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.

We're still in 1st place

I can just hear Tito: "I tell yew whut...ya'll bums er bout un mah last nerve!" Naw...Tito ain't from the south or even Texas. But I GARahhnTEE ya he was ALL up in their Bizness. Freaking Umps checking his baseball attire??!!! Umps can't call an out right....now they're the Fashion PO-leece??

Jeeeeeeeezzzzz.....we are STILL in 1st place! I just HATE losing to the Damn Yankees :(

Up by 5....and we're back home tomorrow.

Bringing Down a Hero

If you know anything about Joshua Patrick, you know that Roger Clemens has been someone he's role modeled after. After all, Roger played for the University of Texas and helped them win a College World Series. Josh used to play as a kid pretending to be Roger...well trying to pitch like him. Josh is cocky like Roger. Josh has 'the stuff' like Roger. But Josh ain't Roger.

It will be an interesting match in more ways than the obvious ones. A Texan against a Texan. Ex-Red Sox pitcher vs. a current one. But make no mistake...tomorrow night when the game starts, there's only one true Texan who'll take the mound in Yankee Stadium: Joshua Patrick Beckett. He was born and raised in Southeast Texas. Attended school all his life around Spring and played little league throughout high school there. Roger was born and raised in Ohio and didn't move to Texas till his high school years. So although he attended UT (or tu as Texas A&M fans call it), he ain't no Texan.

The MOST interesting reason this will be a match for me is Roger is THE reason I am a Red Sox fan....and until this past year I had defended him. But when he decided to unretire AGAIN and go to the Yankees...it turned my stomach and I turned my soul away. Josh Beckett is the TEX-Man of the Hour as far as I'm concerned. I don't need a player to keep me a Red Sox fan...I'm here and staying. I'm a loyal Texan and I'll root for the Texas boys who come and go....but I'll live and die a Red Sox fan.

So at 7:05p.m., when the game starts....don't be fooled by the razzle dazzle the Yanks try to pull over your eyes....Roger ain't no Texan and he ain't no friend of mine.

Its Moose Season

Ever wonder what a Down and Defeated looks like?? WELL you're looking at it. Detroit DESTROYED the Spankees. And the Red Sox are just chomping at the bit waiting for their turn.

Just one more reason

Instead of rain pouring in Chicago....runs were pouring in for the Sox...but NOT for the White Sox...for the RED SOX! Manny needed some time off....in stepped Kielty. He doesn't talk smack...just acts...I like a Man who Acts. I don't like listening to alot of mumble Kielty hit his 1st homerun as a Red Sox bringing in 2 ribbies. Vasquez was tearing us up till the 5th till Kielty got a single bunt off of him....Coco hit a single, then Lugo Fielder's Choice...Munchkin came to bat and the rest was history. The Boston media, fans and the team are all quite happy with Bobby's fit into this team's persona. It seems that Kielty was born to be a Red Sox.

46 Runs in 4 Games, 4 Wins...7.5 games ahead of the Yankees....AND the Yankees are 2.5 games back on the Wild Card. Is It Christmas???

There's a New Kid in Town

Kielty - sounds Irish. Bobby is fitting right into this group of guys in Boston. Today he drove in 4 ribbies out of the 14 runs we scored. He just comes in and gets the job done. Three wins with 2 of the pitchers getting their 16th Win this season, 35 runs, 6.5 ahead. I like the sound of those numbers. Tomorrow BatShit takes the mound...anything Goes. The White Sox bullpen should be exhausted...hell I'm exhausted reading through the boxscore on how many pitched.

But back to Bobby....I've taken a liking to him. Baltimore beware :)

Sweet 16

My boy Beckett got er dun today with his Sweet 16. He didn't bring his sweetest stuff and was having difficulty in where he was supposed to throw the ball....across the plate JOSH! Anyhoo....kept up with the game on Sucky GameDay...and the SG board. I had to leave work before the game was over and while we were winning...I asked one of the SG members (who shall remain nameless for the silly move they did) to text me with any updates. I get home in time for the last 2 outs with Timlin on the mound...at least it's a Texan :)
I get on line and find this following statement from "the nameless SG member":
******

So a co-worker who lives in Austin just called me to find out why I keep texting her (five times) with what looks like scores. Oops. :D Tex, email me your cell # again, OK?

