CENTER FIELD :: Oregon's Finest

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Oregon's Finest

No offense to Herbert Hoover, Nike or Sally Struthers, but the three best things to come out of Oregon:

The Bend Bulletin did a reader survey of what the biggest stories in Oregon were for the year 2007, and it should be no surprise that Oregon native Jacoby Ellsbury made the list. From the article:

Madras native Jacoby Ellsbury helps Boston Red Sox win the 2007 World Series.

Madras native and Oregon State University baseball standout Jacoby Ellsbury, 24, got his chance in the big show when he was called up from the minor leagues to play for the Boston Red Sox in September. The speedy rookie started in centerfield in key games, including throughout the playoffs and World Series, and served as the leadoff hitter as the Red Sox swept the Colorado Rockies to win the world championship.

Ellsbury made his debut on the big stage with style, racking up seven hits in the World Series, and was the first rookie since 1946 to have four hits in a World Series game. In November, Madras welcomed him back with a parade.

I think Jacoby single-handedly turned an entire generation of Oregon schoolchildren into Red Sox fans. The free tacos just sealed the deal.

Big props to those of you who recognize what's in that first picture.

Comments (20)

[ Bethie ] says:
on January 2, 2008 6:18 PM

My favorite day in elementary school, complements of that computer game. Good times. :)

[ Jennifer ] says:
on January 2, 2008 6:51 PM

ahhhhhhh...good ole "The Oregon Trail" I always died of small pox or got killed by an Indian in that game

[ Liza ] says:
on January 2, 2008 7:06 PM

It took me a minute, but I got the picture. :D My second grade teacher was SO good at it... I just got smallpox.

And oh, I do love blog posts headlined with photos of Jacoby Ellsbury...

[ Caroline ] says:
on January 2, 2008 7:40 PM

Did anybody else used to drown every time when you had to ford the stupid river?

[ Tex19 ] says:
on January 2, 2008 8:30 PM

hey Girl. I just noticed you added me. Its looking with my new job...i wont be able to take off as much time as Ive done the last few years...ive got to plan very wisely. Im definitely going to both Texas series in Arlington and Houston. at least one weekend series in Boston...we'll see about more :)

[ Anonymous ] says:
on January 2, 2008 8:58 PM

I think it's okay to offend Herbert Hoover, he was a really shitty president.

[ Texas Gal ] says:
on January 2, 2008 9:01 PM

Are you trying to tell me you think the Great Depression was somehow a negative thing?

[ Texas Gal ] says:
on January 2, 2008 9:01 PM

And Caroline - I drowned every. single. time.

[ Margaret ] says:
on January 2, 2008 11:22 PM

Oh man, I kicked butt at Oregon Trail.

But... that's pretty much the only computer OR video game I ever really was good at, so... yeah.

And a little Jacoby always brightens one's day.

[ Piney61 ] says:
on January 3, 2008 12:04 AM

I always got goddamn cholera in that damn game. And my poor friend ALWAYS got lost in the game. Seriously every other time he was lost. Seriously. Oregon Trail is the greatest game ever. Fifth grade was never the same after they introduced that game(though it was fairly old at the time, but still, my point stands dammit!)

[ joyosity ] says:
on January 3, 2008 8:02 AM

Haha, did you know they have Oregon Trail on Facebook now? It's not really the same but still nostalgic....

[ Twinkie ] says:
on January 3, 2008 4:57 PM

I always named the wagon leader after myself. And I always died of dysintary. Never typhoid, never cholera, never an attack. I crapped myself to death every single time I played that game. I still love it, but really...

[ Texas Gal ] says:
on January 3, 2008 5:00 PM

That's gotta be poetic somehow.

I love the idea of graveyards full of tombstones with "CRAPPED HERSELF TO DEATH" on it.

[ Jolie ] says:
on January 3, 2008 5:35 PM

OREGON TRAIL! whoever doesn't recognize it didn't have a childhood.

[ Katie ] says:
on January 3, 2008 5:59 PM

awe man Oregon Trail I was soooooo bad at that game but I LOVED it. Everyone did lol

[ Twinkie ] says:
on January 3, 2008 6:29 PM

XD Okay, so it's not that poetic, 'cause my word skills are lacking these days and I can't think of another way to put it. I swear I'm not trying to gross anyone out. Though while were on the subject, if anyone ever goes to India DO NOT eat the grapes.

But yeah, it would make my day if I went by a tombstone that said that.

[ Texas Gal ] says:
on January 3, 2008 6:32 PM

I wasn't making fun - I thought it was a hilarious way of putting it.

[ Twinkie ] says:
on January 3, 2008 6:57 PM

Well, I was pretty sure you weren't, but sometimes online I can't tell. I think part of it is rationalising it for myself because I used to do really well in English and I feel like I'm usually more... eloquent.

[ Texas Gal ] says:
on January 3, 2008 10:30 PM

I promise not to make fun of you (or anyone else here) - unless you decide to stop in one day and profess your adoration for A-Rod. Then you'll DEFINITELY get some mocking.

[ Julia ] says:
on January 7, 2008 4:56 AM

Aw man I drowned everytime too. Didn't you either have to wade with your oxen or pay a fine? But you could never afford it, because seriously, you're crossing the country in a wagon how would you have any money?
Best game ever.

Did any Bostonians go to the Hot Stove music event thing with Theo? I never go to those things. They're wicked expensive. My priority is Beckett Bowl. One day I will go, I promise.

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