BoSox Club Blog

Ted Postage Stamp Aprroved!

2011-09-06T15:53:00.001-04:00

It was a long time coming, but the U.S. Postal Service has approved a Ted Williams stamp—to be joined in a series with stamps for Larry Doby, Willie Stargell and Joe DiMaggio.

Thousands of fans from around the world helped in the effort to get this stamp approved, but none more than Bruce Donahue—past president of the BoSox Club. He deserves the lion's share of credit for persevering through all the ups and downs of the approval process. Congratulations, Bruce! A great Red Sox player and a great American is finally being honored with a commemorative stamp.

Dewey & Aviles At BoSox Lunch

2011-08-31T14:57:00.002-04:00

Red Sox legend Dwight Evans (pictured here) and newcomer Mike Aviles addressed today's BoSox Club Luncheon at the Waltham Westin Hotel.

Dewey recounted his memories of both the 1975 and 1986 World Series—divulging that he has yet to watch any highlight films of the latter. Mike Aviles—who came over in a trade from Kansas City at the deadline—is thrilled to have a real opportunity at a ring. He talked about his impressive rise from Division 2 college ball through the minors to the bigs.

The BoSox Club is the official booster club of the Red Sox. You can get to great events like this by joining the club at our main website HERE.

BoSox Club Presents Check To Wake

2011-08-04T09:27:00.002-04:00

BoSox Club President Steve Dukeman presents a check from the club to Red Sox star Tim Wakefield.

Williams, Geddy, Herrmann Visit BoSox

2011-08-03T13:59:00.005-04:00

Red Sox left-handed reliever Randy Williams (pictured) joined members of the BoSox Club for their luncheon at the Westin Hotel in Waltham on Wednesday, August 3rd. Randy talked about his path to the major leagues, and discussed his interactions with 2004 Red Sox hero Kevin Millar—who attended the same college as Randy.

Also on hand were Rich Gedman, star of the 1986 American League Championship Red Sox, and current hitting coach of the Lowell Spinners. Rich recounted stories about that great '86 team and, in particular, his role in the 20-strikeout game by Roger Clemens.

Former Red Sox broadcaster Jerry Trupiano emceed the event, which also included Indians broadcaster Jim Rosenhaus, and the Tribe's right-handed relief pitcher, Frank Herrmann (a Harvard graduate).

BoSox President Profiled On MLB.com

2011-07-29T16:46:00.003-04:00

BoSox Club President Steve Dukeman was profiled recently in an article on MLB.com. The article traces Steve's die-hard following of the Red Sox from his youth to his current position of leadership in the club.

You can also vote for Steve as MLB's "All Together" Red Sox fan. Voting takes place through Saturday, July 30th. VOTE FOR STEVE DUKEMAN HERE.

'Oil Can', Andrew Miller Visit BoSox Club

2011-07-27T14:39:00.010-04:00

Lanky (6'7") Red Sox left-handed starter Andrew Miller visited the BoSox Club at their luncheon today at the Westin Hotel in Waltham. Also in attendance were former Sox star Dennis 'Oil Can' Boyd—of the 1986 American League Championship team.

Radio and TV personality Dale Arnold emceed the event, which also included appearances by Bob Davis (long-time Royals broadcaster) and Royals LHP Tim Collins (from Worcester, MA).

Oil Can shared his advice with the attendees (and the two young pitchers) by stressing "first-pitch strikes" and "pitching to contact" to get hitters out. He talked about how even power pitchers—like his former teammate Roger Clemens—pitched to contact. As "The Can" pointed out, this also leads to shorter ballgames.

BoSox VP Runs For Charity!

2011-05-23T09:37:00.007-04:00

For the second consecutive year, BoSox Club Vice President Paul Shorthose led the BoSox Club Team in the Run To Home Base at Fenway Park on May 22nd. The event honors all veterans and raises funds for the Home Base Program, which provides clinical care, education, research and community outreach to the many veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with combat stress and/or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and their families.

Paul (pictured here with teammate Katherine Gardner) and the BoSox Club Team raised $3,755!

Bill Buckner Attends BoSox Luncheon

2011-05-20T14:16:00.006-04:00

The great Bill Buckner appeared at today's BoSox Club luncheon at the Westin Hotel in Waltham. Hundreds of Red Sox fans enjoyed listening to 'Billy Buck' recount stories of his playing days with the Dodgers, Cubs and Red Sox.

Also on hand were Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald, Judd Sirott of the Cubs broadcast team, and WEEI personality Jon Rish. You can enjoy great events like this by joining the BoSox Club at our website, www.bosoxclub.com

Help The BoSox Team's Run!

2011-05-04T11:28:00.003-04:00

For the second consecutive year, BoSox Club Vice President Paul Shorthose will be leading the BoSox Club Team in the upcoming Run To Home Base at Fenway Park. The event honors all veterans and raises funds for the Home Base Program, which provides clinical care, education, research and community outreach to the many veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with combat stress and/or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and their families.

Help Paul and the the BoSox Club Team by donating HERE.

New BoSox Club Website!

