My friends and family know I'm not one to get all googly over babies... but these pictures of the soon-to-be Daddy and Mommy Papelbon are too cute not to share. These were taken at Vitaminwater's MLB All-Star week celebration at Hudson Terrace on July 14, 2008 in New York City.
Ashley looks positively radiant, and Jonathan looks downright proud of himself. "ME MAN. ME MAKE BABY. ME AWESOME."
Stork's A-Coming!
Congratulations to Jonathan and Ashley Papelbon!
Per the Hartford Courant, Ashley is expecting the couple's first child -- no word on the due date yet.
And what better congratulatory gift than a giant media firestorm and the back page of the New York Daily News branding you a "Papelbum"? From the same Courant story:
Jonathan Papelbon was upset over a NY Daily News account of his remarks yesterday. During his 50 minutes of press availability he was asked many times, in many ways, about the who-should-close controversy, and at one point, asked who would close if he was the manager, he said, well, him.
Later in the session, he said if he had to step aside for Rivera, it was okay with him.
Anyway, Papelbon and his wife, who is expecting a baby, were booed during the Red Carpet Parade Monday. "How would you feel?" he said. "I understand it, but my wife didn't feel comfortable."
In the words of the immortal Chase Utley: "Boo? F*** you."
Big Papi was a co-host (with Maria Menounos ) of the 2008 Captain Morgan All-Star Pose Off Party in New York City last night -- which presented the public with this golden photo opportunity.
This also gives me the opportunity to point out that despite the dire warnings from Mike Timlin about the consequences, Jonathan Papelbon revealed the pirate names of his bullpen mates:
Papelbon - The Cannonballer or The Lost Boy
Lopez - The Bootstrap
Timlin - Admiral Blackbeard
Delcarmen - El Tattoo
Aardsma - The Dutchman
Okajima - The Eastern Wizard
Hansen - cannot be revealed
I have a feeling Craig Hansen's name couldn't be revealed not because it was super secret, but because Jonathan either (a) forgot, or (b) made all these up himself and ran out of ideas.
Congratulations go out to Jon Lester, who revealed to Dan Roche tonight on WBZ (from Beckett Bowl out in Malden) that he got engaged yesterday to his girlfriend of more than a year, Farah Johnson.
Here's video of Jon talking about Beckett Bowl and his engagement - he just can't keep the goofy grin off his face.
video courtesy of WBZ
NASCAR Is Not A Sport
This will most likely be the only time you'll ever see me post anything about NASCAR - despite what ESPN would like us to believe, it is NOT a sport - but lord knows that if a Sox player is involved, I can be convinced to care about almost anything.
Yesterday at Fenway was a big ol' Roush Fenway Racing corporate synergy and product placement extravaganza - which included bringing out several of the team drivers in the back of a pickup truck filled with little kids (no, I swear) and draping a giant checkered flag over the Monster (emblazoned with the corporate logos, of course). Unfortunately, this also lead to another day of less-than-fascinating in-booth interviews during the game... but fortunately, it meant there was an excuse for Jon Lester to be interviewed on ESPN's NASCAR news show.
video courtesy of ESPN
Of course, this wasn't the first time the Red Sox and Roush Fenway Racing teamed up for some mutual self-promotion and corporate synergy -- back in February of last year, Josh Beckett, Mike Timlin and Tim Wakefield all made an appearance in Daytona, Florida to help announce the Roush/Fenway partnership. Which gives me a perfect excuse to post pictures of that event.
Josh Beckett in cowboy boots for the win!
Papi Time! Papi Time!
Sox fans have been deprived of the sight of a big David Ortiz grin from the diamond. So while we wait for his return, I thought it was high time for a little Big Papi collection of goodness.
First up, Papi was at the Prudential the other day to dole out some free ice cream and generally look dapper in a chapeau and smart button-down.
It was also announced today that Big Papi will be one of the presenters at the ESPY Awards on ESPN on July 20th, along with David Beckham, Steve Nash, Danica Patrick, Lance Armstrong, Annika Sorenstam... and Brendan Fraser. One of these things is not like the other...
And finally, just because, this picture- which is awesome:
Party Pictures Make Everything Better
You know what the surefire cure is for a case of the ho-hums the day after a crappy ballgame? Pictures of your favorite Sox players partying after winning the World Series! I have no idea who took these, or why they've been buried so long, or why Jonathan Papelbon isn't featured prominently... all I know is, they are glorious.
Hat tip to Don Chavez for posting the photos first.
Boston's Favorite Almost-But-Not-Quite Sox Player
Kevin Millar just can't get enough of Boston. Papi, Lester and Schilling and the rest of the Sox crew weren't the only ones at Sunday night's Celtics-Lakers clash, Mr. Millar was live and in person -- and made an appearance on the jumbotron in the Garden to a rousing ovation. Per the Globe, he was parked right next to David Ortiz at courtside.
As usual, some folks in Baltimore are getting their feathers ruffled about Kevin's Boston proclivities.
I don't know what to make of this. On the one hand it's just some dude enjoying an off night among friends. On the other, it just looks bad.
