Red Sox Nation Celebrates AL East Championship!

Ron Sen: Stepping Into Liquid

We share finite space and time in an infinite universe. And in that space, we struggle together on a hostile planet to share moments of joy and sadness, achievement and loss, hope and despair. Amidst that vastness, our lives become united in our shared experience called Red Sox Nation.

Red Sox Nation has never represented membership cards, Sox Appeal, or even the media frenzy surrounding tonight's celebration of an American League East championship. People drive a little more courteously, smile more easily, and food even tastes better when our boys win. We suffer the defeats less well, although the World Series of 2004 vanquished memories of Loserville. The 'panic button' never came out this year, and as close as the competition came, I always had the same assurance for coworkers and patients, "the Yankee fans experience what we formerly owned", the anticipation of something that would not happen, the corruption of broken dreams. Mariano Rivera, Sox nemesis incarnate, failing in the clutch, and the lowly Orioles dismissing the mighty Bombers.

Tonight the Sox from grizzled veterans like Schilling and Timlin, basking in the dwindling sunshine of lengthy careers, celebrate anew with rookies Pedroia, Ellsbury, Moss, and even Matsuzaka and Okajima. What benefit victory? A chance to rest for Ortiz and aching knees, for Youkilis and a sore hand, and for those like Lowell and Varitek who suffered the marathon to get to the postseason.

The doubting among us will say they've done nothing yet, that tonight's events only serve as a prelude to uncertainty and more sore shoulders, balky knees, and strawberries. But those who follow this team season in and season out, night and day, remind them that is simply why we watch, to find out how it ends. Tonight the Sox stepped into liquid, champagne. -- Ron Sen, Boston Dirt Dogs contributor and founder of Red Sox Reality Check

Sox celebrate in style at fenway after Baltimore defeat Yanks with a huge come from behind rally in the 9th! Some "wild and crazy guys" on this Sox team!

Have a drink Red Sox Nation - the long season has brought its first big pay-off. The AL East Championship! Drink hearty me buckoooos!!

Fans who hung out at Fenway last night got the chance to celebrate with their heroes. All the booze hounds who left missed out.

The caps and jerseys are printed and we can wear them with pride. The Sox ARE AL East Champs for 2007!


BOSTON -- Call it a most spontaneous form of elation. Who could have expected it to end like this?

The Red Sox clinched their first American League East title in 12 years in thrilling, long-distance fashion late Friday night. More than an hour after they had downed the Twins, 5-2, to reduce their magic number to one, the Yankees put it at zero by squandering a three-run lead in the ninth and losing to the Orioles in 10 innings on a bases-loaded, two-out bunt single by Melvin Mora.

After taking first place in the division on April 18, the Red Sox never let it go, winning their first division title since 1995.

The AL Division Series are now set, with the Angels to play at the Red Sox and the Yankees at Indians. Since the Yankees cannot play the East champion Red Sox in the first round, it came down to the Indians and Angels to see who would play the Wild Card Yankees. With the Indians up two games, and holding the tie-breaker on the Angels with two to play, the Indians clinched the berth vs. New York.

What remains to be determined is which AL team will finish with the best overall record and the right to select the series of its choice -- the eight-day series starting on Wednesday or the seven-day series starting on Thursday. That also is down to the Indians and Red Sox due to their tiebreaker wins over the Angels. Boston holds the tie-breaker vs. the Indians, so if those two finish tied, the Red Sox win the honor.

Goodwin Drops out of Sox Nation Prez Run in Favor of ROB CRAWFORD!

SAM HORN AND ROB CRAWFORD YUCK IT UP AT THE RED SOX NATION PREZ DEBATE.

The "People's Candidate" for President of Red Sox Nation - Rob Crawford got a huge shot in the arm. Rob was endorsed by historian and writer, Doris Goodwin (I refuse to use the hyphenated version). Goodwin made her concession at the Presidential Debate that will be aired on NESN after tonight's Red Sox game.

