Lets Go Red Sox!!

Speechless

All I can say is I'm damn proud of Joshua Patrick Beckett.
I'll let Ted do the game review. I'm just posting these pics from Boston Globe for a taste of Game 1.

How Hard Core are YOU??

Well these fans are putting up a replica of the American League Championship flag up (which is TEXAS size by the way) on the John Hancock Tower. So how much love and devotion to YOU have for the Sox as they battle the PPS's? (purple pin-stripes)

Together Again!!!

It all started tonight with this ex-Red Sox player, Kevin Millar, Number 15, mentioning during line-ups allowing Pedroia to use his number. Millar off the 2004 World Series team throws out the 1st pitch. That in itself got me all psyched up.

Having Billy Mueller last night and now Kevin Millar? What greater World Series mojo could be better than that?? Having Millar do a commercial segment rooting us on on FOX.

So ya know what Indians go ahead and call anyone you want to sing the National Anthem...cos nothing can stop this team and the mojo going. Tonight Dustin came up big for us! A 3 Run double and a 2 run HR! He was Player of the Game for sure!!! And then there's Josh Beckett. He's earned MVP for the Series and rightly so winning both of his starts over the Indians.

And now we head to the World Series...a trip down memory lane for many. Watching these fools dancing on the field, getting sloshed by budlight, smoking those hot cigars, and smiling ear to ear. I'm just happy. Looking at Fenway there are still loads of fans there. This road to October has been a long hard one. We jumped out there in first and remained for almost the entire time. Shared best record in the American League with the Indians....and today the Best Team won the right to represent the American League in the World Series. Now the focus changes...let's just enjoy it once again. Do we believe? Hell Yah!

I just know the next few nights will be spent in preparation to watch the Series. and ya know Dane Cook is right. There IS only ONE October....and it's being played in Boston.

History

I know they say you can't go home again....but I've been reminincing over 2004. Three years ago today, this Nation was on the edge of their seats....watching Game 7 of the ALCS between the Red Sox and the Yankees. It was us or them...do or die....we had been down 3 games....Millar popped off and said those famous words "Don't Let Us Win.." before Game 4 and we did....Game 5 & 6....then it seemed to be the longest game in history (of course we KNOW which game was)....then it was over. We were the ALCS for 2004....but more importantly The Boston Red Sox were headed to the World Series for the first time in 86 Years!


The above picture is the cover of an e-book written by Mark Newman of mlb.com and of which myself and several other friends I have were in. That was a magical time, a magical team, destiny happening before our eyes. The Millar drawing a walk, Roberts coming in and stealing "that" base, it just was like living in a dream.

BUT that was 2004....this is 2007. It's a different team this time. It's not the Cowboy Up team...it's not The Idiots either. It's Youuuuuuuuuuuk, El Capitan Tek, Munchkin, Senor Doubles, Luuuuuuuuuuuuugo, Smooothie, Manny being Manny, Big Papi, Hot Coco, jaCOby, YayD, my new BF Bobby, Dougie Goes Deeep, Eric "bang my chin on the ground" Eric "bang my chin on the dirt" Hinske, our SP's "Commander of the F.U. Brigade Beckett, Schill, TimmEH Wakey, and Dice-K and then there's our Pirates of the Bullpen: Nails as the Admiral and his bandmembers: Javy, LesTAH, GagME (ok one I am not happy about), MDC, OKJ, and last but not least our Closer: PapelBudlight "King of the River Dance".



So whatever color you choose to wear tonight, Red with blue lettering, Blue with Red lettering, or Pink even! Make sure the letters are ALL the same: Boston Red Sox. I hope those Indian fans brought their little white hankies so they'll have something to blow their noses in. And how bout Billy Niller throwing out the 1st pitch??!!! is that Effing Awesome or WHAT?

I had no doubt. 12-2. Indians done tonight and it's Dice-K's turn.