Basically I think it comes down to this: Millar is kind of a big oaf, and he knows not what he does. Some of the best years of his life were spent in Boston and he probably really does wish he was still there. I don't doubt that he gives the Orioles 100%, but he's not now and will never be "one of us" (for lack of a better way to put it). He's just a warm body at first base, holding a place for Mark Teixeira or whoever else we settle on to man that position for real.
It may be an off-day for most of us, but not for Captain America Jason Varitek. He's hosting his annual Celebrity Putt-Putt tourney tonight in Middleton to raise money for Saints Medical Center and Celebrities for Charity. Last year, several members of the team showed up to play through the (tiny) greens-- so we're counting on those of you who are going to report back tonight with photos and stories.
The best part of the event, though, has to be the cute-as-a-button commercial with Varitek and Jon Lester that's been showing on NESN. A couple of weeks ago, NESN also went behind the scenes to film a kind of "Making Of The Video" segment for that same commercial -- and to celebrate Tek's tourney, here's video of that:
video courtesy of NESN
Sox Spotting At the Celtics Game
After last night's Celtics-Lakers finals game, it's time to add to the ever-growing compendium of Sox dressed up in their best Celtics green. And who wouldn't enjoy getting kickass courtside seats and watching the local 5 beat up on the guys from L.A.?
The Globe reported that, "[t]he Sox contingent was expected to include Curt Schilling, David Ortiz, Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, Jacoby Ellsbury, Tim Wakefield, Coco Crisp, Julio Lugo, Alex Cora, and front-office folks Mike Dee, Sam Kennedy, John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino." No official confirmation whether that whole slew of Sox guys actually attended the game, but at least three of that gang were in attendance.
David Ortiz was at the game, of course- he's getting to be a regular. Pretty soon, he'll have his own seat on the Celtics bench. Jon Lester was also on-hand, and was honored by the Celtics as part of their "Heroes Among Us" program-- and was given a standing ovation by the crowd.
Curt Schilling took in the game from courtside seats directly beside the Lakers' bench- which gave him a fantastic opportunity to listen in on all the action. And, of course, he's wiling to talk all about it:
One thing I did learn was that in addition to not having one ounce of athletic ability, being white, and having no vertical, and only being able to dribble right handed, I couldn't play in the NBA because about 43 times last night I heard things being said that would have made me swing at someone. These guys talk MAJOR trash on the floor, and the great part is that most of the times I've seen it the guy on the receiving end usually doesn't respond much, if at all, and just plays the game, schooling the guy who feels like he needs to talk to make his game better.
See lots more pictures of the Sox at last night's game, after the jump...
Manny Ramirez took full advantage of the off-day on Monday, and went down to Bristol, CT to film two different ESPN Sportscenter commercials. Joe Haggerty talked with the ESPN folks, and they wouldn't divulge very much information, but they did give him a few details about the day:
*SportsCenter anchors Jay Harris, Karl Ravech and Boston's own Steve Levy were also featured in the sports.
*Spots will run at some point during the 2008 season.
*"Manny arrived right on time and was thoroughly professional throughout the shoot," said Seth Ader, ESPN senior director of ESPN Marketing. "He worked well with our anchors, and proved to be an excellent actor. To steal a phrase describing another baseball slugger, Manny was a 'Natural.'"
Manny was on time? Who'd a thunk it?
And someone better make sure Jonathan Papelbon doesn't hear about Manny's "natural" and "excellent" acting abilities. Papelbon's already got a big enough head about acting in commercials as it is, we don't need him dueling with Manny over who has the better commercial. (Everyone knows Dustin Pedroia's stellar Pleats-In-Cleats performance for Sullivan Tire wins, hands down.)
Josh Is Teaching The Next Generation
Josh Beckett won't let something like "guts-twisting flu" keep him from passing on his wisdom to the impressionable youth of America. In this case, the kids of the Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology Department were the beneficiary of his giggles (seriously, he giggled- there's photographic proof). Lord only knows what stories he laid on those kids, or what helpful advice he rendered.
Josh also delivered a $100,000 check to Children's Hospital- the money he raised at last year's Beckett Bowl. The next Beckett Bowl is just around the corner (July 10th)- and the advertisements for it are cropping up around town. You can click on the image below to see a larger version.
photo credit Boston Herald
Pedroia Jumps On The Bandwagon
The Celtics bandwagon is getting rather crowded these days-- die-hard Sacramento Kings fanaticDustin Pedroia jumped on the green train this past weekend just in time to see the Celtics defeat the Hawks in the first round playoff game.
A few short hours after rallying from behind to beat the Rangers on Sunday, Celtics regulars David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis (and his fiancee Enza) were joined by Mike Lowell and Dustin Pedroia courtside at the Garden. Dustin entered the building looking like this:
But by midway through the 1st period, he had somehow managed to shed the shirt he came in, and don a long sleeved white tee and a Rajon Rondo t-shirt, to look like this:
I'd like to think this was the result of some sort of bet with Celtics go-to guy Big Papi, who challenged Dustin to a beer shotgunning contest or something.