From Red Sox.com

The event was taped Thursday. Not five minutes had passed before the absent Goodwin dropped a bombshell with a video recording. In it, she recalled hearing a "moving speech" from one of her rivals at the Baseball Tavern last week.


"So persuaded was I by his appeal," Goodwin said, "that I hereby announce that I am withdrawing my candidacy for president, and ask anyone who might've supported me to support 'Regular' Rob Crawford."


"I am floored," said Crawford, who won over Goodwin with an appeal to increase ticket accessibility for kids. "I need some time to think about my reaction. I'm just stunned."

"That's a very regular reaction, Rob," Russert said.

Crawford is a member of the Thomas A. Yawkey League Hall of fame and a TRUE member of Red Sox nation. he is not a self promoter like the "other guy" REMDAWG! Rob is a self effacing and humble kid with a huge family of Sox fans. he has written and produced a music video and song dedicated to Red Sox Fans around the world.

THE BOSTON BASEBALL HEADS URGE YOU TO VOTE EARLY AND OFTEN FOR ROB CRAWFORD - PRESIDENT OF RED SOX NATION.

Do not forget to watch the debate tonight after Red Sox coverage on NESN!

A MESSAGE FROM THE CANDIDATE:

Dear Family and Friends,

The final voting for president of Red Sox Nation is taking place NOW through Tuesday, October 2 at 5pm at www.redsoxnation.com/president. Ten votes per email address! And/or ten votes per mobile text! (Text the letter "D" to the following code: 56228).

Thanks to all of you for your incredible support so far, which has carried me to the very end of this process. I'm fully aware that your votes, your emails to your friends, and your comments on my Red Sox blog are the reasons I've survived in the race this long. Now, it's going to take support from ALL of you - and emails to your friends and family - for this "regular fan" to have a chance against celebrity candidates, including the heavily favored incumbent, Jerry Remy.

Thursday, I participated in a debate of the final candidates, which was moderated by Tim Russert and will be aired Saturday, September 29, after the Red Sox game (perhaps 10:30pm) on NESN. Amazingly, at the beginning of the debate, Pulitzer Prize winning author/historian Doris Kearns Goodwin withdrew from the race for president and threw her support behind "Regular Rob Crawford." You can read her blog entry and read why she endorsed me here.

You can read my blog response to her endorsement here. And you can read a good article from MLB.com about the debate here. Again, I thank you for your support and ask you to encourage your friends and family to vote as well. You don't need to join MLB.com to vote, you don't need to join Red Sox Nation to vote, you can even be a Yankees fan to vote.Let's make history!

Many thanks, and Go Sox! Eastern Division Champions!-- Rob

Sox WIN - Yanks GAG in Tampa Bay!

Red Sox win 7-3 and Yanks lose 7-6 tonight. Yanbks had a 5-0 lead and blew it and lost to the lowly DEVIL Rays in the bottom of the 10th at The Trop. The Sox lead is 3 and the Magic Number to Clinch the AL East is now down to just THREE!

All the doubters can RELAX. Manny and Yook are BACK. GAGNEE is pitching better. Schill looked kewl in 6 tonight. The Rookies still fill in very well. Jacobe had 3 RBI and played flawless CF. The rooks let Manny REST some more after he went 1-1 with a walk in the 4th.

All is well at the Fens. Now the focus is clear - AL East and Best AL Record are in the works for the Red Hose!

OH - BTW The Rocket is SHUT down for the remainder of the regular season. Millions wasted - while the Yanks sink into the Wild Card -- Roger laughs all the way to the WORLD BANK!

Did you know the REAL words to Take Me Out to The Ball Game?

I sing the song hundreds of times every year BUT - I never knew all the words until tonight. SEE - you live and learn. Every day is a new day and NOW I know the words to Take me Out to The Ball Game. Here they are:

Take Me Out To The Ballgame by Jack Norworth (1927)


Nelly Kelly love baseball games,Knew the players, knew all their names,You could see her there ev'ry day,Shout "Hurray," when they'd play.Her boy friend by the name of JoeSaid, "To Coney Isle, dear, let's go,"Then Nelly started to fret and pout,And to him I heard her shout.