Shipping Back to Boston

109 pitches, 8 innings, 11 K's, 1.93 ERA. It was just a night of Beckett being Beckett. Stellar, stupendous, brilliance, outstanding, standing O, dropASSkicking beautiful. There was this little incident between Josh and Lofton. It appears that Josh wasn't happy with something that Kenny did at the plate...so he yells something out to Kenny on his way to 1st...they exchanged ##%$@@^&** and then once Kenny arrived at 1st base...and flew out...he turned to the mound and headed towards Beckett. Benches cleared....Lowell stepped in. It's all good...no punches thrown or any actual fight...well there was this fight about who was going to win the game.

Pre-game antics: Apparently one of Josh's many ex-girlfriend was scheduled to sing the National Anthem...but the Indians swear they didn't know her history....as she is just a good ole Ohio girl. ok whatever....if they were thinking it was gonna rattle Josh's cage, WRONG. Josh collects ex's like he collects deerheads he mounts on his wall.

Pre game commercial had Kevin Millar rooting on the Sox....it was absolutely CuteNESS!!! Just made me smile and remember 2004. Was that a moment of clarity? I know some have been repeating that Millar phrase when we were down 3 games with the Yankees that year..."Don't let us win" he said....well, to have Kevin there rooting us on...it was destiny, fate

or like I think Beckett Kicked ASS.

It's just that Simple....

I searched through all the pictures of the players practicing today....deciding which road to take, which focus I would use tonight....when I saw this. It said everything I felt in just two words. Two Simple Words. I've attended many management and leadership classes in my lifetime...one lesson stands out among them all: The K.I.S.S. rule. Keep It Simple Stupid rule...which is why I love this sign. All the emotion, grit, determination, faith, power, persistence, all the love all rolled into TWO WORDS: BOSTON BELIEVES.

Well, not to be outdone.

TEXAS BELIEVES IN BOSTON AND BECKETT.

It Can Still Happen

So it all comes down to this. Beckett takes us to orgasms Friday.....while Schilling, Daiske and Wake get no love from the boy's bats. We're down 3-1...Thursday is The Decider. Lots of controversy whether Beckett should have pitched tonight. Tensions running hot and heavy even between Sox fans....crying for who's fault it is. My take:

Sometimes...the better team is not who is playing better all through the season. The better team is who is playing the best in October. The Indians and the Red Sox tied for best record...but these last few nights the Indians have brought all of their A games to the park. I will say Saturday the boys played hard and long...but it seemed Monday and tonight, it just wasn't coming. Do I believe there's still a chance??? You BETCHA! Do I think Beckett can win this?? YOU BETCHA! Do I think it's gonna take more than Pitching to win it?? YOU BETCHA!!!

So boys...I would appreciate it if you'd rub some of that 2004 stardust on your balls (the baseballs I mean), play some of that magic music in the clubhouse, put on those rally caps and bang the bullpen water bottles slowly....WE NEED a Win so we can bring it back to Beantown.

A Race of a different Color

Feeling wretched after last night's game I awoke deciding to post on something to distract myself and others....something lighthearted...fun...but then I remembered it was October which makes me think of Cindy. She was this girl I knew back when I lived in Giddings, Texas and worked as a juvenile probation officer. She and I shared a couple of things....we both worked in the criminal justice field and we were both single parents. We also shared in our love to laugh. Cindy was fun and funny. I left Giddings after only a couple of years and continued to visit her but was horrified to hear the news she had breast cancer. She fought hard but with grace...and lost. She left behind a sweet little boy.

Which brings me to why I'm posting. I've never been really fond of the color pink....it's so girly. And alot of times in baseball when pink hats are worn, well...it's just not right to some of us :)

Pink...a color Nancy Brinker selected when creating her organization in search for a cure for Breast Cancer in honor of her sister, Suzy Komen. For anyone who hasn't really researched or checked into the background of why or how this was thought of, you really should. I experienced my own scare a few years back before moving to Austin. I was going for my annual gynocologist visit and always do the self-check....when I felt it...something odd and unusual and not normal. After being referred to a specialist and doing the more advanced check....I had surgery and a large lump was removed from one of my breasts. Without going into all the details....it all ended good. But it was a scare nonetheless...and made me think of life, love and living. My nephew had been killed a couple of months earlier in the year...9-11 was the year before.....I decided that our time was short here and I wanted to live....but that's another story.

