True or false: nobody ever pinch-hit for Ted Williams. False. On September 20, 1960, Ted Williams fouled a pitch from Oriole Hal Brown off his instep. That hurts. Bad. Ted Williams walked off the field, through the dugout, and into the clubhouse, and one Carroll Hardy was told to grab a bat and step to the plate. He was the only man ever to pinch-hit for Ted Williams. After all, when you’re the greatest hitter who ever lived, it’s going to take an injury to get you out of
the batter’s box. (For what it’s worth, he pinch-hit three times for Yaz.)
If you’re looking for a new or used car, Edmunds.com is a one-stop source of information, from prices to vehicle descriptions. And speaking of vehicle descriptions, how do we know this site is one that Red Sox Nation can trust? By reading the first paragraph of its review of the Kia Optima, which couldn’t be centered on a more accurate and apt analogy:
Like Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, the 2009 Kia Optima is an out-of-the-spotlight player that’s fully capable of delivering the goods when need be. Rather than dazzle those in the stands with either a deep-center homer or a struck-out-swinging-for-the-fences at bat, Lowell is more apt to hit a single or double and get a few runners across the plate. And though the Optima isn’t capable of making a great catch and starting a double play like Mr. Lowell, it likewise boasts a subtle, well-rounded character that’s easy to like – for those willing to take notice.
When Jacoby Ellsbury left the game on June 7, 2009 with a shoulder strain, Rocco Baldelli knew he was coming in. But would he play center and leave Mark Kotsay, who started, in right, or would Kotsay move to center and Baldelli take right? Rock, Paper, Scissors made that big decision, with a little help from Brad Mills.
The Yankees have a bad attitude. That’s nothing new. But what happens when sports humor meets the Onion? A situation that’s so absurd it’s actually almost believable.
We’re not the only ones who love baseball. Check out this squirrel watching the game from the best seat in the house: the outfield in Comerica Park in Detroit on June 2, 2009. Clearly a Red Sox fan, the squirrel wanted to conference with Jacoby Ellsbury and JD Drew and get an up-close look at what it’s like to win on the road.
It’s no secret that the guys like to unwind and have fun in the clubhouse. Here, Sean Casey asks David Ortiz the tough questions.
During our last game at the Metrodome in Minnesota, on May 28, 2009, Terry Francona had a confrontation with home plate umpire Todd Tichenor. His blood pressure shot up and he had more trouble than usual bringing it down. He was looked at by medical personnel and then felt much better, but his day got worse. The team flew out to Toronto after the game, and it was pouring rain on the tarmac as Tito stood there looking for his bag. He couldn’t find it and had to wait for everyone else to retrieve theirs. But he did find some solace in commenting on one soaked second baseman:
When Pedey came off, he looked like a drowned rat.
Big Papi appears here for Comcast, doing all the things he does when he’s not busy hitting balls out of the park.
The captain sharing his wisdom, as always. And he was absolutely right, too.
Irrelevant
Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger. Dustin Pedroia does it all. Including providing Sony with a frontman for their video game, “MLB The Show.” Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Sony makes the game so realistic, with none other than the Destroyah as your host.
The Kid, the Splendid Splinter, Teddy Ballgame; whatever you call him, when he had a bat in his hands he was more baseball god than man. Ted Williams was, without question, the greatest hitter who ever lived. No one has ever been able to even come close to his offensive ability. And in this video, it’s very easy to see why.
I like this picture because it perfectly illustrates our captain’s importance to the team. He’s leader on and off the field, he’s a great team player, and he’s like a dad to the younger guys. Here he’s congratulating Jed Lowrie after his game-winning home run in extras against the Jays.
AP Photo
This poem appeared in Boston.com’s Extra Bases. Mike Savio, a fellow Sox fan, wrote it after Manny was traded. It’s very clever, and it’s an accurate portrayal of the situation in which we find ourselves.
‘Twas the night before August and all through the Nation
The fans on their feet in a standing ovation.
Ramirez – the baby – is off to L.A.
So who is this guy they call Jason Bay?
He bats from the right and throws that way too,
And produces the home runs; he has 22.
Will he ever be Manny? “Not a chance” might be true,
But when he hits his first homah, we’ll all say “Manny who?”