And speaking of Big Papi, let's take a closer look at the sparkly bling he was rocking... Spectacular cocktail ring, Papi - and that diamond crusted watch looks positively bedazzled. I also see that he's taken the Josh Beckett patented "Wear Way Too Many Hemp Necklaces" look, and turned it on its ear- and goes instead for the "Wear Way Too Many Hemp Bracelets" look.
Papi also once again had the distinct honor of holding the ball for Lucky, the Celtics mascot, while he made a dunk.
And there's a little video of that after the jump...
Oh, Stickbug. Somehow, I thought you might turn out different. But I see it took less than a few months of big league ball for this to happen.
[Clay] Buchholz's dad confirmed yesterday that his boy has spent some quality time with the 23-year-old Penthouse Pet of the Year Erica Ellyson.
Apparently Erica also spilled the beans - somewhat - to Howard Stern the other morning, telling the satellite shock jock that she was sleeping with someone on the Sox.
"It doesn't surprise me any," said Clay's dad. "Last year up in Boston he was dating a Victoria's Secret model, so he's moving up the ladder . . . . I mean, he's got pretty good taste."
On her MySpace page the perky Pet lists her interests as "being naked and spanking" along with the more tame "golf, track, fishing and drinking with friends."
Kudos... I guess?
But in no way, shape or form is a Penthouse Pet a step up from a Vicky's Secret model. Sorry, Stickbug.
Also: this is just another reason why parents should never, ever, under any circumstances discuss their children's sex lives. In addition to being icky on every level (seriously, how creepy is it that his dad is talking about who Clay is banging?), maybe Clay didn't feel like telling the world about this.
I wonder if she'll get the Leanne Tweeden treatment for opening her trap to Stern?
Jacoby! Jacoby! Jacoby!
So I thought I was cool as ice when I somehow mysteriously showed up on the Red Sox Christmas card list this year. I thought I was BIG STUFF. Little did I know, that was just the beginning.
Apparently I'm also on the "random Jacoby Ellsbury news and information mailing list for people who may or may not be a tad too knowledgeable about the minutiae of his career" ... because I got an email from a Nike dude hyping up the new website for Nike SPARQ Training that features Jacoby.
OK, maybe there is no such insider email list - I suspect the same email went to a ton of Red Sox bloggers. But I like to pretend I'm more important than I am.
So, just for that Nike dude - and for those of you who never get tired of seeing Jacoby pictures - here are the Nike promo shots of Jacoby. You can visit the website for video, and photos/video of the other participating athletes, including: Kevin Durant (yay!), Adrian Peterson (boo!), Matt Holliday (you still never touched the plate!) and Pete Carroll (?!? not exactly a hot body, but I'm going to boo him anyway since he's from USC).
While trawling through Dontrelle Willis's page on wikipedia earlier this week, I noticed this interesting little nugget of information:
Can be seen in Chappelle's Show Season 2 Episode 5 along with former Marlins friend and teammate Josh Beckett
D-Train and Josh Beckett palling around together on Chappelle's Show? I had to see this. (and reader Meg had the same idea- she saw that little tidbit as well) Lo and behold, it's true:
There they are - in episode 5 of season 2, which aired back in February of 2004 and therefore must've been filmed shortly after the Marlins won the 2003 World Series. Josh and Dontrelle are not guests on the show, or even announced as being in the audience. The camera just pans across the front row, and there are two noticeably huge guys with their legs sprawled out that are hard to miss. I find it fascinating to learn that D-Train and Beckett are buds, hanging out together in their offseason. It's rather charming - because I adore them both.
And of course you know I have video for you - this was a great episode anyway, it's the one with the Prince playing basketball sketch. But I've just got the opening monologue and last few seconds of the show, when the guys are onscreen.
video courtesy of Comedy Central
The things you can learn from Wikipedia!
Dunkin Jacoby
Two great tastes that taste great together: Dunkin Donuts and Jacoby Ellsbury. Mr. Ellsbury was back in his old Sea Dog stomping grounds of Portland, Maine this morning at two different Dunkin Donuts stores, to serve up coffee and donuts and meet some fans (and reporters). He also brought along the World Series trophy - and Sox fans packed the stores to the brim to get a look.
A large crowd packed the restaurant and the overflow of fans waited outside the doors for Ellsbury to say hello. Just after 9 a.m., the Red Sox outfielder found himself behind the counter handing out food while being deluged by a hundred or so well wishers seemingly all armed with digital cameras.
Ellsbury enjoyed his short stint as a Dunkin' Donuts staffer-even donning a head set and waiting on several drive-up customers. Many of the fans were disappointed to hear that because of a lack of time, he would be unable to sign autographs. Nonetheless, Ellsbury's visit pleased everyone who had waited to see one of Boston's World Series heroes in person.
The two most common questions asked of Ellsbury by fans are if he's single, and if he will be traded to the Twins.
Sorry ladies, but he has a girlfriend. As far as his future baseball career is concerned, he says he hopes to stay with the Red Sox for a long time.
