He tipped his cap.

Not much of a gesture, to be sure- but Josh Beckett isn't big on gestures.

Actually, Josh isn't big on gestures that require him to grin and wave at the compliments of a stadium full of grateful Red Sox fans. Not because he's not appreciative, not because he doesn't care-- but because he prides himself on locking down while he's on the diamond.... and I'm also not sure that underneath it all, Josh is ever really certain he deserves it. He has carefully constructed a fence around his professional self; he refuses to let sentiment or emotion out for display to the media or public, and he also refuses to let the media or public in.

Whether it's purely a part of his mechanics and process, or whether it's out of self-preservation for his confidence and mental health (or a little of both), Josh eschews clowning around with fans or emotional interviews with reporters, and prefers to let his pitching do the talking. Inside the dugout, he's an effusive chatterbox, happy to talk and joke with his teammates-- whether he's pitching that day or not. But from the moment he steps foot outside and onto the field, he is stonefaced- except for that quirky little hop over the baseline, and (on occasion) to bark at a hitter who he thinks has broken the code of baseball. On the field (and in the pressroom) he is at work, and is all business.

So when Josh left the mound tonight after 7 innings of phenomenal baseball- the kind of pitching performance we have come not just to expect from him, but almost take for granted- the Fenway crowd jumped to their feet and roared out in appreciation. A crowd that a few moments previous had seemed lulled into a haze of disbelief after watching 13 pasted on the Rockies (with seeming ease), instantly turned electric. I think everyone realized that we had all just witnessed a dominating performance on baseball's largest stage-- and also realized what a rare treat it is to see a feat like that in person.

Per usual, Josh strode back to the dugout with his eyes lowered, and in measured stride... almost infuriatingly measured, considering the thunderous applause and cheers. No grin, no wave, not even eye contact. But then, just like the crowd had realized the magnitude of the occasion and responded with unbridled glee, I think Josh also finally realized it as well. The guy who took up the mantle of the ace of the pitching staff one of the very best teams in baseball, and lead the charge to win game one of the World Series (THE WORLD SERIES!) had his teammates and coaches and all the Sox fans in attendance busting at the seams with joy. And I think the moment caught up with him, and Josh couldn't help himself- he broke his own code, and let a tiny sliver of his emotions break through. So Josh briefly raised his eyes, and with an almost bashful expression, he tipped his cap to the crowd.

That tip of the cap was the Josh Beckett equivalent of a year's worth of Papelbon Irish jigs and Bud Light hats- and possibly even more precious an experience to be a part of, because Josh just doesn't really ever share a piece of his joyous emotions with the fans. But he did tonight.

Other random thoughts and observations from tonight at Fenway:

* There is a giant billboard outside Fenway commemorating the pennant win prominently featuring Jonathan Papelbon mid-crazypants celebration. It is a thing of beauty.

* Carl Yastrzemski (who I have gone on record as stating was a fox) throwing out the first pitch was like getting to see a piece of history revived and played out in front of us. Sure, the old zip in the throw was missing- but the who hell cares when you get to see Yaz tossing around a baseball again?

* John Williams directing the Pops for the national anthem? Very cool. And there was a Sox highlights montage on the jumbotron later in the game set to music from Star Wars.

* The bullpen band is RIDICULOUSLY loud. Like, it echoes through the Park. I was sitting way up high in Section 10, and we could all hear their tunes clear as day. Sometimes the banging would be so loud, you could even hear it over the thunderous chanting of the crowd. It is awesome. (and if it's that loud on the other side of the park, it must be a touch bit intimidating to the visitors sitting in the bullpen right next to them- for the insanity factor, if nothing else)

* Golden sombrero by Hawpe. Saying "golden sombrero" never gets old.

* Oh yeah, and in case Fox didn't make it clear during the broadcast, the chant that 90% of the Park hollered throughout the first 5 innings was, "FRAAAAN-CIS! FRAAAAN-CIS! FRAAAAN-CIS!" Which he did not seem to enjoy at all. (and yes, I realize he was pulled after four- but they kept it up for a little bit in the fifth, too- I think just to let Francis know he wasn't forgotten)

* Eric Gagne did not get booed when he came in. In fact, there was a rousing chant of "LET'S GO GAG-NE (clap clap clapclapclap)". I'm sure Gagne didn't know how to respond to a Fenway crowd chanting his name in happiness, rather than cursing his name in anger (and throwing water bottles). Granted, he came in with a 12-run lead- but no one was sure even that was safe.

* Best. Giveaway. Sign. Ever.