2011-03-17T09:06:00.003-04:00

Check out our new and improved club website. Everything you need at your fingertips!

BoSox Luncheon Schedule For 2011

2011-03-14T11:51:00.001-04:00

Remembering Jackie Jensen

2011-03-09T09:35:00.003-05:00

For those of us old enough and lucky enough to have seen Jackie Jensen play for the Red Sox, it's one of the few good memories of an era when not much went right for the Carmine Hose. Jensen—who broke into the big leagues as a Yankee—came to the Red Sox in a "Heathcliff Slocumb-like" deal in 1953. Jackie was shipped to Fenway from the Washington Senators for two immortals—Mickey McDermott and Tom Umphlett. McDemott had a decent .500 pitching career and Umphlett retired at age 25.

Jackie Jensen patrolled right field in Boston for seven years—hitting .282 with a .374 OPB. He was an All-Star twice and launched 170 home runs for the Sox. In 1958 he hit 35 home runs and knocked in 122—he was the American League MVP. Not a bad trade. Jackie died far too soon at age 55 in 1982. Had he lived, he would have been 84 years old today. We will always remember him as the dynamic right-handed counter-punch to Ted Williams.

Become A BoSox Club Member!

2011-02-16T12:26:00.002-05:00

Get Ready, Nation!

2011-02-03T11:53:00.002-05:00

Former Sox Exec Lajoie Passes Away

2010-12-29T09:08:00.004-05:00

Longtime baseball executive and former Red Sox consultant Bill Lajoie passed away on Tuesday at age 76. Reportedly, he was a prime mover of the trade that sent Hanley Ramirez to the Marlins for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell. After Theo Epstein's brief departure in 2005, Lajoie helped run baseball operations on Yawkey Way and supposedly pushed for the trade that helped lead to the 2007 World Championship. Lajoie was most famous for building the 1984 World Championship Tigers club.

Vote On Gonzalez Nickname

2010-12-29T08:43:00.003-05:00

You can log on to the NESN website to make your choice from among four potential nicknames for new Red Sox first baseman, Adrian Gonzalez. VOTE HERE.

2011 Expectations Poll

2010-12-22T09:56:00.000-05:00

Online Surveys & Market Research

HOF'er Gammons Addresses BoSox

2010-11-10T14:35:00.003-05:00

The Hot Stove Luncheon of the BoSox Club was held today at the Newton Marriott. Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons (NESN, MLB Network) addressed the gathering of over 200 Sox fans and talked about the myriad of options the Red Sox will face in this sure-to-be-wild off-season. He revealed that the Yankee brain trust was in Arkansas today wining and dining Cliff Lee and also surmised that the Sox will have their pick of bullpen options among "20 or 30 possibilities" on the open market to fill in behind Papelbon and Bard. Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino was also present to accept a $22,000 check from the BoSox Club to the Red Sox Foundation.

(Photo by Ernie Paicopolos)

Rico And Kalish Highlight August Luncheon

2010-08-24T14:33:00.004-04:00

Red Sox legend Rico Petrocelli and rookie star Ryan Kalish highlighted an exciting August luncheon for BoSox Club members. Also in attendance were Mariners relief pitcher Brian Sweeney and M's coach and former Sox outfielder Lee Tinsley.

Rico told some great stories of his experiences in the 1967 and 1975 World Series, as well as reflecting on the importance of 1967 in transforming forever the character of Red Sox Nation.

Kalish talked about the thrill of competing in the big leagues and the need to be able to beat the best pitch of the best pitchers. He also spoke about the crazed intensity of teammate Dustin Pedroia.

These are the kinds of "behind the scenes" insights you get with membership in the BoSox Club. Join today!

Dewey And Zim Highlight June Luncheon

2010-06-30T14:10:00.005-04:00

Two great Red Sox names from the 1970's—former manager Don Zimmer and right-fielder Dwight Evans—addressed the June BoSox Club luncheon at the Westin in Waltham on June 30th.

Dewey recounted his experiences in the 1975 World Series and traded stories with '75 Reds Alum Rawly Eastwick.

Zimmer spoke about his joy filling out the same line-up card of All-Starts on the late '70's Red Sox teams—including the likes of Evans, Rice, Lynn, Fisk, Remy and Burelson.

Board Member "Runs To Home Base"

2010-05-24T11:05:00.006-04:00

BoSox Club Board member Paul Shorthose participated in the “Run to Home Base” event at Fenway yesterday. Paul personally raised $1600 - and he finished a very respectable 1000 – out of 2000!

If any other BoSox Club members participated, please let us know—and send us any pictures you have!

Send Your Best Wishes To Ryan Westmoreland

2010-03-17T12:46:00.003-04:00

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2010 BoSox Club BBQ Information Coming Soon!

2010-03-12T09:38:00.002-05:00

All BoSox Club members will be receiving an email shortly with the invite and order forms for the 2010 BBQ events at Fenway!