He’ll protect our Big Papi and with Mike at his back,
He’ll make up for what with Ramirez we lack:
Good defense in left field, base-running skill too,
And he’ll run out the grounders unlike you-know-who.
If you look at the stats, Bay’s a star on the rise
While Manny – his stature – is shrinking in size
Just look at the stats. Can you guess who is who?
AVG HR RBI OBP SLG
.282 22 64 .375 .519 – Player 1
.299 20 68 .398 .529 – Player 2
(I’ll give you a hint: Goodbye, Player 2!)
With the A’s due in town, get the offense on track!
But will Papi and Bay will be a formidable attack?
At the end of the day brings an unnerving truth:
Yes, Papi and Manny were like Gehrig-Ruth.
So here’s some advice from a local Sox fan.
Please try to get it right if you can:
Say “Wall”; not “Green Monster.”
Pronounce “Pahk” with no “R.”
Produce like you’ve been doing and you’ll be a star.
The “bleachers” are in right field,
Pesky’s Pole’s “down the line.”
Say “I hate the Yankees” and you’ll fit in just fine.
By the way, Red Sox Nation, raise your glass in a toast.
Pay homage to an old friend who’s on the West Coast.
He’s a friend of the Nation and a really good sport:
Thank you, thank you, oh thank you dear old friend Frank McCourt.
So we hope for the best as the day turns to night.
I’ll just finish my poem and turn out the light.
But as I try to sleep, I turn and I toss;
Jason Bay for Ramirez, Hansen, and Moss?
Did we make the right choice? Did we give up too much?
Will Jason Bay ever hit in the clutch?
I find I can’t sleep and I sit up in fright.
I know Manny was wrong; God, I hope Theo’s right.
But what about Manny? How hard will he play
Now playing with Nomar and Lowe in LA?
I promise you this: there’s more to his story.
As you head off to bed, say a prayer for Joe Torre!
The official drum corps of the Boston Red Sox bullpen: giving “Stomp” a run for its money.
One of the reasons why we like NESN so much is because it’s so entertaining, and you have to love the visits to the booth by Lenny Clarke and Denis Leary. Here’s the text of what went down on that funny, funny day when Curt Schilling pitched and Kevin Youkilis hit and Lenny and Denis discussed Mel Gibson.
This is the kind of team that Red Sox Nation supports. Makes you proud.
Remember the July 4th game with the Skankees in the Bronx? Remember Youk’s almost-home-run triple? Remember how Johnny Damon looked like a complete fool trying to get a handle on it and how he actually had to take directions from a fan? Well, just in case you don’t remember, here’s a picture.
AP Photo
The official rain delay entertainment of the Boston Red Sox, courtesy of Jonathan Papelbon and Manny Delcarmen.
Everyone who’s met him says that Manny Ramirez is the happiest guy in the world. Here’s proof.
SBNation
As a team and an organization, the Boston Red Sox do more for charity and the community than any other baseball team I’ve seen. Here, Jonathan Papelbon and his brothers help out as subjects of “Pitching with the Papelbons,” a children’s book by Jon and Lauren Goode with illustrations by Rachel Gregorio. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book is donated to an organization that benefits children with and families affected by cystic fibrosis and cerebral palsy.
Pitching with the Papelbons
I love this picture. You wanna talk about dirt dogs? Here’s the quintessential dirt dog for you: Dustin Pedroia. He hits, fields, dives, slides, and hardly ever finishes a game without dirt on his letters. Way to play, Dusty.
Reuters
Yes, this is what you think it is. Johnny “The Devil” Damon poses here for a picture with his brand-new gold thong. You know, the undergarments designed for, but apparently not limited to, ladies? They were recommended by Jason Giambi, who wears them to get out of slumps. Derek Jeter has also worn them but claims they’re uncomfortable when running the bases. I’d make a quip here, but I think the whole situation speaks for itself.
NY Daily News
A great quote from a truly great player: David Ortiz.
When life gives you lemons, smash ‘em with a bat.
The Boston Baseball Band has released three albums, “Go Red Sox!” and
“11 in 10″ in 2007 and “Extra Innings” in 2008. The band’s sound is
mellow rock, and the songs are hilarious and have titles like “Manny
Being Manny,” “Papelbon Dance,” and “Tim Wakefield Will Pitch ’til
He’s 50!”
CD Baby
Nike’s 2004 World Series commercial. Gets you right in the heart.