Today I sit and realize that I had these plans and goals of what I wanted to do about how to make what Cindy went through matter....and I haven't did them. I promise now in front of you all....I will become involved in this Race for a Cure. To quote from the story Nancy Brinker wrote "Could one person really make a difference?" YES, they Can.

At What Point?

I was thinking today At What Point did I become a full fledged Red Sox fan? It is really hard to fingerpoint the specific time.....however It all began back in the early 80's....maybe even further than that...back to when I was about 13 years old and began hanging out down at the West Orange Little League ballpark where alot of the neighborhood boys played ball. I enjoyed watching baseball. I then went on to high school and college preferring to attend the baseball games than the football games. I can joke around and say it was the uniforms but quite frankly, the tight white pants the football players wore showed alot more than the baseball pants, so that excuse is just a joke. I attended college in southeast Texas at Lamar of which had a stupendous baseball program so I grew to love it more.

Attending Lamar and checking up on the baseball program, I would hear about this kid from Austin's University of Texas named Roger Clemens. After his glorious career with them leading them to the College World Series in 1983, I watched him head off to the Red Sox farm. The year I was attending my last year in college, Roger was in his 3rd season with the Sox when he hit his first 20-K game. I had been keeping up with him but that game was a real head turner and heart stopper. It continued through the 90's....watching from afar...falling in love with a team but not realizing it.

I didn't live there and didn't understand the entire drama behind Roger leaving...just knew when he left and went north....I had to remain behind. Since then I kept up with him and until this year still admired him. But as a faithful and loyal Texan is....I finally realized I had to let him go this year.

It's been a journey to this place I've come to live at now. And the reason I'm writing this now is for all you New Englanders and friends of mine to understand just what it means to this Texas Gal to attend games at Fenway or see pictures ya attend during the playoffs. Before 2003 when I attended my first game at Fenway, reading the sports page or watching a game on tv was like reading a book of some mythical land and nation. But it all became real to me in the summer of July of 2003 whereupon I entered into Fenway walking up to see the Green Monster, turning around and seeing this red seat in the bleachers, the Citgo sign and Fenway Park across the backdrop above homeplate. My heart jumped and tears welled up into my eyes. I was finally Home.

Muy Grande Pitching

"Winning the World Series and shooting a big old buck are the same kind of feeling. They're such a huge rush. There's nothing else that's given me that kind of feeling in my life." That's a quote from Beckett back in 2005 from a Field and Stream magazine. According to Josh, he's a huge fanatic of hunting....he even won the Muy Grande in 2002. Tonight Josh was the Muy Grande of Fenway Park. He came in to hunt for his game...the Indians and got them.

He only allowed 4 hits and 2 runs, one of them being a Pronker Homer....but no walks. Meanwhile, Sabathia just allowed hit and hit then helped us with the go ahead run by a walking it in.

I'm sorry for the time off of the board but I just took a Muy Grande new Job and have been really busy and my home computer went on the fritz and well I just have a life ya know :)

But today I got back on track....just in time for the ALCS....and just in time for Josh. My boy....my good ole Texas boy.

19 for Number 19

Josh Beckett brought "it" yesterday. If you were at the game or watching...you saw "it". I don't have to define or explain. Jackie MacMullan saw it. Even Mike Lupica of the New York Times saw it. Josh is going to be the next Cy Young winner or my name isn't TEX and I'm not the KickAss Chick of the F.Y. Brigade.

I caught the beginning of the game...saw Jeter's homerun....just muttered something like "shake it off josh...you're better than this" I left the house knowing it would be all ok. Afterall, I had the Commander of the F.Y. Brigade's tshirt on. Thank POD for true friends....my phone was blowing up with texts of all the runs scoring over the damn Yankees. Red Sox fans were in abudance at the ACL festival I was attending....I was happy to share the updated scores with as we high-fived. One Phillies fan leaned over and said I was sure brave wearing my team's shirt after the game on Friday. Brave I replied?? Why is it Brave I asked?? I mean I'm a die hard dyed in the wool fan of my boys...through thick and thin...good and bad....win or lose. I am a Red Sox fan. I don't root for my boys JUST when they win....I cheer them on when they are losing or having a bad day.

