On the road again

Just checking in - via my beloved netbook.

On the road again- this time en route to visit my family in New England. Of course, this will include 3 games at Fenway over the weekend - the three game series vs. the Orioles. I hope we see the return of Cla Meredith - that would make Kelly very happy!

The long drive today - 614 miles! - was eased by listening to audio books. They really make the miles fly by. I listened to a Jim Dale reading of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Dale is an amazing reader of audio books - his Harry Potters are fantastic, as is his reading of "A Christmas Carol." Wow, I'd forgotten how absurd Carroll's work is! But the best part of the trip was the last 2 1/2 hours - I got out David Halberstam's "The Teammates." It's the story of the lifelong friendship of four Red Sox teammates: Bobby Doerr, Johnny Pesky, Dom DiMaggio and Ted Williams. I read the book several years ago - and loved it! This reading - by Tate Donovan, who will forever by Jennifer Anniston's ex, to me! - is wonderful. Perfect for the last leg - when I was really running out of energy and needed a caffeinated boost - it went by so fast. I had a smile on my face and tiny tear in my eye. Such a wonderful story - and the author so captures these four wonderful men.

Good time to revisit this photo:


On to New England tomorrow!

Johnny Pesky

Getty Images

To me Johnny Pesky IS the Red Sox. He's been a part of the organization for 69 years - as a player, a coach, a manager, an instructor, and an "ambassador." He has an unquestioning love for the team, for Fenway Park, and for the fans. Every time I've been to Fenway in the past three years, I see him at least once. Often he's sitting at a table in "Autograph Alley," tirelessly signing autographs and posing for photos. I've seen him sitting in the stands behind home plate when the Park first opens, greeting surprised fans as they head in to watch batting practice. A few years ago, Bud Selig said he couldn't sit in the dugout during the games - which created an outcry among fans and players both. And one can't imagine the World Series Ring Ceremonies in '04 and '07 without Johnny there to help raise the banner.

So I was so excited to hear this afternoon that the Sox are finally going to retire number 6. They had previously only recognized members of the Baseball Hall of Fame who had played for 10 years or more for the Sox, and had finished their careers as members of the team. Such restrictions meant that only the "cream of the crop" would be honored: Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Joe Cronin, Yaz, and Carlton Fisk. I mean, I'm glad the Sox haven't retired tons of numbers (like our rivals to the southwest have). But I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor - and I'm so glad they're doing it while Johnny is still here to enjoy it.

Two Generations

Photo by J. Meric

I just had to post this photo. Is it not awesome? Two generations of "pesky" Red Sox infielders. You know that these two must have a great relationship - Johnny Pesky and Dustin Pedroia. Johnny would be an incredible mentor and friend for a young player to have, and Dustin is the kind of spark plug that Pesky would latch onto.