I absolutely hate the fact that I am working right now. At least NESN is rebroadcasting tonight!

Those rings are huge. Any idea how much one cost?

Them rings are purty

Bill Buckner is throwing out the first pitch.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/04/buckners_back.html

You know, if I were superstitious, I'd be trembling right now. That's just wrong.

It would be awesome if he'd turn around backwards and roll it to home plate between his legs.

That would be incredibly amazing. I doubt he will though. Let's just hope that, if someone tosses him a ball, he'll catch it. Of all the days to get called into work, it had to be this one.

Good luck Sox boys.

Just heard that Big Papi saw the ring prototype and asked for more bling.

Why does that not surprise me?

The Red Sox have been very good at honoring the past. Like him or not, he's part of the past.

forget this pre-game show shit, bring on the bling.

Ahem, I don't consider Bill throwing out the first pitch goosebump-worthy.

**bad fan**

Ahem, I don't consider Bill throwing out the first pitch goosebump-worthy.

**bad fan**

Sorry, don't know why that posted twice. Buckner-itis?

I'm with you on that sentiment Starr

Goosebump worthy would have been Jordan Leandre throwing it out or Ted Williams being unfrozen to throw it out.

A few more minutes, Ian, a few more minutes!

I'm impatient Jules.

THAT WAS AN AWESOME SHORT PIECE

Secondly, NESN standard definition shows different ads than the NESN HD feed.

Agreed. Ted Williams, reanimated, woulda been spectacular.

I do apologize for those of you at work for my excitedness today. And i'm so excited, I'm making up words.

COUGH COUGH that's what i'd be telling my boss right now.

Seeing the pregame makes me want to be there!

Oh Canada!

All those flags are amazing.

Ian, be in the exciting moment.

I can only speak for myself, but it's not like I'm totally, 100% focused on the work today.

If this is monitored, I'm being productive! Really. I am.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

I like how they cut away to the players in the dugout, while they tried to get the banner under control.

DUDE. All the teams and trophies are there! Unbelievable!

Now this is goosebump worthy

BRUUUSCHI!

He's a local boy.

Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox champions all on one field. WOW.

This is pretty sweet.

For those of us not viewing from the Boston Globe a list of the Boston team players on the field:
Boston Bruins
John 'Johnny? Bucyk
Ken Hodge
Donald 'Don? Marcotte
John 'Johnny? McKenzie
Bobby Orr

Boston Celtics
Danny Ainge
M.L. Carr
John Havlicek
K.C. Jones
Bill Russell
Jo Jo White

New England Patriots
Tedy Bruschi
Kevin Faulk
Larry Izzo
Lonnie Paxton

Boston Red Sox
Brian Daubach
Curtis Leskanic
Dave McCarty

Thanks starr! I'll put up video later - although I'd bet NESN will have all of it as well.

Why aren't they calling out the guys' names??

Tek comes out to Superman's Theme. OF COURSE.

Seeing Tek get his ring reminds me of the video of him measuring his toe. That was funny.

DOUGIE!!!!!!!!!!

Josh gets Indiana Jones' theme. HEE.

Does Brian Daubach still have terrible facial hair?

YOUK to Bond. heheehee

Can I say how happy I am that Mike is back in a Sox uni this year (and the next two)?!?!?!

Star Wars music for Manny

I'm so sad I can't watch. I was going to take my lunch late and go watch it in a cafe or something on campus, but I had to take it early today!

Star Wars victory march for Manny.

Whoever set all this up is GENIUS. This is perfect.

Oh, those planning meetings must have been fun; matching up players to songs. Darn.fun.work.

As an aside, why is everyone in the office now stopping by to request info and set up meetings? Why now? :0

Pirates of the Carribbean theme for the bullpen. BRILLIANT.

Agreed: The music is fun and must've been a blast to plan.

starr4: yankee fans? ha

Shipping Up To Boston for Paps. Of course. And he's so modest, too.

OMG! Shipping up to Boston for Pap.

Just.made.my.day.

Dirty Water for Papi. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

Perfect. just perfect!

Did they show Dice -K getting his ring?

how great it is that Papi and Pesky are putting the flag up?

No Erin because he had to go warm up for the game.

