of days to discuss revising the club's previously strict policy on retired numbers. In the past, a player had to be in the Hall of Fame, play a minimum of 10 years with the Red Sox and finish his career with the team.

Under that system, Bobby Doerr (No. 1), Joe Cronin (No. 4), Carl Yastrzemski (No. 8), Ted Williams (No. 9) and Carlton Fisk (No. 27) are the only Red Sox players to currently have their numbers on that right-field facade. Jackie Robinson's No. 42 -- retired in all 30 Major League parks -- is also up there.

The last number to be retired at Fenway Park was Fisk's, and that occurred in 2000. In fact, the Red Sox had to make an exception under their strict system to get Fisk up there. Because he finished his playing career with the White Sox, the Red Sox gave Fisk a token position in the front office eight years ago so his number could be retired.

But those rules were put in place long before the ownership group of John W. Henry (principal owner), Larry Lucchino (club president/CEO) and Tom Werner (chairman) took over in February 2002.

"We inherited a set of rules that applied to this question of retiring numbers," said Lucchino. "We have looked at them and considered them to be useful, but guidelines rather than firm rules. I think that Johnny Pesky's career cries out as exceptional. The length of term, and the versatility of his contribution on the field, off the field, in the dugout, etc., are such that we consider Johnny a worthy exception to the rules that were set down before."

As for the wildly popular Pesky, he is beloved by current and former Red Sox players, as well as fans throughout New England.

Pesky has served in virtual every capacity imaginable for his beloved franchise, from star shortstop to coach to manager to front-office employee to broadcaster and various other roles.
"To be still with the Red Sox, I'm quite proud of that," said Pesky, wearing his 2007 World Series championship ring. "I still am very proud. I wear this ring very proudly. My son has the '04 ring, and I want to win this one this year. So win this one, then maybe I can stop. I'm very grateful to Mr. Henry and to this group here, Larry, and Mr. Werner. I'm very proud to have been a Red Sox for all these years. I hope I die a Red Sox, and I hope that's not next week. This has been great."

Even now, Pesky is a frequent presence in the clubhouse before home games. Late in the 2003 season, Major League Baseball enforced rules on how many coaches could be in the dugout, and only then did Pesky stop sitting in the dugout during games played at Fenway Park.

But he spends just about every day representing the club in some form or fashion. Pesky's current role is as a special assignment instructor.

"Johnny told us he signed with the Red Sox in 1940, so we're now talking about something that happened 68 glorious years ago," said Werner. "Johnny's career has spanned everybody from Ted Williams to David Ortiz. It really is an honor for us to bestow this honor on Johnny, and we do it on behalf of everybody in the organization, and everyone who is such a great fan of the Red Sox, and Red Sox Nation, and it's going to be a great evening on Friday night."

A former teammate of Doerr, Williams and Cronin, Pesky was a coach and manager for Yastrzemski and a coach for Fisk. In other words, he has a connection with all of the retired numbers he will join.

"I appreciate this," said Pesky. "This is very flattering to me because I wish I could have been a better player, but I did play with some great guys, Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio, Tex Hughson, Dave Ferriss."

Pesky came to the Red Sox as a rookie in 1942 before his career was interrupted for three years while he served his country. Pesky returned to the Red Sox in 1946 and stayed until being traded to the Tigers in 1952.

Mostly a shortstop, Pesky topped the 200-hit mark in his first three seasons with the Red Sox. He was a key member of the American League-pennant-winning team in 1946 that lost to the Cardinals in the World Series in seven games.

Pesky played 1,270 games in the Major Leagues, producing a .306 average, 17 homers and 404 RBIs. Several of those homers were said to have clanged off the foul pole in right field at Fenway Park, which is a mere 302 feet from home plate. Nowadays, that pole is called "Pesky's Pole."
By the end of the week, Pesky will not only have a pole named after him in venerable Fenway, but also his number on the sacred facade in right field.

Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Red Sox Clinch Play Off Spot




Facing the AL's toughest pitcher this season, the Red Sox were up to the task, pounding out nine hits, including Kevin Youkilis' two-run homer in the second, off the Tribe's Cliff Lee to reach the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons.Complete story >


Red Sox Coverage



Long season - many injuries and a protracted bull shite session with Manny! It all comes to the peak when a team that had many questions can make the play offs. The Red Sox will have an opportunity to defend their World Championship and to go back to back.


Keys to their success will be the healthy return of JD Drew and iron Mike Lowell!