Meet Red Sox Legends and Wally the Green Monster, as we gather for a great BBQ before a game at Fenway. You will meet Red Sox Legends & Wally the Green Monster. We have scheduled games on w/end nights & in summer hoping to see more kids again this year!! We will be raising money for the Foundation to be Named Later (A Red Sox Foundation Charity) through a raffle of exciting Red Sox memorabilia and future game tickets. Game tickets are in Section 8 - an upgrade from Section 7, last year!

This year we have been able to book some great games, including two games with the Yankees, and games with the Phillies, Angels and Rangers!

All tickets will be mailed out by around April 24th.

Note: Aramark increased the price of the BBQ by $2 for 2010. We have only increased our prices by $1.

Look for the email soon!

The BoSox Club Is Now On Facebook!

2010-02-24T16:06:00.003-05:00

Now you can follow the activities and events of the BoSox Club in a new way—on our Facebook page! Click here to access the page and join in as a member!

Remembering The Transition From Ted To Yaz

2010-02-16T11:40:00.002-05:00

It's Here BoSox Fans, Truck Day!

2010-02-12T09:26:00.003-05:00

Sometime around noon today, a large equipment van will slowly pull away from Fenway Park on a nearly 1,500-mile journey to Fort Myers. Yes, it is finally here—Truck Day. Forget about the first robin being spotted in some bog on Nantucket, this is the official start of Spring in New England. Bats, balls, gloves, ace bandages, they're all being transported to that land of eternal optimism—Florida. And our special little holiday is pure Boston, right?

Not so fast! Now we get word that a half a dozen or so other MLB teams are horning in on this previously exclusive Boston ritual. Kind of like when the Mets tried to use Sweet Caroline to get their moribund fans to root for that fiasco in Flushing. It didn't work. You can't copy genuine spontaneity. And you can't fake like you have a good team. Something tells me that Truck Day for the Mets, Cubs, Indians and Royals will not quite capture the magic that happens every year along Yawkey Way. Don't worry, Boston. Truck Day will always be ours. And ours alone.

Interview With Sox #1 Prospect Casey Kelly

2010-01-20T10:57:00.003-05:00

When you're a young, multi-skilled athlete like #1 Sox prospect Casey Kelly, you never know how information will come to you. When Kelly's name was being bandied about as the centerpiece of various off-season trades, he had no clue. "My best friend from high-school called me and said I was in a few trade proposals", said Kelly, appeared recently at the Jimmy Fund's "New Stars For Young Stars V" at Jillian's. BoSox Club Board Member Ernie Paicopolos had a chance to chat with Kelly briefly during a break in the festivities.

Kelly couldn't be bothered by the Hot Stove trade chatter. He was too focused on figuring out his best route to the major leagues--as a shortstop or a pitcher. In December, he and the Red Sox made the decision that the mound was going to be his ticket to the Bigs. The word is that he could be an elite starter--with a plus 12-6 curveball, a low-to-mid 90s fastball, and a decent change-up. So far, the results have been impressive and he is likely to be in the AA Sea Dogs starting rotation in 2010.

Does he have any regrets about laying down the lumber for the rosin bag? "Not really. This is the best chance I have at a good long career in the major leagues."

Kelly was recruited as a QB by Tennessee (he threw for 4,212 yards and 37 touchdowns in High School), and is a prime example of the kind of athleticism the Red Sox are looking for in their player development process.

Look for Kelly to be on the hill at Fenway in a few short years.

Ex-Sox Reliever Javy Lopez Inks Deal With Bucs

2009-12-22T09:53:00.004-05:00

Ex-Red Sox reliever Javy Lopez (seen in this photo with a young fan at a BoSox Club luncheon) signed a one-year, $775,000 deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In four seasons with the Red Sox, Javy posted a respectable 3.30 ERA, working a total of 128.1 innings, yielding only 122 hits. He went 5-3 with Boston.

Best of luck, Javy!

Bruce Donahue Honored With Jernegan Award

2009-11-12T10:05:00.002-05:00

Bruce Donahue, immediate past President of the BoSox Club was awarded the prestigious Jernegan Award at the November 11, 2009 luncheon. Bruce has given the club outstanding leadership for years and is the leading advocate for US Postal Service approval of the issuance of a stamp honoring the greatest hitter of all time, Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox.

Tito And Larry Lucchino At BoSox Club Luncheon

2009-11-11T14:34:00.000-05:00

Essay Contest Winner At Fenway!

2009-06-20T20:07:00.001-04:00

Dom DiMaggio (1917-2009) 1st BoSox Club Pres.

2009-05-21T10:55:00.007-04:00

Dom and Johnny Pesky at Hall Of Fame Parade in Cooperstown in '05(Photo By FenwayNation.com)

Keep The Ted Stamp Petition Going!

2009-05-21T10:31:00.001-04:00

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Happy 91st Birthday—Bobby Doerr!

2009-04-07T08:48:00.002-04:00

Ed Keohane Recipient Of 2008 Jernegan Award

2008-11-20T09:00:00.005-05:00

Former BoSox Club President Ed Keohane has been selected as the 2008 Brad Jernegan Award Winner. Congratulations, Ed!