I've got video of the NBC affiliates report for you after the jump- which includes a quick interview with a couple who showed up with their brand new baby... they named after Jacoby. (hilarious, considering this discussion we've been having.) How that guy can be so relaxed and charming with all that hoopla- including grandmas screaming that they "want him" and people bringing their babies named after him- I do not know.
I've confessed before that I'm a Cowboys fan, and a Brett Favre fan- so the Patriots are not my team. But I'm going to show them a little love today, on the day of the AFC Championship, just because so many of the Sox heart them. Don't think I've been converted, though- even if I am being nice for the sake of the Sox. I'm still a Cowboys girl- where else can I get a QB who dates a string of vacuous blondes, a crying T.O., and a nutty owner who screams at the players from the sideline?
Even though I haven't been converted- Mike Lowell has. He told the Projo that though he grew up in South Florida as a Dolphins fans, he's backing the Patriots.
We're living in a time when it's a great time to be a sports fan in Boston. There's so many good things going on, so why not keep the ball rolling?
Curt Schilling (a regular Patriots game attendee), Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz were all at the Patriots-Dolphins game back in December- I posted about it (including a whole bunch of pictures) here. But NESN aired a great clip of their day at Gillette -- including shots of them standing at a table behind the three Lombardi trophies and two World Series trophies.
My gift to Pats fans:
video courtesy of NESN
Bulldoggin' It
This offseason, Dustin Pedroia has made sure to give props to Arizona State, Kevin Youkilis has shown love to the U. of Cincinnati, and Josh Beckett has unfortunately thrown his support behind Texas A&M (retch). And now it's time for Mississippi State to get some Red Sox love.
Jonathan Papelbon was back on the Mississippi State campus last night to watch his alma mater take on the Kentucky Wildcats in basketball. During the first break in play in the first half, Papelbon was introduced to the crowd (and got a standing ovation, of course)- although ESPN in its not-so-infinite wisdom declined to show him at any point in their broadcast of the game. (boo!)
Jonathan also then spoke to a whole mess of reporters during halftime- giving the required props to the Bulldogs.
"A lot has changed, that's for sure. It's always good to see that the school that you went to is going in a good direction, and I definitely feel that. Everywhere you go, you're known as a kid that came out of Mississippi State. So I always try to stay true to my roots, obviously."
He also said that it was a good moment when he played back in the south, against the Atlanta Braves, to look out and see people wearing Mississippi State hats and jerseys in support of him.
The reporters also got his thoughts on the current topic du jour in baseball- steroids:
[Papelbon] said, firstly that he never did steroids, and that he doesn't quite understand the reason behind going back and digging up dirt on past players instead of focusing on treating the problem now.
Just like ESPN ignored Papelbon during the broadcast -- apprently the photographers ignored him as well, because I couldn't find a single picture of him at the game. So how about I just post a picture of him back in his college days instead?
Beckett Is Pure
Or, at least he parties there.
Freed from the shackles of having to host Red Sox rookies at his ranch in Texas this offseason (boo!), Josh Beckett spent the New Year in Las Vegas. Josh, his girlfriend, his best friend and other assorted Beckett buddies partied it up at Pure nightclub (inside Caesar's Palace) on New Year's Day at a party hosted by Paris Hilton. Seriously. I cannot imagine a more dissimilar pair of people. There most assuredly were epic eyerolls from Josh if those two crossed paths on the dancefloor.
Others in attendance? Mo Vaughn. Seriously. Also Chiefs RB Larry Johnson, Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud, Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin, and former Falcons RB Jamal Anderson. And Suge Knight. Seriously.
It doesn't make up for no Beckett Boot Camp stories, but Josh showing up to a Paris Hilton party- and Mo Vaughn in attendance as well? To have been a fly on the wall...
Hat tip to Kim for first alerting me to this!
Mike Lowell = Derek Lowe?
You might think it would be hard to confuse this guy:
With this guy:
But you would be wrong.
Mike Lowell was at last night's Gonzaga-Utah college basketball game as a guest of his buddy (and former Marlin) Mike Redmond, catcher for the Twins. Redmond went to Gonzaga and is a huge Zags fan-- and so he asked Lowell to stop in and speak to the team in the locker room after the game. Whatever Lowell said must have been pretty awesome, because the Seattle papers reported his "speech was greeted with cheers" by the team.
But the hilarity came during the game. Mike and Mike sat together right behind the Zags' bench- and word spread around amongst the spectators and players that there was a big-time baseball player in their midst. This caused some confusion for Gonzaga basketball player- and avid baseball fan- David Pendergraft ("Pendo"). Fellow Zags player Matt Bouldin said:
It's funny, right before the game Pendo was saying, 'Derek Lowe is sitting right behind our bench.' I'm like, 'Where?' I'm looking for two minutes and I don't see him. Later I heard the announcement that it was Mike Lowell.
I said, 'Pendo, it's Mike Lowell,' and he's like, 'Ahhh, sorry.' Pendo's a baseball fan. I expected a lot more out of him.