"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,At the old ball game."


Nelly Kelly was sure some fan,She would root just like any man,Told the umpire he was wrong,All along, good and strong.When the score was just two to two,Nelly Kelly knew what to do,Just to cheer up the boys she knew,She made the game sing this song.


"Take me out to the ball game,Take me out with the crowd.Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,I don't care if I never get back,Let me root, root, root for the home team,If they don't win it's a shame.For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,At the old ball game."

Rooters - The Birth of Red Sox Nation - huge hit.

"Rooters: The Birth of Red Sox Nation" is the story of Boston fans; from their "birth" as the 200 "Roxbury Rooters" in 1897 to their transformation into millions known today as RED SOX NATION. Through rare images and film the saga is told by Boston baseball legends like Johnny Pesky and Peter Gammons, historians, Red Sox players and officials, everyday fans and the Red Sox Nation members descended from the original "Rooters". Super-Fans like "Nuf Ced","Honey-Fitz" and the "Queen of Fenway Park" come to life as the film shows how the foundation was laid for today's Fenway Faithful. Linking past to present, "Rooters" is the heartwarming tale of how generations of fans have passed on their love for the Red Sox like a family heirloom. This two-volume DVD follows the story from "The Birth of Red Sox Nation" Vol. 1, to the modern day phenomenon of how "Red Sox Nation Lives" Vol. 2.

The Baseball Heads Review

Every "true" Red Sox fan will enjoy and appreciate the History and sentiment connected with Rooters! Ian McFarland and Peter Nash have captured the spirit of Red Sox Nation from its roots. Tracking the history of the Royal Rooters from "Nuf-Ced" McGreavy, "Honey Fitz" - the Mayor of Boston and the "Queen of Fenway" from 1897 to present. I particularly enjoyed the personal connections made to the real people of Red Sox Nation - THE FANS!

Special interviews and awesome historic documentation via film and photos ignite nostalgia for the grand days of Red Sox domination of baseball from 1912 to 1918. Proper connections are made from past to present. The names and faces have changed in Sox History, but the loyalty and love of the Old Town Team is relevant and touching.

The premier of NESN was interrupted by numerous commercials, but it was nicely presented. This is a tease to get you to purchase the DVD, which will be out on October 2. The DVD has many additional features not shown on NESN.

WEEI Sports-Gabfest Master, Mike Adams does a tremendous job as the narrator of this well written documentary. This is a 'Must See and Must Purchase" for any REAL Red Sox Fan!

Visit The Rooters - Birth of Red Sox Nation @: www.rootersbirthofredsoxnation.com

THAAAAA YANKEEES LOSE: 4-1. Sox Magic Number - 5.

2007 American League Standings - September 24, 2007

Boston: 92-64 .590

NY Yankees: 90-66 .577 2


The Yanks behind pitching of Andy Pettitte lost to Toronto today. The Sox on an off day picked up 1/2 game and their "magic number' to win the AL East for the first time since 1995 is 5 games.

NEW YORK -- The Yankees' final home game of the regular season was not printed on any of the original pocket schedules, thrown in as a makeup of an April 25 rain out. The last-minute spirit of the match up showed.

Though it was the Blue Jays who had their starting pitcher scratched on Monday, the Yankees were the ones unable to get going. Andy Pettitte's offense couldn't bail him out of a rough second inning, as the Yankees put home game No. 81 into the books with a 4-1 loss to the Blue Jays.

The Sox low-balled their playoff clinching win on Saturday night and would be smart not to go over-board against the home town crowd if the clinch this week. Le's act like we have been there before and just cruise into the playoffs with heads held high. Lots of work needs to be accomplished this week.

Dice K and Wake need to straighten things out. A determination needs to be made soon on Manny. is he healthy to play in Round One? If not dump him for the series and put Jacobi in LF.