********

I wish I could say she was a ditz and she normally does this but she isn't. I'm just wishing I could know this other Texan coughJETcough knows here in Austin who is wondering what the hell turnip truck she fell off of. :)

Oh and 2 more weeks Ted...are ya ready for some TEX??? :)

Sense of Humor

As a joke, the Devil Rays mascot put up the sign in honor of the Mariners Moose running over Coco in Seattle.

I figured the picture said enough.

It's OK....we're in this together

I can just imagine what this conversation involves between Julio and Jules. Probably apologizing for not giving him Run Support...YET AGAIN. Jules didn't do too bad today since he hadn't pitched since June 20th. In 6 innings, he had 2 K's, 2 BB's, and he only allowed 2 Hits and 2 Runs. Snyder pitched 2 innings with 2 K's but allowed one more run. But the surprise was Gagne...we all cringed seeing him come out to the mound but he surprised us all by not allowing a run and Striking OUT 3 batters to get all 3 outs in the 9th. It wasn't enough to save the day though because of course like I say, pitching DOES NOT win a game alone.

Kielty didn't have a huge day at the plate but he definitely showed his stuff in the field right off the bat by robbing a homerun with an over-the-wall catch.

Our gap has been shortened to only 4 games now with the Yankees. Ted, the deal I said would happen if our boys would widen the gapI had is OFF.

PV's & Rally Hoots

IF you're a SGer, you'll understand this post and it'll need no interpretation. If you're not...I don't have the time to explain...but it involves Winning.

PVPVPVPVPPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPVVVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPV
PVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPV
PVPPVVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVVPVPVPVPVPVPV

((((( O Y O )))))

((((( O Y O )))))

((((( O Y O )))))

((((( O Y O )))))

((((( O Y O )))))

Let's GO RED SOX
clapclap clapclapclap
Let's GO RED SOX

What's Important

Hero's come in all shapes and sizes. Dreams are things we go after with all our heart despite our mistakes. I give you two individuals from different worlds but on the field at Fenway they both made smiles come to your faces. Clay Buchholz, brought up to pitch today's day game, knowing he'd be sent back immediately after the game. A Lumberton, Texas boy who has dreamed of this day all his life...and so has his father. Then there's Jordan Leandre of South Dennis, Massachusetts who is a cancer survivor. He sang the National Anthem in 2005 when he was 4 yrs old and near immobile while stricken with the disease. Today while on the field during pre-game festivities, he did something spontaneous....he turned away from the '67 players...and ran around the bases...something like most kids in the New England area dream about doing....but this dream was far more. Jordan ran without help from a walker or anyone. He has beaten cancer and watching him run around the bases made me smile....and tear up. Clay has had his own demons.....the same year Jordan was fighting cancer, Clay was fighting his own battle of deception. For some unknown reason to us, Clay became involved in an incident of stealing laptops from his high school while he was attending junior college. He had been drafted by the Red Sox and apparently they were satisfied with their own investigations. Clay didn't deny his involvement...owned up to it and is moving on. Mistakes we make them but we can correct them. Clay is fortunate to have parents who emotionally supported him through this troubled time...and more fortunate to have them as helping him throughout his life practicing baseball to be where he is today. Mistakes we can correct them but we can't fix cancer as easy. Jordan was treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Center in Boston...and today the Jimmy Fund raised millions of dollars to help in the treatment of those who have cancer.

Clay won his first MLB game today...6 innings, 5 K's, walked 3, allowed 3 runs. He won and his parents and siblings from Texas were there to watch. Jordan won today too...he beat cancer and his parents were there as well....watching him run around bases at Fenway. I don't know about you but I'd wager that Mr and Mrs Leadre were smiling wider.