I'm pretty positive this is the first time someone has ever mistaken Mike Lowell for Derek Lowe. Just don't tell Alyssa Milano about this.
Beckett-In-Boots
Two best things about last night's Alamo Bowl?
1. Watching Penn State beat Texas A&M.
2. Josh Beckett in boots.
Our favorite Aggie (which is really saying something, considering my well-documented aversion to them) was once again on the sidelines of a Texas A&M football game, but this time there's video. And he's wearing boots.
You might recall that I expressed my displeasure when he showed up to the Texas game wearing an A&M hat- thankfully he chose to wear a Herradura Ranch ballcap this time instead. Dressed in full Texan regalia (Wranglers, ostrich boots, big ol' belt buckle and Pat Green shirt), ESPN cut to Josh several times in the broadcast-- and since Doug Flutie was in the broadcast booth, this also meant we got a little Red Sox talk as well... on air during a football game. In Texas. Between schools from PA and TX. Awesome.
The boots in question
Here's video of the Beckett and Sox segments: (one note: when Flutie mentions that "Pony" was wearing a Red Sox shirt, he's referring to ESPN broadcaster Craig James- who was a standout QB at SMU (mascot: Mustangs, also called the Pony Express or Ponies)... apparently even that die-hard Texan Craig James owns property in Mass. and was sporting a Red Sox shirt in San Antonio yesterday)
video courtesy of ESPN
King Dustin
David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Manny Delcarmen and a whole host of other Red Sox may root, root, root for the Celtics- but northern Cali boy Dustin Pedroia still stays loyal to his hometown Sacramento Kings. (At least he's not alone in shunning the Celts- since Josh Beckett hearts him some San Antonio Spurs.) Back during the World Series, Dustin proclaimed his Kings fandom:
[Dustin] was asked by a Boston reporter about playing in a sports epicenter, considering the Red Sox are in the World Series, the Patriots are an NFL power, Boston College is No. 2 in the nation and the beefed-up Celtics are a threat to win the NBA title. "I'm a Sacramento Kings fan," said Pedroia, who's from Woodland in Yolo County. "I know they're rebuilding this year, but I don't want to hear about any epicenter."
So when the Kings had BeanTown night on the 26th while the Celtics were in town, it's no surprise Dustin showed up to support his team.
During pregame, Dustin was introduced to the crowd and given a #15 Kings jersey (though he didn't put it on, and wasn't otherwise wearing any Kings gear -- smart guy, after the LeBron James fiasco). The Kings also played a highlight montage on the jumbotron showing off some of Dustin's best plays this year. The SacBee says Dustin got a standing ovation - but Sactown Royalty describes it as more of a "lukewarm reception". Judge for yourself- here's some homemade video of his introduction:
Dustin did give props to Kevin Garnett- apparently, the two became buddies when Garnett was at Fenway earlier in the year to throw out the first pitch:
"[Garnett] came out to Fenway, and what a great guy," Pedroia said. "He's one of my favorite players to watch because he plays the game the right way."
The highlight, though was when the Kings broadcasters brought Dustin up to the broadcast table for a two-part interview while the game was in progress. Dustin gave everyone a great look at his buzzed bald head, and generally was his normal charming, funny self.
Here's the first half of the video:
Follow after the jump for the second part of the interview.
In one of the oddest pairings since, well, the Odd Couple: Hideki Okajima and Randy Johnson teamed up for a Phiten/MLB press conference in Tokyo a few weeks ago. According to the photo wire, "An agreement has been reach[ed] for Phiten to produce MLB authorized official health care goods to be used by 30 clubs across the US."
I'm not sure what the Big Unit and Okey Dokey talked about - but since the press conference produced this awesome photo, it had to have been interesting (to say the least):
Here's what happens when I don't write these here Sox On The Town posts as often as I should: approximately one kajillion things happen, and then the post is so long it takes up the whole page. So, how's about I break the post up- post some now, and some later. That way, it's not quite so long.
First up, football! David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Curt Schilling and John Henry were all at the Patriots-Dolphins game at Gillette Stadium last weekend to take part in a pregame ceremony honoring the Red Sox. The Pats played a 2007 Sox highlight film (set to "Dirty Water") on the jumbotron, and Youk (in a Tom Brady jersey), Schilling (Tedy Bruschi jersey) and Big Papi (Laurence Maroney jersey) brought out the '04 and '07 WS trophies for the crowd. The Sox and Pats guys also apparently had a grand old time yucking it up on the sidelines - comparing championship rings, perhaps?
"The Red Sox put a lot of pressure on us," said wide receiver Troy Brown, who got a pre-game hug from Ortiz. "They did a tremendous job."
Patriots safety Rodney Harrison said the team got some well wishes from the Red Sox trio on Sunday. "We wish them the best and they wish us the best," Harrison said. "I don't know about Tom Brady being a Red Sox fan, but most of the guys on this team, we enjoy that."
Beth has a whole bunch more about the festivities, but here's a picture of Papi and Curt (and follow after the jump for more pictures of the guys in Pats gear).