The Trio and Francoma need to make many vital decisions this week. Be SMAHT - boyz! Not only does the Pennant hing on these decisions, but the World Series is just 11 wins away once the gun sounds.

lead DOWN to 1 1/2 games, but Playoff Clinch is set at 3 games.

The Red Sox limp into Tampa Bay tonight for a three game set against the Rays.

Their magic numbers are in single digits, but the number of games remaining will be in single numbers as well after tonight's encounter with Scott Kazmire.

The "Magic Number" to clinch a play off Spot is 3 games and 7 games to clinch the AL East. Most people have conceded the AL East to the high flying Yankees. I say -- NO WAY!

The yanks have been on a roll and must falter sometime in the last week. I strongly feel the Sox will restore their offensive attack with a return of Manny to the lineup and Yook back at 1B.

Here is the Pitching match ups game One in the Series in the Bay:

Beckett looks to snap Sox skid
Boston (90-63) at Tampa Bay (63-90), Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET

Beckett is 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA in four career starts against Tampa Bay.

TB: LHP Scott Kazmir (13-8, 3.54 ERA)Kazmir is 6-4 with a 2.62 ERA in 16 starts against the Red Sox in his career.

Player to watch: Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia is hitting .533 (8-for-15) with one double and one RBI in his career against Kazmir.

GAGneee Does IT Again!

September 18, 2007
Down to 2.5 games
By Amalie Benjamin, Globe Staff

Yup, that's the AL East lead, as long as the Yankees don't blow their 12-0 lead on the Orioles.

With Eric Gagne allowing three runs in the eighth inning, the Sox lost another game to the Blue Jays here in Toronto. The only good news is that, right now, the Tigers are losing to the Indians. (Though, of course, that win would bring the Indians closer to the Red Sox record in the American League.)

Gagne appeared to rely too much on his fastball, which wasn't getting over the plate, in his stint. But we'll see what he -- and Jason Varitek -- have to say about the outing.


Julio Lugo did hit a solo home run with two outs in the ninth to bring the score to 4-3, but Jacoby Ellsbury ended the game (against reliever Scott Downs) with a strikeout looking on a curveball.

Baseball Heads View

I am not giving the Division to NYC, BUT... There is trouble in Red Sox Nation right now. The organization seems to feel comfortable with getting to the post season and not winning the AL East. That is BS!

Manny takes batting practice. Why is HE not the DH and Pappi at first while Yook heals?

GAGnee continues to blow leads and games for the Sox? Why is that permitted to happen? Manny Delcarmen has been lights out as a short relief guy and would be a great right handed set up man. Why did he only pitch to one batter in last night's game?

JD Drew just plain and simply SUKS! He is without a doubt a lazy no good for nothing lump of lard. His lackadaisical effort on the line drive double which lost last night's game was lame and an insult to the $14 million he is collecting from the Sox. He is sleep walking thru the '07 season.

Coco has no balls. I am sorry he plays hard, but HURT is his middle name. Why can't he show some balls and just play ball every day?

The lame Red Sox batting order last night was a joke.

Francoma Time has returned. Look at Tito when he interviewed -- he looks like a deer in headlights. Is the man on medication or something. The moves and lack of moves he has made these past few days are questionable at best!

The Front Office has gotten a free pass in this town because of 2004! The moves made by Theo and the Trio this year will have long-lasting affects on this team. JD Drew, Julio Lugo, GAGnee are three examples of poor judgement in signings. The lack of a right and or left handed power hitter on the bench is stupid.

My rants are not going to win the AL East. All I ask is that Francoma and his charges work harder to make that happen. it is better to go into the play offs on top. The Wild Card is unacceptable.

Pats Bang Out Spy Gate!

Bill has a new Bellistrata headset in the wake of Spy Gate!

The New England Patriots have made an addition to their Team logo.

It has been a tough time for Patriot Nation these past three weeks. Rodny and Bill have become the new bad boyz for the NFL. BUT - as they always do - the New England Patriot players and organization mount a tremendous PR Campaign. They do just what they always do - WIN!