Pesky: "Why'd you gotta make that [flag] so goddamned big?" :)

Now THAT was goosebump-worthy.

AAAAHHHHHHHHH...this is killing me! What did they play for Beckett?

Wakey and Pesky are adorable.

Thanks Ian! Thats what thought when I missed it before, but I wanted to be sure.

The Main Theme to Raiders of the Lost Ark for Beckett

Indiana Jones theme, shark.

now the baseball season can begin--enough of the dog & pony show.

I really, really wish they'd let the Bruins, Celtics, Pats and old Sox guys stay in those folding chairs on the field the whole game.

Beckett - don't wallop Lester on the head so hard. You might injure him.

are you SURE they are re-airing this tonight on NESN?

I didn't see it listed on their TV schedule.

Here's all the music from the Pro Jo SoxBlog:

The rings for the Manager and the Coaches were given out as the Boston Pops played the Main Theme to the Magnificent Seven, originally composed by Elmer Bernstein, chosen to collectively represent Manager Terry Francona and his team of six coaches.

When the Saints Go Marching In was played during the distribution of rings for the Trainers and Clubhouse Staff.

The Main Theme to Superman, composed by John Williams, was performed by the Boston Pops when Captain and Catcher Jason Varitek, Catcher Kevin Cash and former Catcher Doug Mirabelli received their rings to represent Varitek’s signature at-bat song Kryptonite by the band 3 Doors Down.

The Main Theme to Raiders of the Lost Ark, composed by John Williams, was played as the starting pitchers received their rings. The song was chosen to embody the ‘go-getter’ spirit of the pitching staff that was best embodied by the Indiana Jones character.

The 2007 Infield received their World Championship rings to the tune of the popular James Bond Theme, originally composed by Monty Norman, representing their slick defensive and dashing offensive capabilities.

The 2007 Outfield received their rings to the strains of the John Williams masterpiece The Throne and End Titles in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, which was selected because of its regality and splendor reflecting the myriad personalities of the Red Sox’ spectacular outfield last season.

The Bullpen from last season received their rings to the tune of He’s a Pirate from the Pirates of the Caribbean series, which was chosen to appropriately represent the ‘pirate’ theme that the bullpen went by the entire season last year.

Closer Jonathan Papelbon received his ring to his signature song, Shipping Up to Boston by the Dropkick Murphys

Designated Hitter David Ortiz, responsible for so many exciting walk-off wins during his tenure here in Boston, received his ring to the Red Sox’ victory song at Fenway Park, Dirty Water by the Standells.

http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/programming/onair/daily_view.html?4,8,08

PS: By "dog & pony show," I mean the exhibition games, etc. NOT this wonderful ceremony ;-)

Ian, awesome, thanks for posting that.

Yes, I'm sure. It's a condensed 30 minute version.

I do like how they brought back Daubach though - NICE!

where's Brunansky?? bring me some Brunansky!!!

I think the front office was a little scared Billy would get booed.

The fighter jets just circled over Somerville.

Your welcome and in case your wondering about Buckner's music:

Buckner walked out to the Closing Credits theme from the movie Glory, composed by James Horner. The movie is based on the history of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment during the American Civil War and was one of the first formal units of the U.S. Army to be made up entirely of African American soldiers.

Awww - is Bill tearing up? AWWWWWWWWWWWW.

Texy that link I posted says it will be on for a full hour

Let's hope Buckner isn't cursed still, Youk just touched him.

All's I know is what my TV guide says - it says just 30 minutes. Of course, my Tivo program guide said 1 hour.

My channel just went black!

Crap. I can't watch on NESN...got some FSN channel with a crappy HD feed. Tigers announcers. Kill me. I can't get the *real* HD feed. Why, am I *not* paying enough to directv?

:: fumes ::

There's the Paps commercial we've been hearing about.

TG - was it the Dunkin commercial? I'm totally looking forward to those.

Rub it in TG, rub it in.

;-)

:: still fuming ::

Although, the FSN announcer said the ring ceremony was the "best thing I've ever seen."

damn straight, buddy.

Nope - a sporting goods ad. No Dunkin commercial yet. I'll put that Paps commercial up, too.

Texy my comcast tv guide on screen says 6:30-7:30 on NESN.