Hump Day

After reading my friend Ted's blog, I wasn't sure what I was going to write about....but going to see the other pics of the game, I saw the rest of them and got a kick out of the funny faces...I think the boys were trying to see who could make the best "AWWW Man!!!" face today. It seemed like a really good game to watch....except we lost. I don't even want to recap it....the Yankees lost again so at least we break even. After last night's game come back win....today really didn't bother me that much. Is it Friday yet?

I do NOT like Seafood anymore

You may be perplexed at the two pics I chose today. But if you're a die-hard Red Sox fan....you'll understand. But for those who can't solve the riddle....here ya go. The guy underneath the pile getting pounded is Kevin Millar, 1st baseman for the Orioles....and an ex-Red Sox player. Millar hit a Walk-Off today for his team today...and it doesn't matter how many runs it scored except for his stats....the O's beat us again. Many keep blaming Gagne for our losses....but it's not Gagne who doesn't get the runs before he comes in. Gagne is taking full blame for his performance but it appears that the players are backing him up...not blaming him at all.

Now about those lobsters....you may be wondering if I chose it because the games were in Baltimore...near the coast...NOPE. Guess again....Men Left On Base...LOBsters as we like to call them. That is one of the reasons we keep losing...we aren't scoring enough runs....and now the Spankees are only 4 games back. FOUR! It's August 12th....COME ON what is going on??? I am not giving up on my boys so soon....I'm with them to the end...but they have GOT to step it up and I think they know it.

Did I mention Beckett is from Texas?

Well it's been abit since I've blogged...i think Beckett was the topic. :) Eight K's, 15th Win, and a cocky attitude to boot. He pitched 8.2 innings...almost got the entire game but after Tejada scored....Tito took him out...tell me why wouldn't Tito take out Gagne last night? The only thing I'm sad about is I didn't get to see it....fucking FOX and their contracts.

Josh Beckett: Commander of the Fuck You Brigade, Killer of the O's, Whup-Ass Kicker and a Starting Pitcher for the Red Sox who happens to hail from my home state of TEXAS.

The worrying and craziness is beginning as we see the Yankees inch upon our rears...but we shouldn't.

Keep the Fair. PV's!! Rally Hoots! ::lets go red sox:: and all those SG quirks we have....put them into place.

14 - 9 - A Pick Off

Joshua Patrick Beckett: Pitcher for Boston Red Sox, Texas boy, Muy Grande Hunter, brash and cocky, pottymouth when pushed, blisters, fastball, mature...yes I said mature.

I'll be glad to get home to Austin so I can start watching the boys play again. I hated missing the game today....mainly cos Josh was starting. I hate missing any of the games, but particularly when the Texas boy takes the mound. I missed his 14th Win of the season. Apparently it was a doozy and the he didn't have to worry about the boys hitting in fucking runs for him tonight...they did. Beckett fanned 9 Mariners in 6 2/3 innings. And apparently Beckett surprised Ibanez tonight...picking him off 2nd base ending the 3rd inning. But it's not all about Beckett....someone had to score those runs that won the game 9-2. Ortiz even stole his 2nd base due to the Mariners forgetting someone needed to cover the base. Manny hit his 19th homerun bringing in 2. Drew got a triple scoring Tiz. Oh yeah, Coco got run over by the Mariners mascot's all terrain vehicle while he was coming out of the dugout...Coco acted as if he was gonna fight him....but it's all in a day's work on the ballfield.

Austin bound tomorrow morning....and it can't get here fast enough.