The bull pen has looked good of late and the starters Beckett, Dice K and Lester can match up against any team in MLB.


MVP Candidates Dustin and YOOK supported by Big Pappi can hit any pitching. SO - it all comes down to a possible Wild card Bid vs the LA Angels and we go from there....

Monday, September 22, 2008

Good Night Good Luck and Good Bye to the House that Ruth Built!







The lights will dim for the last time in the Bronx tonight! The Yankees and their beloved ball park never SUCKED! We Bostonians have always lived in the shadow of our neighbor 226 miles south of Dorchester.



Babe Ruth, The Mick, Yogi and others who we all wanted to love in Boston played there. Reggie, AROD and others we hated also donned the pin stripes. Tonight they were all equal. They all played baseball in a Cathedral called The Yankee Stadium at one time or another. Some are in the grave -- others came to that spot today in order to celebrate the success of the greatest baseball team in Major League History!



I may have attended 20 or so games in that ugly neighborhood where The Stadium was built in 1924. The greatest game I ever saw there was a no hitter struck against my beloved Red Sox in 1984 by Dave Righetti on July 4th. I sat in every section of that yard and never was bored or insulted by the criminals who rooted for the Yanks. I rooted for my team but never insulted the home town team.



The flags at every baseball park in America should fly at half staff tomorrow. Yankee Stadium is no more. It was fitting that the classiest player in the history of baseball Derek Jeter spoke and thanked the millions of fans who supported HIS team over the years. The Babe and Lou would have been very proud tonight.



Good Night -- Good Luck and may the Good Lord take a Liking to Yankee Stadium!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Sox Clinch TIE for Play Off Spot!

Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz reacts as he runs across the plate after hitting a two-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning of their baseball game in Toronto, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,J.P. Moczulski)

TORONTO—David Ortiz hit a two-run homer, Daisuke Matsuzaka remained unbeaten on the road and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 on Sunday to clinch at least a tie for the AL wild-card.

Boston (91-64) needs one more win or a New York loss to secure its fifth playoff berth in six seasons. New York hosts Baltimore in the final regular season game at Yankee Stadium on Sunday night, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona doesn't plan on staying up late enough to see what happens.

"There's a pretty good chance I'll be asleep," Francona said before the game.

The Red Sox return to Fenway Park on Monday to close the regular season with a seven-game homestand, including four against Cleveland and three against the Yankees.

New York begins a three-game series in Toronto on Tuesday before heading to Boston.

Matsuzaka (18-2) improved to 9-0 with a 2.31 ERA in 13 road starts, holding the Blue Jays to just two hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two.

Hideki Okajima pitched a perfect eighth before Jonathan Papelbon closed it out for his 40th save in 45 opportunities.

Vernon Wells had a leadoff double against Matsuzaka in the second, and Joe Inglett did the same in the sixth, but the Blue Jays couldn't score either time.

Ortiz gave Matsuzaka all the help he would need with his 22nd homer, a two-out shot to left in the third. It was Ortiz's 230th homer with Boston, tying him with Mo Vaughn for sixth on the team's all-time list.

Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 12 games with three extra-base hits. Ellsbury tripled and scored in the first on Dustin Pedroia's sacrifice fly, doubled and scored on Ortiz's homer and doubled again in the fifth. He finished 3-for-4.

Making his fourth major league starts, Toronto right-hander Scott Richmond (0-3) allowed three runs and five hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out four.

Notes:@ Dustin Pedroia hit his major league-leading 52nd double in the eighth. ... Boston SS Julio Lugo, out since July 12 with a strained quad, felt "a little tender" after taking ground balls Saturday, Francona said, adding that Lugo's "availability is certainly in question." ... Boston wrapped up its road schedule at 39-42. ... The Red Sox and Blue Jays split their season series at 9-9.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Ft Myers or Sarasota for Spring Training?

Is this the new home of the Boston red Sox for Spring Training in the future? Well...read below. The plans are in the works for a brand new 10,000 seat facility with a modern Minor League facility in the "former" home of the Sox - Sarasota, FLA.

Sarasota has determined that the Red Sox brand - one with international allure - could be a boost to the city's economy and a boon to the team. But they have to get the Sox to come first. (Boston Globe, 12 a.m.)

Graphic Sarasota makes a pitch for the Sox
Earlier this week Spring training intrigue in Florida

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Fenway Hosts NEW AMERICANS


Fenway Park on Thursday hosted its first naturalization ceremony -- a huge one -- as 3,032 immigrants stood in the box and loge seats along the first-base line and became new citizens.