So today's game is about the Old Guys....a Battle of the Bulge if you will. This is a game that I hate to say I am missing. As much as my love for Roger existed for years...I hope he goes down in flames and sits his ass on the bench moping and sulking.

Balmer

Well Gang, you've read about it, heard about it, waited for it....FINALLY it came....the SG Gathering. They descended upon Balmer at Schula's and proceeded to take over. and yah...that's a Texas flag...its mine. Stories to come...tonight I just need to veg. Ive had WAY too much fun.

Baltimore WATCH OUT!

The Red Sox arrived today in Baltimore ....to find out they were playing the Black Sox...well it was the Orioles, circa 1932. I discovered tonight courtesy of a poster on SG, Dover, that the Black Sox were a Negro league in that era. Very cool retro uniforms....and it was a good match. Our favorite OK well MY favorite EX Red Sox player, Millar hit a 2 run homerun off of Wakey...then Coco hit the same...I am much too tired to go over play by play tonight. Sleep is beckoning me....but ONE thing: Clay Buchholz won the game tonight!!

I will be on hiatus through Monday....Heading to Baltimore to meet up with SGers...Pictures will follow...some day :)

The Stars at Night...are Big and Bright....

Deep in the Park at FENWAY!!!! Ladies and Gents....may I present to you #19...Red Sox pitcher Joshua Patrick Beckett....who completed his #17th Win of the Season!!!! Close game 5-3...but I assure you the boys were backing up JP, particularly the rookie Ellsbury going 3 for 3 with his 2-run homerun...a triple AND another Stolen BASE. This boy is Making his Mark in Fenway and seems to be interviewing for a permanent job here. Josh pitched 117 pitches and 7 K's. I can't tell you how proud I am. I am heading to Baltimore to see the boys play at Camden and meet up with a great group of Sox fans off the SG board and could NOT be MORE excited.

This year has been great enjoying the games with others who love the Sox as much as I do...but there's one thing that I haven't gotten to do yet.....attend a Sox game with my son, Josh. Yes I know....so maybe you understand why I have this affection for Beckett now....its more than just that he's a Sox pitcher and from Texas. Next year...the plan is for my son and I to take a trip to Boston to catch a few games together. Until then...we're getting to watch them together here at the house...a first.

Ted...if you're reading this...I hope you packed your camera and earplugs....you'll need both. :)

What's to Come...

THAT my friend is Camden Yard....smack in the middle of Baltimore, Maryland. It's where the Orioles play ball. It's also called Fenway South affectionately by the Red Sox fans....well ok maybe not affectionately but out of in-your-face to the Oriole Fans cos they do NOT inhabit their own park. Also, it's the park where many of the SGers are going to have another Gathering. We are going to descend upon Camden in force...FULL FORCE!!! We are going to have a professional(ok well she's as good as a professional) photographer, someone with a badge(moi) and a lawyer nonetheless I believe....so if we get into some scandel, we'll hopefully get out of it or have a lawyer to get us out AND have PHOTOS of it all :) Stay TUNE PEEPLES :)

The game tonight??? Good PORD! I was like sitting back relaxing...hoping to just enjoy a slamdunk win with it being 10-1.....the next thing I know the floodgates opened for the pesky bluejays....DiceK came out in the 6th....Javy came in and out...MDC came in then out....Nails came in...NEXT OKJ...then finally in the 9th, Paps. The game ended with a W at 13-10...the good guys.

Lowell hit a 3 run homerun in the 1st! Lowell not only stole a base but he got 4 ribbies, went 3 for 4, and scored 2 runs!! THEN theres JD who got us 2 Sacrifice Flys, a run AND he did NOT strike out! The Rookie Ellsbury is making his mark...batted .393, 2 hits and 2 runs...and YET another DIVING catch saving us from Frank Thomas hit!! It's funny how we're not looking to Tiz or Manny to save us any longer...everyone is pitching in-no pun intended.