Sign The Ted Stamp Petition!

2008-09-27T17:02:00.002-04:00

Click here to sign.

Help Put Ted On A Stamp!

2008-08-13T11:26:00.006-04:00

Would you like to be part of Baseball History?

For some 5 years the BoSox Club has been working on the task of requesting the U.S. Post Office to issue commemorative stamps in honor of Ted Williams as a tribute to his memory. Having served in two wars and having achieved the admiration of many Americans, we feel that Ted should be honored as a great man for his work in the Marines, for the Jimmy Fund and his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

As you may know this has been done for such players as Ruth, Mantle, Clemente and a few others. The original postal regulations stated that they could not issue any stamps in Ted's honor until the 10th anniversary of his passing, July 5th 2012, and that date is our target.

The Bosox Club has the support of the Williams family and the Boston Red Sox. However, we need the support of as many citizens as possible from around the world in this endeavor. Please contact your friends, relatives, associates, politicians and anybody you think can help us out, especially those outside New England. Letters in support of this proposal need to be written now to;

Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee, c/o Stamp Development, United States Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 5670, Washington, DC 20260-3500

Please email the Club here if you've joined the effort!

July BoSox Club Luncheon

2008-07-28T16:07:00.002-04:00

Jed Lowrie, Jim Corsi and Amateur Scouting Director Jason McLeod At Today's Luncehon

Sign A "Petition Of Thanks" For Curt Schilling

2008-06-24T09:50:00.006-04:00

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This Day In Red Sox History

2008-06-13T15:27:00.003-04:00

JUNE 13, 1957: Ted Williams became the first American League player with two three-homer games in one year. Ted drove in five runs as Boston beat Cleveland, 9-3.

Happy 100th To Ex-Red Sox Player Billy Werber

2008-06-05T11:33:00.003-04:00

Billy Werber, who will turn 100 years old on June 20th, is recognized as the oldest living major league ballplayer—as well as the oldest living World Series player. He's also the oldest living former Red Sox player. Happy Birthday, Bill Werber!

In Memoriam: Tim Dugal

2008-05-09T10:38:00.002-04:00

Second Wave Of Predictions Come Rolling In!

2008-03-06T09:03:00.009-05:00

MICHAEL CASEY:
Sox will be 100-62. They will seek retribution for their brothers in Foxborough by eliminating the Major League representatives in New York by beating the Yankees in 5 in the ALCS and the Mets in 7 in the Series.

HAL PENDEXTER, JR.:
The Red Sox will win their division with 98 wins but will not win the World Series championship

PAUL BAHARIAN:
They will win it all with 95 wins.

JOSEPH INNOCENTI:
The Red Sox will finish in first place with 92 wins and win back-to-back world championships.

DAVID CHAPIN:
They will finish second in the East; will win 94 games and won’t repeat as champs, but it still will be a great season.

MORTON DEAN:
97 wins. 1st place American League East. Beat Detroit to win American League banner. World Series Champs again! (We pray.)

GARY:
The Red Sox will win the AL East with 97 victories and go all the way to the World Series again in 2008.

RICH KELLEY:
I think the sox will win 96 games this year.

BRUCE DONAHUE:
This season is TOTALLY dependent on TEK. If he goes down for any length of time, all bets are off. Assuming he's healthy: 95 wins and 1 game ahead of the Yankees. Then we face the METS in the World Series.

First Batch Of 2008 Member Predictions Are In!

2008-03-05T10:44:00.008-05:00

FRANK VENTRELLA:
Will win Al East with 116 wins and repeat as WS Champs ....

ED BERGER:
I say the Red Sox will win 110 games this season and will repeat as world champions again this year. They will win all but 2 games from the Yankees and will dominate the season.

NINO DI IANNI:
The Red Sox will win the Al East 95-67. They will repeat and be World Champs.

DAVID RAY:
99 wins; First in AL East; Beat the Angels 4 game to 2 in ALCS; Beat the Cubs 4 games to 2 in World Series.

JIM RILEY:
I predict Sox finish at 101-61 and will take the World Series again.

LLOYD ROSENBERG:
They will finish first in the East, win 95 games and repeat as Champions!

RON SPINNEY:
I think the Red Sox will finish 2nd in th A.L. East with 94 wins.

LARRY SHUMAN:
In 2008 the Red Sox will finish first in the AL East with 98 wins and will win the World Series.

KING O'RYAN:
Sox will win 94 games and will win their division. Unfortunately, they will lose to the Detroit Tigers in the playoffs.

BARRY FIREMAN:
95 - 67 they will win Am League East and go on to win the World Series.

DARRYL HOUSTON SMITH:
Predicted finish: 99-63, 1st place

JRTFRAM:
1st place in East - 97 wins - World Champs again

CHERYL D. FERREIRA:
Red Sox will take the AL east and win the World Series. Curt Schilling will be healthy for the World Series.

Make Your Sox Predictions For '08 Here!

2008-03-04T09:36:00.011-05:00

It's time to make your best guess as to where the 2007 World Series Champs will finish in 2008. Give us your best Karnak effort: their finish in the AL East; the number of wins they'll tally; and whether they will end the season as repeat 2008 Champions!