Gagnẻ: our newest Texan

Hi I’m from Texas but most on the SG board say I’m from Canada. It all began one night innocently (well naïve may be more accurate) on the board explaining where both of my parents were from. My mother’s family all hailed from deep Louisiana…which has heritage from Nova Scotia when the French were exiled. My father is from South Carolina whose family traces back to Nova Scotia roots. I believe it was Nancy (do you hear a common thread yet in instigations of rumors on the board yet?) that said something about me being from Canada. And then the saga began…..as I said, I am from Texan, born and raised but with French heritage. I love to root on the Texan players on the Red Sox team and bring my Texas flag to fly at games. So of course I was disappointed but understood sending Murphy with his bags packing back to Texas in exchange for Eric Gagne, our newest Bartender (i.e. Set-Up Man) or better known on the SG comment section as The Hoser. SO of course, I find it ironic that a Texan goes a packing and here comes a French Canadian….and my first question posed to the board was “So can I fly my flag for him?” HEY….ya can’t blame a Texas gal for trying ya know.

Although I didn’t get to watch the game today….I love looking at these pics of him…and can’t wait to hear his accent during a presser. I am sure between his Canadian accent and Josh’s dropping f-bombs….I’ll be right at home.

Meanwhile back in Boston....

Ok so our boys ain't faring too well at the Trop....but meanwhile back at Fenway, Sting and The Police are Romping and Stomping it up. Unlike baseball, men can go way into their 50's and still have it at this job. Sting had his son's band, Fiction Plane, open for them....according to the Boston Herald. I have to say I am abit jealous of ANYONE who was at Fenway to hear them....Sitting in the park able to just enjoy the music played without stressing if the boys were hitting or scoring....would have been nice.

And according to the Boston Globe....Sting has aged quite well for himself....chiseled biceps, blue eyes and gorgeous smile....Very Niiiiiiice for someone 55, dontcha think? Like I always say....Age is JUST a Number.

This was It.

I know Josh always takes up for his team...never saying it was them of why runs weren't scored. But clearly there were several incidents that could have resulted in runs. I chose this pic because Coco after this play stood on the plate like a child saying to himself "yeah I was too safe". But like last night we won with just one run....so tonight was just fair game...I just hated it was with Josh.

But the sun will come up tomorrow....and I have much Bigger Fish to Fry Tomorrow. And let's not forget....it is just a game and our lives don't revolve around a game.

Ohhhhh Donnnna

Ok this has NOTHING to do with baseball today. I was stopping off at the store to get a couple of things....mundane task as it is....when all of a sudden I hear a familiar song wafting through the store...I stop, listen, and smile. I cannot recall EVER hearing this song in a store while shopping. You see, my mother named me after this song...Richie Valens song....it just made me smile as if someone were looking over me to say "hey no worries girlfriend...I got your back....I know where you are...." Felt like I was being serenaded while shopping...and then it occurs to me that Josh Beckett is pitching today...my son's name is Josh. Tomorrow he comes to live with me again....a grown man living with his mother but it will definitely be different this time. That song about me with Josh pitching...just sorta brought it together for me. I am sure this sounds like rambling to ya but it all makes sense to me.

Watching Josh pitch as we speak....to our beloved Trot...striking him out. I realize just as before when Roger left me alone in Boston....I am a Red Sox fan and although Josh Beckett I admire and love as one of the team's favs for me....he'll be a shadow in my rearview mirror if he ever leaves.

No particular purpose today except I just wanted to write. :)