Curt Schilling (and family) were also in Foxboro to watch the Patriots beat the Steelers - as well as Jacoby Ellsbury and his "galpal" Kelsey Hawkins. I love that word - "galpal". The Herald won't just come out and call her his girlfriend, they're so coy and 1950's about the whole thing. Curt seems to somehow end up at almost every single Patriots game - perks of being a WS champion thrice over, I suppose.
Lest you think the Sox only care about the Patriots- David Ortiz was back courtside at the Celtics game again, this time against the Pistons. Papi looks awfully dapper in that Celtics green, I gotta say.
Doug "Dougie Fresh" Mirabelli spent Christmas Eve day back in his offseason home of Traverse City, Michigan spearheading his second annual coat drive. Doug got together with the Red Sox Foundation and TJ Maxx, and collected over $12,000 worth of coats, snow pants, boots, hats and mittens- which were then distributed to needy kids all over the Traverse City area.
"The whole point was to get these coats out here and get them into hands of kids who need them," said Mirabelli. "That's all we ever wanted it to be, not about Doug Mirabelli, TJ Maxx or the Boston Red Sox."
Kudos to Dougie Fresh for looking out for the kiddos - and that winter-y beard? Very nice, I must say.
Last, but most certainly not least, Jason Varitek was down at Walt Disney World with the wife and kids yesterday. Somehow, some way, someone managed to get him to don pirate gear (my money's on a kid... what won't parents do for their kids at the holidays?)- and thus this awesome picture was born. All we need is Captain Morgan to join them, and we would have hit the Captain Trifecta.
photo courtesy Gene Duncan
Follow the jump to find more Sox-In-Pats Gear photos...
David Ortiz appeared on "Costas Now" on HBO last week, for a sit-down interview with Bob Costas. Costas has an earnest eagerness that borders on annoying on occasion, but the vast majority of the time he has an excellent way of asking random questions that give you rare insight into athletes... and this interview is no exception.
Costas asks Papi about his constant chattering out on the basepaths- and Papi says he talks about anything, mostly baseball, but he'll talk about anything. Papi says that sometimes guys will try and focus on what's going on between the pitcher and batter... but they'll still end up talking to him anyway because he's "like a dessert". More specifically, "chocolate thunder dessert".
I am calling him Chocolate Thunder Dessert from now on.
He talks about the Dominican Republic, and the important role baseball plays in everyday life for all kids around the Dominican. "We got [baseball] in our blood", he says- that baseball is the national pasttime there, and there's not even a close second.
They also talk about Papi's boundless enthusiasm and love for the game- and his constant joking and pranks. Torii Hunter makes an appearance to talk about his old pal Papi, and says, "When he walks in a room full of people, he will light up that room because he comes in with that big smile."
Papi (and Torii) talks about the time Twins' teammate Corey put peanut butter - smooth, not chunky - in his underwear, and he didn't realize it all while he was putting on his pants and jersey... until he got to the door of the clubhouse, and then hollered, "Wait a minute! Something's not right!" and then went chasing after Corey. Torii says Papi pulled his pants down, looked down and said, "Did I boo-boo on myself?"
Torii also says, about the Twins releasing Papi, "I think that's the biggest mistake the Twins ever made. Ever. They made a lot-- but that was the biggest ever." Indeed- thank you, Twins. But Torii wasn't done with his praise for David, he later says, "David Ortiz is definitely worth loving. If you want to be like somebody, kids, be like David Ortiz. Have fun with the game, play hard... and hit homers in a clutch situation." Torii Hunter, I like you a lot.
Here's full video of the whole interview:
video courtesy of HBO
Joba + Clay = 4 Eva
Joba Chamberlain (retch) is this month's coverboy on ESPN the Magazine (double retch), and the accompanying story online by Buster Olney contains a series of text messages sent by Joba to Buster. Boy howdy does Joba love him some exclamation points, to wit:
I text A LOT. About 100-200 a day!
It was awesome!
It's just so complex in all areas of training!
I've thought about it!
Sounds good. I will be ready!
Once you get past the plethora of exclamation points, there are a couple of interesting tidbits. First, Buster asked Joba which big league hitter had the best swings against him last season. His answer? "Mike Lowell was the toughest hitter for me. Sliders and fastballs. I couldn't get him out!" (note the exclamation point)
Then, Buster asked Joba about the rumor that he texted Clay Buchholz the night of Clay's no-hitter back in September. Reportedly, Joba and Clay struck up a friendship at the Futures Game over the summer, and have been texting buddies ever since. So what did Joba tell Clay that night? "I texted Clay that day! Before the game, actually. I just wished him good luck. Then after the game I wrote, "glad u got that out of your system."" (exclamation point)
OK, even I have to admit that's kind of cute.
I still don't like you, though, Joba, no matter how nice you are to Stickbug.
Sox On The Town
First up, there has been a report that there will be a very cool bobblehead on sale at Modell's -- Jonathan Papelbon, in a kilt, doing his now-famous Irish jig. There's no announcement of this item over at Modells.com yet, but I can guarantee you they'd sell a ton of those.