E-mail us your predictions (see e-mail link on right) and we will post them!

Dick Williams Named To Hall Of Fame

2007-12-03T14:33:00.000-05:00

The manager who piloted the Impossible Dream Red Sox to the 1967 AL Pennant was elected today to the Baseball Hall Of Fame by The Veterans Committee. Williams famously said in Spring Training 1967: "We'll win more than we lose". Indeed!

Dom DiMaggio Receives BoSox Jernegan Award

2007-11-09T15:27:00.000-05:00

BoSox Club Honors Dominic DiMaggio with Prestigious Brad Jernegan Award; Donates $25,000 to Red Sox Foundation

Don Orsillo to host ceremony honoring Mr. DiMaggio; Peter Gammons address crowd in keynote

BOSTON – Nov. 9, 2007 – The BoSox Club, the official booster club of the Boston Red Sox, today announced that it has selected Red Sox Hall of Famer Dominic DiMaggio as the recipient of the Brad Jernegan Award. Mr. DiMaggio, who was instrumental in the formation of the BoSox Club in 1967, was chosen for his continuing contributions to The BoSox Club and his life-long love for the Boston Red Sox. DiMaggio will be honored at The BoSox Club annual meeting at noon on Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at the Newton Marriot, Newton, Mass.

To honor Mr. DiMaggio, The BoSox Club has established a scholarship at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. The scholarship will be awarded each year by the BoSox Club to a deserving upper class student who plays on the college’s softball or baseball team.

“The BoSox Club is pleased to bestow this honor upon Dom DiMaggio for his contributions to Red Sox Nation and his continued philanthropy to those in need,” said Bruce Donahue, president of the BoSox Club. “We’re privileged to be involved in an organization that Mr. DiMaggio was instrumental in founding.”

The BoSox Club also announced that it will make a donation of twenty-five thousand dollars to the Red Sox Foundation. The club will present the donation to the Red Sox during the ceremony. The BoSox Club will also use the ceremony to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the 1967 Red Sox and “The Impossible Dream.”
Peter Gammons, famed baseball writer for ESPN, will be the keynote speaker for the award ceremony, which marks the 40th Anniversary of the BoSox Club. Jerry Remy will also be on hand to address the crowd.

About the Brad Jernegan Award
Named in honor of the late Brad Jernegan, president of The BoSox Club in 1970 and 1971, this award acknowledges those who have made special contributions to the Red Sox.

About The BoSox Club
Originally founded in 1967, The BoSox Club was formed to promote baseball at all levels and to assist the Boston Red Sox in community and charitable endeavors. Traditionally The BoSox Club has raised funds both inside and outside its membership to support causes like the Red Sox Foundation, the Jimmy Fund and New England baseball organizations.

Mary Norton-Bryants' Memories

2007-10-23T11:26:00.000-04:00

It was before I was really into Baseball ("Go A’s, but root for the Red Sox if they make it to the Series!") I was in high school and everybody in Massachusetts was into the Year of the Impossible Dream. We were playing Grafton High School in field hockey on a humid Fall day on the football field in Millbury, Mass. Yes it was “Mass.” back then. Miss Harrington, our coach, stopped our field hockey game to listen to a key inning to the Red Sox game on the way to the pennant! I remember Yaz and Tony C. Everybody from both teams was screaming so much for the Red Sox. We forgot our own rivalry! It was a truly memorable moment in life!—Mary Norton-Bryants

Gordon Mackay's Memories

2007-09-20T11:31:00.000-04:00

The beginning!

It was late Fall 1966, and the signs of Winter were all around. After the 1966 season few were thinking about baseball. I was not prepared for a phone call from my friend Tom Brown of the State Street Bank saying a number of people were interested in putting together a Red Sox Club and I would be receiving a letter from Dom DiMaggio.

A few weeks later I was at the old press room atop the roof in back of home plate at Fenway. Dom DiMaggio opened the meeting and spoke about the need for support for the Red Sox team. Ken Coleman spoke about the “Yahoo Club” and how important it was to the Indians. Bill Crowley, the Sox public relation person, promised support and The BoSox club was born.

We left the roof top press room with applications for memberships. 1967 - a sluggish season and our team was subject to many jokes which did not stop until the All-Star Game! Turn about came and the series became a reality and all of the doubters were now seeking tickets! At the beginning of the game, I sat there not able to call it “Red Sox Nation”, but it was indeed a new beginning!

Bonnie (Wilcox) Richard's Memories

2007-09-13T10:48:00.000-04:00

My sister and I were 14 and 15 years old that year. We "cut" school for a World Series day game and went in to Fenway wearing homemade uniforms (there were no t-shirts or team jerseys for sale) My sister, Janice, wearing # 8 and me wearing #25 were interviewed and photographed by the Record American (now the Herald). We still have that photo along with my Tony C charm bracelet. Photo shows that I painted my room red that year in honor of my team.—Bonnie (Wilcox) Richard

Brian Savage's Memories

2007-09-07T00:04:00.001-04:00

I was driving with my parents and an aunt from Boston to attend my freshman year of college at Nebraska. While listening to the World Series on radio we needed to turn our car around and head back East to hear the remainder of the game. (We lost radio coverage). When the game was almost finished we reversed direction and listened to the Red Sox win. When finally arriving in Nebraska, the Dream Team started in Boston, a memory formed and a friendship began at Nebraska.