Just when we thought finally DiceK was getting his Run Support...the BJays showed us they had some too....but in the end Our Boys Defended Fenway and DiceK's honor.

7 is supposed to be a lucky number ... not so much in New York. :)

The Future Face of the Red Sox

*pics courtesy of Boston Globe

Today Rookie Jacoby Ellsbury wanted to make sure that Clay was not the only one who made a statement to the front office and to the fans about how hungry he was to play here. His 1st Major League Homerun, a Diving Coco-esque Catch and a Stolen Base ALL IN TODAY's Game. The rookies are all wanting to show this September why they should remain in Boston and not be sent back to the farm. Now don't get me wrong....the farms are nice but city life brings much more excitement. We got the Win today with Lester pitching allowing only 6 hits and 2 runs in 6+ innings. And not to be outdone...Coco came in and made his OWN spectacular sliding catch!!

Six games up now...speaking of them....A BIG SHOUT OUT to our Haverhill Boy Pena again who got a 3 run Homerun off Roger's playmate to help the Devil Rays overcome and put those spanks back in their place.

Onward to Kill MORE BIRDS....

It's What Dreams are Made of

Credits: Pic at top off Boston Globe. Two others: sittingstill.com

and for those photo burglars....Please Give Credit where credit's due if using someone else's pics!

SOOOOOOOOOOO....

I watched the game till around the 5th inning....I had previous plans to go out with friends. I left forgetting to Tivo it...HUGE MISTAKE. I'm texting Cyn about none other things but Texas (big surprise I know) since Clay is from Texas and all. I get texted while out from HS and Hayes....giving me updates in code. Of course you cannot speak of the No-No going on....but I knew what 8-0 all zero's for the O's meant when hayes texted....all I asked was "is it over?" and "clay still in?" A "top of 9th" and "yes" respectively responses....so I waited.....text comes in "1 out" ..... then "2 outs" ....then of course TEXTING is just NOT good enough. My good friend Hayes calls me freaking out!!! I'm in this bar with music blaring but all I can hear is "Can you fucking believe this??" And I forgot to Tivo this. DAMMIT. Thank Pod for mlb and the globe's videos so I can watch highlights. I have 3 friends who were at the game...actually I think I have alot of other friends who were at the game too off another board. Kelly off SG has Stupendous photos and captures the giddiness of the event. I am trying to read every last article on it this morning. I cannot imagine what Clay's parents are feeling right now. This kid from southeast Texas, who dropped in the drafts because of the laptop incident he was involved with, showed Theo last night that he did not make a mistake in signing him. Clay showed his stuff last night and it was the stuff, as Clay put it, that you dream about.

I have a new Texan to wave my flag for.

Thank POD it's September!!

*Pic courtesy of sittingstill.com





















Ok so today is September 1st KELLY :) and Thank POD IT IS!

Clay is returning to Boston and to the mound for Call-Ups. A few others will join him and the boys in our quest for for Red Sox October. Journeyman Corey will be joining the Relief Pitchers. Moss and Ellsbury will assist in the outfield while Clayton will help out in the infield. And I just learned that Lester is to be brought up as well. I hate the month of August. This weekend is Labor Day weekend...but I plan on relaxing and preparing for the jaunt in Baltimore where I will be meeting up with several fellow Red Sox fans off the SurvivingGrady site. I may not see Buchholz's full game tonight as I already have plans tonight...but there IS DVR. :)

Go Sox!!!

It Stops Now

Yah I know that's a Devil Ray but
that's not jus any Devil Ray, it's
Carlos Pena of Haverhill, Mass...
an Ex Red Sox Player. The Devil
Rays played the Evil Empire
tonight and beat them with the help of
Pena and his 2 homeruns. So even though we lost again tonight....the Yankees lost with the help of a Mass boy who used to play for us...so in a way Pena did it for us. I tried to think of something to say about the game here but I needed a a diversion so I went looking...and what you see is what you get. Tomorrow Buchholz is back on the mound. You remember him? Another Texas boy from near my hometown. Tomorrow is August 1st....and the bleeding stops now.

I'm counting on my Texas boy to do it.