So let's all move on and enjoy the big win on Sunday Night.

SHAME on US - Congratulations to Yankees

What a tragic night in Boston!

Game in hand - game given away by the guys we expect to keep the game under control.

Shame on the SOX!

The Yanks are back and dangerous.

Sox rest up for Yankees! Pappi Power makes it Happen at Fens!!!

Big Pappi supplied all the power the Sox needed to keep pace with the Yanks last night. The Pappi Power Show produced two homers. A three run smash and a 2 run walk off job to keep the Sox 5 games up on NY.

The Red Sox have also been helped by "unsung hero" of the 2007 season, Dustin Padroia. Dustin has kept up his solid hitting and tremendous defensive play. He MUST BE the Rookie of the Year in '07.

Sox rest up for a three game spree against their rivals from the Bronx. Dice K is set to pitch on Friday and it is hoped he will be better competition than his last two appearances. The Yanks - ACE - Andy Pettette will have the pill for the Bombers.

Columbus Weekend Fall Ball Tournament

THE CHARITY HOP: www.charityhop.com

Columbus Day weekend (Sat & Sun, October 6 & 7), there will be a 9-team charity baseball tourney held at the Moakley Field complex in South Boston. It will be round robin on Saturday, with playoffs Sunday. Each team will get at least 3 games.


Walter Bentson, Park League president, has graciously donated all the umpires and the City of Boston has donated the fields -- for this Ben's Dream charity tourney.


The $450 per team entry fee ($30 per guy for a 15-man roster) will have100% of net proceeds go to Ben's Dream, aka Sanfilip Syndrome. Those afflicted with Sanfilippo Syndrome are missing an essential enzyme that breaks down strings of a complex body sugar which eventually leads to sleep disorders, loss of speech, mental retardation, dementia, and finally death. Life expectancy for a child with Sanfilippo Syndrome is between 10 to 15 years.There is no requirement for fundraising beyond the entry fee. However, fundraising is encouraged.


We anticipate that the team that raises the most money will receive a significant reward from a corporate sponsor(to be announced shortly).Teams from all Boston Metro Leagues are invited, or create your own team from guys in the leagues. 2 of the 7 slots are already filled, so book your slot today.

CALL or EMAIL:

Brett Rudy Co-Founder & Director of Marketing Charity Hop, LLC
617-840-7981
brett.rudy@charityhop.comhttp://www.charityhop.com

The Magic Number IS - 17!

Don THE ZIPPAH HEAD is not running the show now.

It is not 1978. The Yankees are OLD. Roger is busted. The only reliable arm in the Bronx is Pettitte. He can burst at any moment.

Relaxxxx - sleep tight....no Yankee come backs....1978???? STOP IT!!!!!!!!

"The Yankees are old, injury-prone and, in some cases, shadows of their former selves. Ron Guidry is a 56-year-old pitching coach, not a 27-year-old phenom in the midst of one of the greatest seasons in baseball history. But the main reason the Yanks won't catch the Red Sox is Boston is built for the long haul in 2007, a perfect blend of starting pitching, relief pitching, hitting and defense."

Kevin Hench - Fox - Sports.com

Yes -- Clay -- Young Man the magic number is 17 games.

That means --- 17 Red Sox wins or 17 Yankee losses or a combined total of that number will clinch the American League East for the Boston Red Sox. The Yankee reign is about to end a AL East Champs. This Sox team is loaded with magic. YUP, there are flaws, but dammit -- they get the job done.

Yanks swept the Sox and the PANIC BUTTON pushers were beginning to get alarmed last week. No worries. The Yanks stay home a dump 2 out of 3 to the disastrous Tampa Bay Rays and drop back to 7 games in the standings.

Every time the Sox win from now on -- the Yanks task to take back their title is made harder.

Sleep tight - Red Sox Nation. The AL East is the first step. This team is a squad of destiny. No curses. No BS -- The SOX R BAAAAAACK!