A Classmate of mine by the name of Buddy Hunter and I became good friends. Buddy eventually became a member of the Boston Red Sox from 1971 to 1975 and I went to his games at Fenway Park, most of the time as his guest. Buddy, eventually ended his career as replacement to Manager Joe Morgan with the Pawtucket Red Sox when Joe was promoted to the Boston Red Sox.

Currently, I volunteer my time with the Red Sox Alumni on weekends at Fenway Park. My memory of that long drive will always be treasured.

Brian Savage
BoSox Club Director

Bill Nowlin's Memories

2007-09-06T18:17:00.000-04:00

My main memory of the year was attending the season's final four games. That was a roller-coaster, with them losing the first two but then winning and clinching at the last moment like the Cardiac Kids they were. I wasn't much more than a kid myself, younger than almost anyone but Ken Brett at age 22. I had to leave for the University of Chicago on a late-night bus the very evening of October 1, but I still made the game. I went with my younger sister Lisa who was 15. I don't have any idea where we sat and wasn't wise enough to keep the ticket stubs, but I do know that late in the game I led her down into the lower box seats. We were on the third base side in front of section 24. I can tell you that Red Sox security had no idea what was about to happen. We stayed in the aisle and worked our way down to the very front couple of rows.

The moment Rico caught the ball for the final out, I sprang over the fence and ran to the mound. I couldn't say now whether I had that in mind beforehand or if it just happened spontaneously. Whatever the impulse, many others had the same impulse. I found myself out on the field for the first time in my life, and was one of the first 20 or so people to get to Jim Lonborg. I patted him on the back, probably saying something inane like "Good job!" and then saw that there were hundreds of people flooding out from the stands. I got out of there quick, before I was mobbed myself. I met up with my sister back by the third base foul line and saw people running all over the field. I ripped a handful of grass out of the field (sorry about that!) and stuffed it in my pocket - but haven't got the slightest idea what I did with it later. People were tearing up the scoreboard; that didn't seem like a good idea. There were about 20 or so people who were climbing up the screen in back of home plate, up toward the broadcasters in the sling that underhung the roof. That seemed like a REALLY BAD idea. People in the booth were waving at them to get down. It's a wonder the screen didn't give and that a couple of kids didn't get killed.

We were all pretty excited. Even now, I don't ever remember seeing a single policeman or security person. Maybe if we'd stayed longer, we would have. Sooner or later, they must have had to clear the field. We left pretty soon, since I still had to get back to Lexington, get my gear together, and then get back to the bus station for the late bus, which I think left around 11 pm. Then we heard that the Tigers had lost and the Red Sox were in the World Series for sure.

I never saw a '67 Series game, and most of the fans watching in the student union building (I didn't have a TV then) were Cardinals fans. And it didn't work out the way us Bosox fans hoped. But it was still a great, great year - one I was happy to help chronicle while working with Dan Desrochers and the 60-plus members of SABR who created the book we published earlier this year.

Bill Nowlin

Dick Ossen's Memories

2007-09-06T15:10:00.000-04:00

In 1967, I was working in the advertising business in Manhattan, when I learned from a colleague that a new Red Sox fan club had been started in New York. It was called the BLOHARDS, an acronym for Beloved Loyal Order of Ancient Die-hard Red Sox Sufferers of New York, and had been patterned after the BoSox Club founded in Boston earlier in the year.

Our first speaker was Manager Dick Williams, who promised at our September luncheon that the Red Sox would win the pennant. And so they did. That luncheon (and being a charter member of the BLOHARDS) will stand out in my memory forever.The BLOHARDS are still in existence, make an annual pilgrimmage to Fenway every Opening Day and host a luncheon on each trip the Red Sox make to Yankee Stadium.

The other great memory was being at Fenway for the last two games of the season. While visiting my parents over Labor Day, I was able to buy 6 tickets to each of the two games against the Twins. I left them up there, figuring my parents could give them away in the event we were no longer in the race.

Well, you know the rest. Three of us came up from New York, stayed at my parent's home and went to both games. The final game, Lonborg vs. Dean Chance, was the greatest sports thrill I had ever experienced up til that point. When Rico caught that pop-up the place went crazy. People all over the field grabbing a fistful of Fenway grass. People singing the BC fight song. It was a great ride back to New York and was made even better when we heard on the radio that the Angels had beaten the Tigers in their second game, giving us the pennant.

In a sense, the World Series was anti-climatic. It would have been nice to win, but we already had our Impossible Dream. I believe that was the beginning of Red Sox Nation.

