I Saw the Trophys!

I experienced a huge Masshole milestone last night -- I got to meet a few of the World Champion Red Sox players, Alex Cora and Javier Lopez (who though born in Puerto Rico, went to Robinson HS and UVa). Plus, I got an autograph from the team's manager, Terry Francona.
I was at the Hyde Park Lions Club Sportsmen of the Year Banquet; Cora and Lopez were recipients and Francona was there as an added bonus.
Oddly, I had the longest athlete-chat with Todd Collins, the Boston-area boy who started for the Washington Redskins toward the end of the season and managed to help get them into the playoffs. You know I don't care about the Redskins; this info is for Kevin.
The most exciting news of the night was when they announced that the 2 (!) World Series trophys were in the building and that we could have our pictures taken with them. I waited my turn and didn't knock over any kids, but I was so giddy that my hands were shaking. My co-worker Rich, who got the tickets, took my picture for posterity. Now I can mark one more thing off my "To Do List for Becoming An Insufferable Masshole." Next up: Superbowl XLII.

The Best "Welcome to Boston" Gift EVER!

I know that Jim has reiterated that this is NOT A BASEBALL BLOG!
But on this day, in this place, how can I not write a something about how it feels to be surrounded by people who are a little bit happier, kinder, who walk with a lightness of step and who, despite being severely sleep-deprived, feel refreshed and, dare I say, normal?
The Sox normalized all of us, their fans last night; this World Series win feels different, less like there was something to prove and more like our team was the best team, wire to wire. I didn't even cry at all - even when cancer-survivor Mike Lowell won the Series MVP. (SIGN HIM!)
I am cognizant that I'm stepping near Ken Burns and George F. Will territory here as I glorously opine about the national pastime and that C.T. is going to give me an unending ration of shit for being so emotional about a game.
Instead I'll let one of our nation's best poets, Walt Whitman, speak for me:
I see great things in baseball. It's our game - the American game. It will...be a blessing to us.
Amen, Walt. Amen.

I BELIEVE!

My World Series prediction: Sox in 6. This isn't hubris; this is faith.
Now off to bed - I start my new job tomorrow.

Yay Sawx!

In between sightseeing, drinking beer, eating seafood and interviewing, I have (not surprisingly) found time to watch all the Sox games since I got here. It's a totally new experience for me to be sitting somewhere and see people milling around who are supporting the same team I am. Maybe it'll get old after a while and maybe I'll start to hate the college kids who wear their "B" hats backwards, but right now it feels pretty cool to be here, in Boston, while the Red Sox play in October...with home field advantage the whole way through! It's too much for me to even hope that maybe they (we?) could win 2 World Series titles in 4 years after waiting so long for the 2004 title. Until they're done, I'll be glued to the TV wherever I am, as Fenway tickets are impossible to get.
And even Jim is getting into post-season baseball these days. I was watching the Indians and the Yankees last night to which he commented, "Oh, the Yankees won last (Sunday) night?" For most people, this isn't a very big statement, but my beloved resolutely loathes team sports. For him to know who was playing whom and how the series was still going on is a huge deal. I swear, I'll make a Red Sox fan out of him yet.
Jay - be warned. Friday's game starts at 7:10 and Saturday's at 8:21. You may end up in a bar watching it with a bunch of Massholes, unless Jim can save you from me.