CENTER FIELD :: Once More, With Feeling

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Once More, With Feeling

Thirty-six hours later, and there's still a lingering feel of giddiness, for no particular reason at all. But before officially moving on to other things, a few superlatives deserve to be handed out -- and a few more videos need to be posted.

For rendering service in total disregard to life and limb, the Game Saver Award goes to Jacoby Ellsbury. Last time, it was rookie Dustin Pedroia with a diving catch to save Clay Buchholz's bacon; this time, Jacoby stepped up and helped preserve the No-No.

For a record-breaking track record of fabulous game-calling, the Oh Captain, My Captain Award goes to Jason Varitek. Hideo Nomo. Derek Lowe. Clay Buchholz. And now Jon Lester. It's like he's the best catcher in the majors or something.

For managing Jon Lester the pitcher to a victory on the field, and for helping manage Jon Lester the man to a victory off the field, the Father (Figure) of the Year Award goes to Terry Francona. He also earns himself Awesomest Emotional Hug of the Century, of which I will (of course) post several photos.

NESN caught up with both Jon Lester and Jason Varitek yesterday afternoon, and got a complete rundown of their thoughts and reactions the day following the no-hitter. Here's Lester's interview below- and Jason's interview is after the jump.

video courtesy of NESN

Lester also made an appearance on ABC World News last night as well - he's now cemented his status as official media darling.

Jason Varitek, pregame:

video courtesy of NESN

Comments (9)

[ Jane ] says:
on May 21, 2008 2:54 PM

Texy- THANK YOU!

I still can't shake the good feelings. And now I can watch him on my iPod!? Glorious. Absolutely glorious.

[ Jane ] says:
on May 21, 2008 3:05 PM

... and my God, he's handsome. He's glowing in that pre-game interview. Too cute.

[ Liza ] says:
on May 21, 2008 3:51 PM

After the World Series last year, some article (in the Globe, maybe?) joked about Matt Damon being cast in "The Jon Lester Story." I think there's a serious possibility of that happening... though given the rate of amazing things to happen to this kid, he'll be the best pitcher ever by the time he's 30.

[ Jane ] says:
on May 21, 2008 4:28 PM

Liza- I like it. I think it can work.

[IMG]http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm51/soxuallyaroused/yeahalrightilltakeit.jpg[/IMG]

Of course, homeboy on the left is far superior on the Stud Scale.

[ njdevils ] says:
on May 21, 2008 4:47 PM

Liza, I remember reading that, but in the article I read, it was Jake Gyllenhaal, not Damon.

"Jake Gyllenhaal is already lined up to play the lead in "The Jon Lester Story," a major motion picture coming soon to theaters near you."

Jane's picture comparison makes Damon seem really good for the role, though.

[ jules ] says:
on May 21, 2008 5:52 PM

Thanks for posting the clips, Texy! I saw Tek last night, but missed the other two.

I know Lester would rather be known for his pitching than overcoming cancer (and who can blame him), but that little boy with cancer broke my heart. The encouragement he received from Lester was special. I hope Lester can embrace his impact on those with cancer. I think that like Lance Armstrong, it will *always* be a part of his story.

[ jules ] says:
on May 21, 2008 5:55 PM

AND...I'm excited to see Colon tonight. Masterson did a great job last night and was promoted to Pawtucket. Excellent.

[ fc ] says:
on May 21, 2008 11:52 PM

Yay, extra treats for my nightly post game reading/viewing! It's so cool to be able to go to the game and have all these interviews that I missed collected in one sweet package. And I saw that pregame interview with Jon happening!

What a sweet, adorable, balanced kid. I still get giddy just thinking about this wonderful accomplishment that will forever be part of his life. Overjoyed. Just overjoyed.

[ mouse ] says:
on May 22, 2008 1:18 AM

The images with Tito choke me up everytime. The way Lester's beaming and Tito looks like he's going to cry and laugh all at once? It's too much.

I wavered a lot during the offseason, but now it's cemented: I am really, really glad the Sox didn't trade Lester for Santana.

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