Daisuke Matsuzaka arrived back in Japan before Thanksgiving, and was - of course- immediately accosted by a horde of reporters and photographers. He held a quick little Q&A session, during which he disclosed that he was disappointed in his personal performance during the playoffs, and needed to improve on his command for next season. He also indicated he wanted to be with his wife for the birth of his second child- but hoped things worked out so that he could play with the Sox in Japan for next season's opener.
Back home in Georgia, Jason Varitek (along with local Braves boys Andruw Jones and John Smoltz) participated in a charity golf tournament in Atlanta to help raise money for survivors of domestic violence. The Fairway Affair Gala and Golf Tournament raised over $280,000.
Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Curt Schilling, Manny Delcarmen and Tim Wakefield, as well as prospects Justin Masterson, Caleb Clay and Michael Bowden, all were at Fenway Park at the end of November for workouts and visits with pitching coach John Farrell and other members of the Red Sox staff. Per Curt:
We got together this morning to go over where we are, and where we need to go as pitchers and a staff for the upcoming season. I think that the average age, were it not for my presence, was about 11...
Buchholz has also been hard at work on his offseason strength and conditioning program - and has been working out at a facility down in Pensacola, Florida. Coach Farrell indicated Clay is "making great gains", and that he is targeted for 180-185 innings for the 2008 season. Clay and the rest of the Sox rookies will all return to Fenway in January for the Sox rookie development program.
While waiting to see if he stays in Boston, or needs to look for a house in Minnesota, Jon Lesterwas in Brighton on Tuesday the 27th, autographing copies of the brand spankin' new World Series Film on DVD, and posing for pictures with little kids.
I particularly enjoy this photo- "Here, Jon- I'm going to set my baby on the table next to you, and then you have to smile for a picture while my baby ignores you."
Manny Delcarmen and the 2007 World Series trophy were in Manchester, NH on Saturday for the Manchester Monarchs-Rockford Icehogs hockey game. Manny and the trophy were part of a pre-game rally on the plaza of the Verizon Wireless Arena and a pre-game on-ice ceremony and puck drop. There was also a charity auction of special Monarchs game-worn jerseys with a specialty Red Sox 2007 World Series Championship commemorative patch, benefiting both the Monarchs Care Foundation and the Red Sox Foundation, that raised $10,000 for the Webster House.
David Ortiz took part in a food drive in Plainville, Mass. -- on his 32nd birthday, no less -- to benefit victims of Hurrican Noel back in his native Dominican Republic. Reportedly over 1,000 folks showed up to the Plainville Stop & Shop Supermarket and donated food and money, and got to listen to Big Papi make a touching speech- which was followed up by a serenade of "Happy Birthday" from the crowd.
"One thing in my hometown, the Red Sox are the No. 1 team over there," Ortiz added. "From the bottom of my heart, this is huge. This is a wonderful thing and it's going to help a lot of people. You cannot imagine. You have no clue about the people that are going to be helped."
"You guys are going to make me cry, I better stop," Big Papi said, drawing sympathetic sighs from the crowd.
Jonathan Papelbon was also out in Mansfield, Mass. yesterday at the Shaw's Supermarket, helping to collect food and money as part of a food drive for the hungry throughout the region. Shoppers can continue to support the food drive through December 16th at all area Shaw's and Star Market stores. Apparently, some folks were a little disappointed- because Jonathan didn't stick around to greet fans or sign autographs. "I've got to go feed the hungry," Papelbon said, offering reporters a two-minute chance to ask about baseball before he left the crowd of nearly 100.
During Saturday night's Arizona State-Arizona football game, Dustin Pedroia was honored by his alma mater ASU- and was announced at the stadium as "the greatest baseball player in Arizona State history." Which is both awesome and hilarious- because Barry Bonds is an ASU grad as well. Dustin received a maroon football jersey with his name and No. 15 on the back- and I really wish I had a picture of this to share, but sadly, I do not.
I do, however, have a different college football picture. Reader Shannen tipped me off to this picture of Josh Beckett from last week's disastrous Texas-Texas A&M game. I am happy to report, however, that Josh's girlfriend went to Texas- so even if he walks around in A&M gear, we all know that he really prefers Longhorns. As he should. So, Josh- I guess I'm not mad at you anymore.
Curt Schilling has been all over the place -- he and his family were at Gillette last weekend to watch the Patriots take on the Eagles, then he headed to California to speak at the Consumer Technology Innovations conference, and then was back in Mass. to give a pep talk to the Medfield High varsity football team in their gymnasium on the eve of the high school Super Bowl.
Mike Lowell may have done it first, but Doug Mirabelli was honored on November 23rd by Walt Disney World when he served as the grand marshal for the Magic Kingdom parade. His wife and daughter also rode in the parade with him.
The Lowell Spinners annual Alumni Dinner went off without a hitch over the weekend- and Jonathan Papelbon was on-hand at the DoubleTree in Lowell to receive the Dick Berardino Distinguished Alumni Award. Jonathan's twin brothers Joshua and Jeremy (both pitchers in the minor leagues)- as well as Gabe Kapler and the '07 World Series trophy- were also all in Lowell for the event.