Dick Ossen
Former BoSox board member

Greg Ambrose's Memories

2007-09-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

It was a “coming of age” year for me in ’67. I was 19 that summer, hanging out more and more with my friends, listening to some wild music that my parents definitely did not understand. Definitely on the precipice of the “generation gap.” The one thing that held it together, especially for my Dad and me, was the Sox. Through thick and thin, before ’67 and well after, we could always discuss baseball. We didn’t always agree but we definitely did share the passion.

I went to around 20 games that summer, in the bleachers, grandstand, standing room only. Two stand out. In June, I think, the Sox played a twi-night doubleheader (where have those gone?) against the White Sox. The day before, WS manager Eddie Stanky had referred to Yaz as an “all-star from the neck down.” In the first game of the doubleheader, he came out of the dugout to talk to the pitcher. When he returned, Stanky was showered with trash by some boisterous fans, apparently resentful of his description of our main man. That’s when I knew we were onto something.

As the summer rolled on, you could feel the growing excitement for the team. There was, of course, the 10-game winning streak after the all-star game with the big welcome home crowd at Logan. There were a lot of day games then. We would listen at work as much as possible. I was a camp counselor that summer and I remember one game where the whole camp stopped to listen to the last of the ninth against who I can’t remember, as the Sox rallied to pull another one out.

In late August, my family was in Manomet for summer vacation. My Dad would work until Thursday night, then drive down for the weekend. I’ll never forget him walking into the house and waving two tickets (for him and me, of course) for the next to last game of the season, declaring that they were “the tickets for the pennant winning game.” Between then and September 30th there were certainly a lot of ups and downs, but on that beautiful Saturday we went to Fenway together and reveled in the Sox victory. My father was a man of little emotion but, on that day, when Yaz hit the three run homer, he waved his cap. A memory that lives forever.

The ’67 season showed me how sports could be a unifier. That year had the Vietnam War and continued racial strife throughout the country. It was the Summer of Love, long hair, and psychedelic music. But, at least in Boston, the baseball brought us together in ways that last until today. Long live Red Sox nation!

Greg Ambrose
Lynn, MA

Bonnie Brewer's Memories

2007-09-06T08:52:00.000-04:00

I came to Sarasota, Fl after college graduation because the Sox trained here. (they left and went to Arz and I stayed as a teacher).

Itaught Jr High, social studies and PE. At that time there was no ML team in Florida. I immediately started teaching my students about the RedSox . During the 60's many of the games were played during the weekday afternoons. I was able to take a TV to school, rig up an antenna with old coat hangers and aluminum foil and we watched the
Series! Because most students walked to school, they stayed after dismissal to see the end of the games. Several teachers became interested also!

Each summer that I returned to Newton and Fenway I collected the wonderful throw away soda cups and brought them back with me. We used those cups while watching the games.

I still see former students at the Trop when the Sox are here to play the Rays. The spread of the nation that started in my classes in 1967.

Bonnie Brewer
Sarasota, Fl.

Joe Innocenti's Memories

2007-09-06T08:46:00.000-04:00

My aunt knew Tony Congliaro. The night before he got hit in the eye, he came to my house while I was asleep. My mother and father answered the door. He gave me a signed baseball, still have it, "To Joe Best Wishes, Tony C". I am going to my local paper Friday to get interviewed about this.

Joe Innocenti

Rich Rediker's Memories

2007-09-06T08:38:00.000-04:00

I was one of the few huge Sox fans before 1967. My credentials include being one of only a few hundred fans at the last game in 1966 when I was 14 years old.

As always, I was one of only 8000 or so fans who attended opening day in 1967 two times and I still have the program. I had to cut Physics twice to attend opening day as the first day it was snowed out.

I was at the last two games against the Twins and was one of the many people running out on the field to try to get to Jim Lonborg after the famous popup. I still have a bag of grass I picked from Fenway that day as well as the program. If anyone would like a few pieces to try to clone a yard from that sacred turf, I would be happy to part with some. I also have the official 1967 schedule on which I marked each game. Before the season, I bet 5 cents at 100 to 1 odds on the Sox to win the pennant. I won $5 but re-invested it on a double or nothing bet on the World Series and ended up with nothing.

Rich Rediker
Hampden, MA

Rita Slom's Memories

2007-09-06T08:32:00.000-04:00

I'm one of those fans who has kept our tickets from all of the "big" games", the Red Sox and PC Friars. My husband, Aaron, and I had been at a Kiwanis convention in NH in Sept. 1967. On the way home to Newport, RI, we decided to go to a RedSox game. Actually we went to 2 games -- Sept. 30 and Oct 1st. I have the stubs, sitting in Sec 17 for game # 72 and sec 16, 3rd row for game # 73. I came remember the thrill of that last win. I wanted to go down onto the field and grab one of the bases, but the field was jammed with people. We were all yelling and crying with the thrill of winning that season.

Unfortunately my husband died the year before WE won the series. Fortunately our old friend Lou Gorman had got us tickets for the series when Aaron was still alive, so Aaron, my sons and I were all able to be at Fenway when the Sox did play. We did see Carlton Fisk!!! Hopefully I will get to see the Sox play during our last week this year, before the playoffs. Go Sox.