Yawkey Hall of Famer and Former Boston Mayor Stricken

Former Mayor Ray Flynn has been taken to St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center.
One of the best friends of amateur sports in Boston Ray Flynn is undergoing tests at St E's in Brighton. The Former Boston Mayor, Vatican Ambassador and Member of the Yawkey Baseball League Hall of fame fainted at a speaking engagement in Quincy on behalf of St. Ann's Catholic School.
Ray's family says he is doing well and should be kept overnight for tests.
The Boston baseball head and the entire Yawkey Baseball League family wish our good friend well. Rest up old friend and get back on the road speaking out for the issues that you support and love!
It is my bet that Hizzonah will be out running ten miles by the week end!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Offset the Madness - VOTE MCCAIN and PALIN in '09!

Boston Baseball Head has joined the McCain Band Wagon.
Jump on board boys and girls -- there is plenty of room!

It is down to the wire and you need to make up your mind soon!!

Knowing most of the folks who drop by this Blog - you might be on the fence. Well, step up and join the Massachusetts for McCain/Palin Campaign. Events are planned in the area for you to show your support for the next President of the USA!

Offest the madness and support a Great American Hero and his charming running mate as they mount an up hill battle to beat the man who will destroy our Nation.

Log on to: http://www.masachusetts.johnmccain.com/ and be a part of the future of our Beloved America!

TOP OF THE WORLD MA!

The Red Sox bench Celebrates Home Run Derby Night at the Trop!


Six different players blasted homers against Rays ace Scott Kazmir and the bullpen to give the Red Sox a share of the AL East lead for the first time since the All-Star break. Daisuke Matsuzaka had a short, efficient outing to pick up his 17th win of the season.Complete story >

Red Sox Coverage
Lowell reveals extent of right hip injury
Papelbon not needed in opener vs. Rays
Red Sox rooting for Sveum to succeed
Red Sox mailbag: Center of attention
Where Are They Now? Bill Lee

The FIRST PLACE Red Sox made a step in the right direction last night by trouncing the pesky Rays 13-5 in the flying saucer on Tampa Bay. The Sox are in a virtual tie for the AL East with two weeks to go and 12 games reaming. Two of those games will follow in Tampa Tuesday & Wednesday.

The 100 million investment in Dice-K seems to be paying off. The FIRST Japanese born pitcher in MLB history to win 17 games led the Sox with a 101 pitch - 5 inning stint on the bump.

It was Home Run Derby at the Trop on Monday. 6 Sox players and 3 Rays smashed homers. There must have been a strong air condition breeze flowing thru the dome in front of 29,000.

Tampa has led the AL East and seemed secure last week when they dumped the Sox 2 out of 3 games at Fenway. BUT, the Sox got hot and had a tremendous weekend against Toronto winning 3 of 4 and inching right to the top where they belong.

It is going to be fun the rest of the way and the next two weeks will be exciting on the road and for the final series at Fenway.

Sox-TOBER is a reality!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Colby Boyz Meet the IRON MAN!

Members of the Colby, ME "Mules" Baseball Team had an opportunity to meet the "Iron Man of Baseball" - Cal Ripken. They shagged balls at a Charity HR Derby run by the O's All Time Great and MLB Hall of Famer.

2nd from the left is the Baseball Head's nephew - Tri-Captain, Kyle McKay of Bedford, NH.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Stocky's Annual Fund Raiser for Autism

4th ANNUAL AUTISM FUNDRAISER
Sunday October 5th
6pm
@
The Blarney Stone
1505 Dorchester Ave.
Food, Raffles, Auctions, & Music
Suggested Donation is $20
Make Checks Payable to:
Autism Speaks
Donations Can Also Be Sent To:
C/O The Stockbridge Family
29 Sedalia Rd.
Dorchester, MA 02124

More children are going to be diagnosed with Autism this year than AIDS, Diabetes, and Cancer combined. (That’s one child in every 150 children born will be diagnosed with Autism!) There is no medical cure or detection for Autism. Our son Chris Jr. was diagnosed at age 4. All money raised goes to Autism Speaks in hope for a cure. On October 19th, we will be doing a 3 mile walk at Suffolk Downs in East Boston. Feel free to also sign up for the walk. Registration is at 9am and the walk starts at 10am. Hope we see you there!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Kalamazoo and Leahy Go to Play Offs!