Balance

Some of you may be wondering why I have a picture of the woods....but THIS isn't just isn't any woods. This is Walden Pond and the site of Thoreau's cabin the woods where he lived for a year to live deliberate. I am somewhat envious of him that he could do this. In today's society, you can't just go out into the woods and live without being looked upon as an outcast or eccentric. I have to say that being at Walden Pond and seeing this site has been a lifelong dream of mine since I read Walden Pond in 12th grade. In fact, tears came to my eyes and I had wished I had a writing pad so that I could just sit inside the chained off area to say that I too had written in Thoreau's cabin. My good friend Hayes(off SG) and I went walking around the pond through the woods....as I am sure that Thoreau did as. It was a beautiful sunny summer day....I went for a brief wade in the water and got a pic. Later that day we hit a local place to catch part of the game....I saw Thoreau's gravesite as well as Hawthorne's, Emerson, and Alcott. It was a perfect day ending with Josh losing the game but giving the best post-game presser to be seen...dropping the F bomb about the media's questions. Josh was tired of answering the same questions asked 10 million different ways. Josh walks to the beat of a different drummer....much like the quote from Thoreau. Granted, it may have not been appropriate what he said....but he said it with such bluntness and matter of fact without directing in at the media....they got the point....it even made Jim Rice crack up. I know you're wondering how can you compare baseball with literature and all?? but baseball is a thinking man's game...baseball takes balance of many things. You can't just be a good hitter. You can't just be a golden glove.

Oh yeah...that other pic?? Well there was this stone pile and it appeared others did the zen thing with the stones of balancing them....so I decided to do one for me. Now this was a pile of stones....and in the midst of these stones I found a blue plastic star....now if any of you know me...you know how much I LOVE Stars! I took this as a sign....I placed the star on the top of all these balanced stones....signifying that my life despite all the rocky surroundings would shine at the top...shine like a star!

NOW I get it...

I could be wrong..but with all this talk of Ortiz's injury to his knee....these pics I took of the trainer stretching him ALL makes sense now. This stretching routine went on for a quite awhile...I was getting a chuckle out of it for obvious reasons...well they're obvious to me. Anyway...I'm heading to New England tomorrow and it couldn't come a minute sooner. Texas will be a quiet place while I'm gone....and so will this place and SG. Ted hold down the fort for me will ya?

Family

This is what I see the All-Star Game is about....Family. Sure, the players get bonuses, MLB makes a bucketload of money, fans get to see the longball, great pitching, hitting, catching, lots of fun and just all around baseball. I still wish they'd show some pics of Lowell and his kids...hopefully they will on tv. So although I am out of town on business and trying to get alot of work done....I'll be watching and waiting for some smiles from our boys.

speaking of cleaning...

OK so if we're gonna get swept...I'd like to have JUST picked the dang Broom they used!!! I figured it had to be this one...cos while they were sweeping from both ends to us!!! ok so upon my research into looking for a great picture of a broom for this blog...i learned that bringing a new broom will ward off evil and bring good luck...SO my answer to this whole debacle?? Let's ALL go out and buy NEW Brooms and set them in front of your tubes as we watch our boys play....and if you go to a game...bring the dang broom...stuff it down your pants, in your shirt...I don't care. Buy a small one so others won't think you've gone over the edge and crazy. But if you are out there and want to make a statement...then get creative and make it special...don't just buy any broom...buy one that's unusual and decorate it with Red Sox gear.

And speaking of cleaning....anyone like to sweep, mop or vacuum??? Cos there's a house down in Austin that needs it.

What's there NOT to LOVE??

How can you NOT love this guy??? I mean for a minute let's forget his baseball stats..i know it's what he's known for but...put that aside for now. Manny gives us smiles, giggles, spitting out my beer at the screen laughing, cracking up goofy-ass looks, lollygagging in left field, his on the field dancing antics, in the dugout handshakes, manhugs, and _____ (you fill in the blank). Manny loves the game...he shows this not just by his playing ability but by his attitude and his Joie De Vivre. I'm like Dover...I can't imagine this team without him....I hope when he retires, he'd come back and instead of the color guy being an announcer....Manny could be the color guy for the dugout....he'd make the team smile and loosen up...and he'd make me smile and personally I think Manny would do it for free.

Happy July 4th All

Editing my post to add picture from today's game

**stealing the following speech from a Presidential speech made on the 4th**

On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream. The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations. We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July. Happy Birthday, America! "

I hope all of you enjoy today whether you're watching baseball, eating apple pie or driving Chevrolets...I drive a Ford myself. I'm off to cook my favorite cajun recipe for friends. Enjoy time with your family and friends.