We can mold this Clay into a Cy Young Award Winner!

Full Name: Clay D. Buchholz
Born: 08/14/1984
Birthplace: Nedarland, TX
Height: 6'3" Weight: 190
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
College: Angelina JC, TX
MLB Debut: 08/17/2007

The magical night! Saturday - September 1, 2007.

After a very disappointing and alarming three game sweep at the hands of the Yankees in the Bronx and dropping a 4th in a row to the O's at the
Fens - young Clay Bucholz dropped a bomb on the Oriole batters. He tossed a sweet no hitter to win his 2nd Major League game. Clay was the first Red Sox Rookie to do this and only the 17 Sox pitcher to toss a No - No for the Fabled Team.

I did not move from my chair at home in fear of making him lose the no - no. The Sox announcers were very careful from the 6th inning on not to mention the word NO HITTER. Tension could have been cut with a knife on Ely Road and Yawkey Way -- Saturday Night.

A memorable called strike three by Joe West -- brought the house down. Fenway faithful celebrated like a World Series Title had been finally clinched in the Old Yahd.

The kid made us believers. A believer that this team has a mission in '07. A mission to win the eastern Division and move on to the Big Show. The Red Hose are 6 games up as the season dwindles to "magic number" time. The Pawtucket Red Sox players: Bucholz, Cash, Moss and Lester have saved the parent club's ass the past few weeks. Manny is down. Drew bites! No back up catcher. The bench was non existent.

Saturday was a special night for all Sox Fans. But, it is more important to celebrate the guts and determination of a 23 year old Texan named - Clay Buholtz.

Thanks for the memory young man!

Boston Baseball Heads Show - 2007 Yawkey League Playoff Review

The camera operators for the Baseball Show zoom in on the Baseball Banter.

Executive Producer, Arlen Showstack - the guy who gets the job done for the Yawkey League on Comcast TV with Radcliff Angus in the Control Room.

Control panel zooms in on the beautiful Michelle.

"Mr. Wires" - Radcliff Angus in the control booth getting things tuned up and in for the taping.

The Boston Baseball Heads Staff from Comcast. We would not have a show without these dedicated and talented folks!

Manager of Year Candidate - Mike Freire of the Brighton Brewers.

Michelle, Marc and Rob enjoy a relaxing moment during the break.

Dave is soooo funny - "lookin". McDonough & DesRoches have much to smile about. Somerville just won their 9th consecutive YBL Championship. 10th Championship overall!

Rob McDonough (Coach) and '07 Playoff MVP, Marc DesRoches of Somerville Alibrandi Club.

Mike Friere (Manager) and Triple Crown - MVP, Marc Hordan of the Brighton Brewers.

Mike, Marc and Dave review the great success experienced by the Yawkey League Finalists - Brighton Brewers.

Michelle & Andy take a break between segments.

Somerville - Brighton Brewers Championship Finals Memories.

The Comcast Announcing Team - Al Segal and Dave McKay. We have more fun than the players at these games.

The 2007 Brighton Brewers - Yawkey Baseball League Finalist!

The Brighton Brewers under the direction of Mike Freire look to the challenge ahead - beat Somerville. They did just that in a dramatic 3-2 come from behind YBL Classic.

Brewers get things together in pre-game discussions.

Dave Scioli hoping he does not need this lid in the batters box.

Derek Bates laces 'em up. Getting ready for his big pitching assignment against the brew Crew.

"The Quiet Force" - Somerville Captain, Kevin White prepares for BP.

Steve "Z" & Manager - Mike Powers talk strategy before the big game.

Somerville Alibrandi President - Dave Treska conversing with Tom McDonough in pre-game prep.

"OK - we got up here - now Arlen, how the hell do we get down!" Another Showstack innovation - a camera perched atop the Comcast truck!

Frank "The Tank" atop his perch awaiting the action.

Steve Szathmary starting the post game celebration - early. BUT, no amber colored beverage.