The Luck of the Irish

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

I forgot to post yesterday and say "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" It was definitely a happy one for the green-clad Red Sox. The Sox had four home runs in yesterday's victory over the Minnesota Twins - including a 450-yarder by Jason Bay. Beckett gave up a couple of runs, but they were not hard hit and really just luck on the part of the Twins. Jason Varitek had a homer from the left side - he's been working on his left-handed swing quite a bit this year, so this was an excellent sign.

But, wait, really the Sox had five home runs - Youkilis hit a gargantuan blast in the WBC last night, with Team USA making the 9th inning comeback to win and advance to the Semi Finals.

I was really into the WBC during the first round, but once Pedroia left due to injury, some of my enthusiasm went with him. I have to admit to hoping the US would lose that last game, so we could get Youk back. I don't want him wearing himself out too soon.

The luck of the Irish was also with me. One of the traditions at the school which employs me is a springtime holiday called "Duck Day." On a random day - usually in late April or early May - it is announced during our morning chapel that it's Duck Day. The boys all change into their "play clothes" and head down to the athletic fields for a day of fun and games. They have blow-up water slides, squirt gun battles, tricycle races, belly flop contests in the outdoor pool, pie eating. Student bands perform. And food - lots and lots of "boy food." First donuts, then Chik-Fil-As, then pizza, then Subway humongous sandwiches. Shaved ice. Chips. Cookies. A Weight Watchers' nightmare!

It's a fun tradition. It gives the kids a chance to burn off some of their pent-up energy and pre-exam nerves. A change of pace for them. Since this is a college prep school, for the most part, they have heavy duty academic schedules, as well as a full slate of extra-curriculars. The faculty like it because it gives us at least a half free day.

This year they're making one big change to the day: they've announced the date. At our faculty meeting this a.m., the Upper School head told us that they were tired of trying to keep the secret of the date, and many faculty have said they were unhappy with not being able to properly plan for their classes. So Duck Day this year will be:

April 6th.

Look at your Red Sox schedule. That date should sound familiar. It's OPENING DAY! The first game of the season - at Fenway Park - against those Devil Rays. I was trying to figure out how I could slip away from the office and watch it live (stomach virus? "woman problems"?). Now I don't need an excuse!

Lucky indeed!
Only 18 days and 21 hours!