My cable's showing a repeat of the ring ceremony from 6:30-7:30. Then the game again.

Texy, I'm doing the video as well. Sent you an email about that.

Inquiring minds, not able to access video, want to know. How was Buckner received?!?

Off to a meeting, can you believe it? Said as only Joe C. can say it.
Yankees fans, indeed.

Buckner was well received.

I'm sitting here in North Carolina reading these comments and so, so, SO wishing I could have seen the ceremony on TV, and the game too, of course. I'm so jealous. The comment about the different theme songs had me teared up. The video link won't come up on my office server so I'll check it at home tonight. I can't wait for the nationally televised games this coming weekend so I can see my guys again!

Billy got cheered - loudly and for a long time. He also teared up a tad on the mound.

UGH...this is killing me!!!!

Dice is looking just fine today. Better than fine, even.

Starting this game off right - basehit for Youk.

Dice is looking great.

Two on, too bad Manny got out, but it advanced the runners and wasn't a double play.

Too bad Guillen didn't Buckner that ball

Next time, boys, when there's runners on, let's drive them in. Ok? Thanks.

NICE pitch

My cable modem is crawling today. Of course trying to upload big files of video goodness isn't helping.

That's my boy Greg Gibson behind the dish.

TEK!!!! Nice hit!

let's bring 'em in.

YAY!!!!!

SHUUUUUUUTUP!!!!!!!!!!

Man, I *hate* the announcers who go on about Pedrioa's size. Shut it, already!

yeah, I'm still cranky about not being able to watch NESN ;-)

Did that hawk have a rat? Or was I seeing things?

Ellen - I swore I thought it had a little wriggling body in its talons.

No place for Papi

"Rally hawk?"

What did I do to piss off the baseball gods?

OK, *I'll* shut up now.
;-)

Wow.

DAMN. So close. Damn you, Magglio, and your long flowing locks.

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit. 10 more feet Papi

That was close!

too bad.

Go Papi!!

Damn you ESPN gamecast - too slow.

Anything exciting happening? You all watching the game have gone very quiet.

Have you heard/seen the "Opening Day At Fenway" poem (WROR)?

A co-worker sent it to me: "Opening Day At Fenway"

MANNNNNNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wahoo!

Thanks for that throw! WOOHOO!

Woo hoo double play!

schweet dp

DICE-KKKK

I'm loving the overthrows!

Those overthrows are helpful.

E5.

After standing in line in a failed attempt to buy tickets, along with a few hundred others, I've just joined the party. Good to see the Sox back at Fenway. They're looking much more relaxed.

How close was that last fly to Manny to being a HR?

Dice-K looks good. that sucks mjaegs. That means you missed all the fun on the field :((

He caught it in front of the wall

Sorry you didn't get in the game.

The Sox do look more relaxed and are showing more patience at the plate. They seemed to jumpy in Toronto.

The Tigers' announcers were saying that Diasuke was "good, but not that good."

grrrrrr...

Thanks. One more hour until I can go watch the game, but who's counting?

I will also be taking advantage of JP Licks free ice cream today.

anything to make a buck. The TARGET dugout

I've got first two parts of ring ceremony up.

Free ice cream? What's that you say?? :)

I actually caught some of the ceremony while in line. Will catch all the pre-game festivities tonight. Certainly heard everything, and the jets were right there. Note to the faithful fans: should you ever find yourself stuck in the line, you can walk up to Game On and see everything from the sidewalk.

One free small ice cream per customer at all JP Licks locations. I don't think it was well-publicized at all.

DICE-KKKKKK

Come on Diasuke! Let's get out of this inning.

So nice to have the boys back home.

Big out there.

Billy Buckner is SO soft spoken. That's surprising.

"Takes a huge swing for a little guy."

Can we just put announcers on notice to LET IT GO!

maybe he was really nervous? Buckner seems to be more relaxed and the volume has come up a little bit.

I was about to say the same thing Texy. Very quiet. It's like those two are forcing him to talk.

That was great. you can be an analyst. anyone can do it (pointing at Remdawg).

YOUKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

It is so much more enjoyable to watch when they have the lead.

Texy do you want all the links for the ring videos when I get them all up or are you doing them as well.