"Josh (his brother) likes to kid me that he had a better ERA in Lowell than I did," the Red Sox closer told a sold-out audience of 375. "But I like to tell him I got to pitch in the World Series."
Love this picture- he TOWERS over that little old lady.
I did have it. And then I left it on the table one day-- and my dog plays with baseball as toys-- my dog chewed it up, and I had to throw it away. It's gone. It's in the garbage somewhere in Florida somewhere.
They also ask him about Santana- and the possibility of obtaining him, and what it would cost the Sox to make that happen. It's a pretty interesting little interview- minus the stupid ball question, of course.
video courtesy of NESN
Upcoming Events:
Dec 07: Jacoby Ellsbury - DVD signing
Dec 08: Clay Buchholz - autograph signing
Dec 08: Jacoby Ellsbury - autograph signing
Dec 12: Curt Schilling - SHADE fundraiser
Jan 17: Boston Baseball Writers' Association Dinner
Jacoby Ellsbury will be at the FYE in Boston (411 Washington Street) on Friday, December 7th to sign copies of the World Series DVD-- but you'll need to call the store and reserve a space. Jacoby will then be at Emerald Square Mall in North Attleboro, Mass. on Saturday, December 8th from 1-3 pm to sign autographs, contact the Mall for details.
Clay Buchholz will be signing autographs in Portsmouth, RI on December 8th at the Your Sports Memorabilia Store. Prices and more details here.
Walking The Red Carpet
Tonight was the world premiere of the "2007 World Series Film" (see my previous post on the event here), and several Sox-ians were on hand to walk the red carpet- including Terry Francona, Curt Schilling, Manny Delcarmen, Larry Lucchino and Dave Magadan, plus the Dropkick Murphys and special appearances by both the 2004 and 2007 World Series trophies.
Curt apparently did not get the memo regarding the dress code for the night, since it appears every other person in attendance was wearing suits and dresses - and Curt rolled in wearing jeans and a blue plaid shirt. Because when I think "red carpet", I think "old plaid shirt". I'm not going to give him too hard a time for the wardrobe malfunction, though - because he told reporters he looks forward to retiring in Boston and spending the next 10 years "in the bleachers hecking Tito." He can wear whatever he wants when he talks like that.
Matt Damon, who narrated the film, was not on hand for the premiere- but he did send a special treat for those in attendance: a special one-time only ending to the film. "The Red Sox are 2007 World Champions. Suck on it New York!" I really like that guy. There's an excellent article in the Globe here all about Matt and his Sox love- which includes this gem: "My brother told me my nephews think Mike Lowell is George Clooney."
NOTE: NESN is also doing their own 2007 film, but this one will cover the entire '07 season, not just the World Series. It will be called "Champions Again: The Story of the 2007 Boston Red Sox" . and will air on NESN sometime in December.
Here's some video from the World Premiere event - and I've got tons more pictures from the evening after the jump. Did you go to the premiere? Stop by and drop a comment and let us know how it went!
First it was Tim Wakefield, Manny Delcarmen, Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz. Then Tito Francona. Then Kevin Youkilis. Then Alex Cora. And now it's Big Papi's turn. It seems all the cool kids are hanging out at Celtics games these days.
David Ortiz was at the Celtics-Warriors game on Wednesday night, rockin' a #34 Paul Pierce jersey and a Celtics hat. He was interviewed on the jumbotron above the court, and a loud chorus of "PAPI! PAPI! PAPI!" cheers broke out.
He also tried his hand at the roundball, of the large orange variety-- and attempted a three point shot from the corner of the court at halftime... which missed the basket by several feet. It's a good thing he has that small white roundball to fall back on.
And here's a quick video clip of Papi assisting Lucky the Leprechaun with a stunt dunk- much like Tito Francona did last week:
Jacoby was the focus of all the attention back in his hometown of Madras, Oregon today-- as the Jacoby Ellsbury Day parade (that I told you about back on Tuesday) went off without a hitch. Despite the threat of inclement weather derailing the parade, it went on as planned-- with Jacoby riding down the main street in Madras in the back of a convertible Corvette, with his name and #46 emblazoned on the side.
Jacoby's mom, dad and brothers each also got their own cars in the parade- which included some of the local firefighters and little leaguers and members of Jacoby's Madras High class of '02. At the Madras High gym, Jacoby was presented with a key to the city, an American flag and a Native American necklace. He spoke to the gathered crowds, and also had a little Q&A session with 10 local kids.
I have to give a special shoutout to this gem in the AP report on the event:
[Jacoby] recalled being so nervous he almost threw up driving to the ballpark for his first start for the Red Sox, and pitcher Josh Beckett advising him, "Just don't screw it up."
Beautiful. I enjoy the thought of Beckett mentoring the young players with gruff asides and confidence-building gems like this. Something tells me Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester are in for a treat down in Cotulla this winter.