LHP - Trent Lare of the Kalamazoo Kings


My good buddy and braodcast partner John Leahy (late of Yawkey Baseball Game of the Week and Former Voice of the North Shore Spirit) is announcing games in Kalamazoo Michigan these days. Here is an update on the Kings and their push for the play offs prepared by our roving reporter Cuz Stu Sklaver:

The Kalamazoo (Michigan) Kings of the Frontier League last night advanced to the finals of the Championship Series to play the West Coast Champion, Windy City (Crestwood,IIinois) Thunderbolts. The Kings arrived at this point by defeating the Gateway (Sauget,Illinois) Grizzlies 6-4 in a nail-biter to win the series, 3 games to 1.

For those of you who don't already know yet, the voice of the Kings is former Yawkey announcer, John Leahy. A little Kings statistical history, (I like that) The team was led by Brendan Murphy who hit .332 and smacked 16 homers and drove in 77 runs in the regular season. But, they loved to run. Joseph Ramos led the entire league in stolen bases with 45, while Brandon Anderson chipped in with 34.Ok, time for our trivia break...What player was the last pitcher to lead the American League in double digit complete games?....Hint...It was in the 1990's.

Back to the Kalamazoo Kings. Pitching was excellent for the Kings this year. Team ERA was 4.21, which was good for third in the entire league. This was one of the main reasons the Kings finished at 60-36, best in the league.Joe DiPietro was only 7-5, but records can be deceiving. He finished with a 3.28 ERA and in 107 innings pitched only allowed 97 hits. Russ Stout finished third in the league with 11 wins. Brandon Parillo led the league with 20 saves. John Brownell was second in Complete Games with 4, finishing with 11 wins, as well. Trenton Lare finished first in the conference in shutouts with three.

The Frontier League is a league that is sending some players to the Major Leagues right now, with 6 players now on active rosters. The biggest name is George Sherrill, closer for the Orioles.We wish the Kings all the luck in finals. I will keep you all up to date. Cousin Stu Sklaver

You can listen to John call play by play during the play offs. here is a schedule:

Here is the championship series schedule, for those who might be incliined to tune in:

GAME 1 SATURDAY 9/13 at Kalamazoo 7 PM
GAME 2 SUNDAY 9/14 at Kalamazoo 7 PM
GAME 3 TUESDAY 9/16 at Windy City 8 PM
GAME 4 WEDNESDAY 9/17 at Windy CIty 8 PM (if necessary)
GAME 5 FRIDAY 9/19 at Kalamazoo 7 PM (if necessary)

All games are streamed live on http://www.espn1660.com/. Simply click on the LISTEN LIVE button at the top of the page.

Sox GAG v Rays!

Two Golden Opportunities were lost by the Red Sox in the past two days when they blew a 9th inning lead and continue to rely on Mike HR Tinlin. The Sox are now 2 1/2 games off the pace in the AL East Race!

Most importantly they gave the Rays the momentum and balls to leave town with last at bat wins against the defending World Champions.

BUNT - for Chissaks FRANCOMA -- BUNT!!!!!

The only bunter was the "power-man" Big Pappi in the late innings. Francona fails to understand the importance of bunting in baseball. Kotsay flew out deep when there was a man on first and no outs and in other situations batters failed to called upon for some "inside baseball".

Mike "I need to retire" Tinlin is just a total disaster this year. Since spring training, I have watched him give up HR after HR and tonight capped em all. The 3 run job he allowed to Carlos Pina was another game winner and might have put the Sox out of the Division race for good.

I say this because TORONTO -- WHITE HOT TORONTO comes to town for a 4 game series this weekend. Watch out boys and girls -- we might not need those three games in Tampa to win the AL East -- we may just NEED them to clinch a spot in the post season. Nothing is etched in stone. Only the Angels have a spot and all others need to work hard the remaining three weeks in order to "extra innings" beginning in October.

IT might NOT BE A SOXTOBER after all! Stay tuned.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

100 Innings of Baseball at Adams Field


Members of the Yawkey League of Boston played in the 100 Innings of Baseball at Adams Field in Quincy for 30 straight hours. All the funds raised are benefiting a scholarship foundation for families affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease in the name of Umpire Chief Walter Bentson.
Pictured are Mike Powers (Manager - Somerville), Curt Schilling (Boston Red Sox), Walter Benson (SSUA Umpire Assigner), and Marc DesRoches (YBL All Star - Somerville).

Wednesday, September 3, 2008