I think I'm going to do them all myself. I'll holler, if not.

OK. I had to shut my email down for a bit. I'm up to part 4 uploaded. two more to go. LOL.

Nice grab McCabrera.

BTW, I made them so our friend can't do anything with them. :D

Let's go Mikey

LOAD'EM Up for the hottest hittter on the Sox.

who walks.

another great NESN ad

So Ian you're doing well. Well yes Ian. I am.

Did Buckner's soft tone lull y'all to sleep? It's opening day wakeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (field) up

Ian, we're just thrilled to see the bases loaded. It's been a while.

LOL, Ian.

For me, I'm awake, but multi-tasking: keeping an eye on the game, reading use cases, diagraming workflows, and watching the clock for my daughter's track meet. Busy day!

Of course, I'm mainly watching the game ;-)

Nothing like having a conversation with yourself, eh?

Just trying to amuse myself I guess. since I'm just sitting here uploading all the videos. 4 down 2 to go.

Supposed to be a special guest singer for the 7 inning stretch.

After not having any work to do for 2 days, I was suddenly hit with 3 things to do from each person in my office. What was this injury delay business Gameday talks about?

DICE-KKKKKKK

Pudge took a foul ball of his elbow.

Good outing by Dice-K nonetheless.

That was nice of NESN to stay with that.

Time to leave work and actually watch the game. Thanks for keeping us updated!

Steven Tyler, of course!

phew and hmm.

This is a comment that my mom just left for me.

Talk about welcoming someone with open arms — get it?

Steven Tyler - wOOT WOOT

How frigginnnnnnn awesome was that?

home from work! did some listening to joe & co back in the receiving room, did some listening while driving home, and now i am parked on the couch where i belong. eee. daisuke looked good, yes? i like the score, for sure!

Yay! Jenny, fresh back from her jaunt to Toronto... where she met Pedroia but did NOT bring our boys luck. :)

Yes Jenny, Dice-K looked muy bien.

TG- much to my chagrin! i did everything in my power to bring the boys luck, but BAD luck seems to have ruled the weekend (at least on the field at the skydome). pedroia's grin made it allllll worth it, though. ;D

i sort of can't believe they just showed the standings on the wall at fenway where we're in last. >.

Ya think he was a little hesitant in throwing that after the 3 e's in Toronto.

Awesome!

THIS IS SO AWESOME I CANNOT COMPREHEND.

I kind of like the sparkly jacket, too. Eep.

Looks like Papi got to Neil's jacket with his Bedazzler!

That Neil Diamond thing was okay, but may have been the most awkward thing I have ever seen, particularly the Tom Werner portion.

are the standells still alive for a live rendition of DIRTY WATAH after the game.

HI JOSH BECKETT.

also: three hits for youk! sweeeeet!

I'm thinking the replay of the ring ceremony might take place a little later than 6:30 the way this is going.

ian: i just knocked on wood for you. ;D

Jeter's out for the Skanks until at least Friday.

Neil Diamond on NESN?

TG, are you going to have video of that?

Texy, i sent you the link to the videos in case you wanted it.

Of course, jules! You know me!

GAME!

I was glad to see MDC pitch well--especially after Toronto.

TG, that's awesome! thanks.

If the Standells are still alive, I guess they were too busy.

Thanks as always Texy.

And the Hawk did have something in it's mouth.

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20080408/capt.db306821c38e4344be2db054239df8d9.tigers_red_sox_baseball_mack111.jpg

From Wikipedia re: The Standells
All of the original members are back together, and performed at the second game of the 2004 World Series as well as the first game of the 2007 American League Division Series at Fenway Park.
More here

Ah, that was me above. Music. baseball. My two obsessions.

Watching the ring ceremony, and the festivities was goosebump-worthy. I stand corrected from earlier.

All those superb athletes in one place, with all that hardware, it was like Mt. Olympus for a brief Boston moment.

This is so friggin' SWEET!!! The MLB phrase 'I LIVE FOR THIS' is meant solely for Red Sox Nation today.

So busy this afternoon--but I got home at 5 to SIX FULL HOURS of pre-game, ceremonies, game, and post-game. I LOVE DVR.

The Buckner thing was awesome. That's all there is to it...

I'm looking forward to all the video! Again!