George Bush cannot get enough of the Red Sox. After having Terry Francona and Mike Lowell over to dinner last month, today he had the entire 2007 World Champion team (including the coaching staff and ownership) over for a big hoopla-filled ceremony on the White House front lawn.
The team snazzily dressed up in their best duds (more on that later) - minus Manny Ramirez, of course - was honored by President Bush and Vice President Cheney. Not one to miss a Boston fete, Ted Kennedy and John "Manny Ortez" Kerry were also in attendance. President Bush spoke for almost 10 minutes about the team - and got more than a few laughs from the crowd.
Here are some of my favorite excerpts from the President's speech:
So Tim Wakefield's batterymate is Doug Mirabelli -- mine is the Vice President. We're glad you all are here. The Mighty Red Sox Nation has stormed the South Lawn.I'm proud to be here with Terry Francona; the captain of the Mighty Red Sox, Jason Varitek-- the MVP of the World Series, Mike Lowell. They're mentioned because I'm trying to entice a gift out of them.
You know, Red Sox Nation extends beyond the South Lawn, extends beyond New England -- it obviously goes to the Caribbean and even the Far East. So we welcome Japan's Daisuke here to the South Lawn. His press corps is bigger than mine. And we both have trouble answering questions in English.
I love the fact that you've got some of the game's biggest stars. I mean, "Big Papi," the guy lights up the screen. He brings a great personality. I'm sorry his running mate, Manny Ramirez, isn't here. I guess his grandmother died again. Just kidding. Tell Manny I didn't mean it. But I do want to quote him. He said, "When you don't feel good, and you still get hits, that's when you know you're a bad man." I don't know what that means. But if bad man means good hitter, he's a really bad man, because he was clutch in the World Series and clutch in the playoffs.
As was my fellow Texan, Josh Beckett. Man, you're looking sharp.
I've got to make mention of a guy who is from my hometown of Midland, Texas -- that would be Mike Timlin. Mike, good to see you again. You did not buy those glasses in Midland, Texas.
And how about Jonathan Papelbon? The guy pitches almost as well as he dances. And I appreciate the dress code. Thanks for wearing pants.
No word on whether Eric Gagne was invited- but he was most definitely not in attendance.
If you missed getting to see the event live, NECN has got you covered with great video of the President's South Lawn speech here, and the post-speech press conference with Mike Lowell, Jason Varitek and Hideki Okajima here.
Luckily, a roving correspondent was on the scene on the White House south lawn-- and she's shared her photos of the day with me. Thanks to Kate Michael - you can see all her photos right here- but a few of my favorites are below and after the jump...
Papi always gets to carry the trophy.
Wherever there's a Red Sox party, Teddy will be there.
Only Red Sox butts can sit in these fancy folding chairs.
Bush cracks a Papelbon joke.
That is really cruel to leave poor Okajima alone with Darth Vader.
Today was like Christmas for Schilling.
My name is Josh Beckett and I lead the league in SMILES.
on February 27, 2008 11:47 PM
According to the fine writers at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Eric Gagne is getting over the flu. (it also seems like they're having him and Derrick Turnbow do the same throwing routine, although I could just be inferring this. If Turnbow ends up being the closer this year...XDXDXD and run for your lives, Brewers fen, because we're screwed)