Rita Slom

Rodney Collins' Memories

2007-09-06T08:31:00.000-04:00

On October 1, 1967, I was at Fenway Park in celebration of my 9th birthday. I will never forget that final moment in which Rico Petrocelli's catch clinched it for the Redsox and Jim Lonborg was mobbed by cheering fans. It was only my second Redsox game ever but obviously a memorable one. I have been a loyal Redsox fan ever since and I have never had a greater birthday present than the 1967 pennant. Carl Yastrzemski was my hero and the "Impossible Dream" team provided me with memories for a lifetime.

Robert A. LaRosa's Memories

2007-09-06T08:26:00.000-04:00

In 1967 for the final game I was painting the trim on my house. I had instructed my wife to move the TV to each window that I was close to so I could see the game. So when the final out was made, a pop up to short, I was there on a 50 foot ladder looking in the window at the final play. Thank God I was young and stable.

Being a member of the BoSox Club we had access to World Series tickets. I took games One and Seven. I remember everything out those two games. All the men were wearing top
coats and soft hats. In those days, you dressed up for the game. In game one I was in section three. There I saw many movers and shakers of the Boston business community all pretty happy with there seats. Every time I take my grandchildren to theBoSox game I think of 1967 and Section three.

Robert A. LaRosa
Member since 1

Bob Rutchik's Memories

2007-09-06T08:24:00.000-04:00

I have wonderful, priceless, memories one from the beginning, middle, and the end of the 67 season and a tragic one from that magical season.

Iremember sitting in my mother's car on a Friday April afternoon waiting for her outside the beauty parlor where she was having her hair done listening to Ned Martin and Ken Coleman call the action as BillyRohr tried for immortality, only to be denied by Elston Howard with one out, I believe, in the 9th.

Iremember watching that remarkable play by Jose Tartabull where he caught Ken Berry's fly and with his rag arm threw a fly ball to Elston Howard, now a Sox, who blocked the plate and caught the ball and tagged out Duane Josephson. (Or was it Josephson who hit the fly and Berry who tried to score?) That made me a believer because the WhiteSox speed and pitching game, literally, ran circles around the slow, ponderous, Red Sox. The Red Sox could never beat these guys. Now, the Red Sox finally beat them.

I remember being at Wonderland Dog Track on an August Friday night and hearing over the PA system the news that Jack Hamilton had beaned Tony and getting sick to my stomach. I remember that picture of him and his swollen left eye the next day in the papers. I knew, as otherSox fans did then no matter how much we wanted to deny it, that was the end of the charismatic Tony C's burgeoning Hall of Fame Career.

Most of all I remember the last weekend against the Twins with Yaz going 7 for 8, a triple crown weekend for the triple crown year. I remember Kaat started the Saturday game and Killebrew, I think, started at 1st for that game and made a big error. Yaz also made a great catch, but can not remember if it was Saturday or Sunday.

I remember as if it was yesterday after Petrocelli caught the last out me and friends going on Route 128, in my Mother's car again, to a car show at Suffolk Downs and listening to the end of the Tigers v. Angels game and that magic moment when McAuliffe, later a Sox, hitting that popup to Knopp and every car, it seemed, on Route 128 touting their horns in celebration. I still hear those horns.

I also remember Gentleman Jim Lonborg not being a gentleman on the mound. He hit, I thnk, 19 batters that season. Today, that would get a pitcher suspended for the season. He also was no easy out at the plate. I remember him hitting a double in
some game.

Bob Rutchik
Now of Rockville, MD
Then of Gloucester (Gloucester High Class of 65)

H. Tracy Mitchell's Memories

2007-09-06T08:20:00.000-04:00

In September of 1967, I am just finishing my tour of duty with the US Navy, and all New Englanders on board the USS Randolph, CVS 15, home based in Norfolk, Virginia, were stuck to the "tube" for the summer, watching, or listening to "The Red Sox". I think there were more New Englanders on board than any other team fans.

H. Tracy Mitchell
Medfield, MA

40 YEARS AGO

2007-08-18T23:41:00.001-04:00

An American In Paris, 1967

2007-08-13T15:27:00.000-04:00

Sox Fan Nancy Macmillan recounts her 1967 story:

In a Red Sox season that was, as the DVD has it, impossible to forget, my most vivid and enduring memory originated not in Fenway Park, but 3,000 miles away.

The trip to Europe my husband and I had planned as our last getaway before our first child arrived in December coincided with the end of the regular season—bad timing! When we made the arrangements, the RedSox didn’t look like contenders for the pennant, and once they started their surge, it was too late to change the dates of our trip.

So here we were in our funky hotel room in Paris, the morning after the season ended. Before the Internet and other wonders of modern technology, news of baseball games was scarce on the other side of the Atlantic. As we drank our coffee in bed, we speculated about the weekend just past. Could the RedSox have won both Saturday and Sunday and taken the pennant? At first it seemed unlikely, but then we decided they could have won, and we needed to find out as soon as possible.

But how? Finally, one of us thought of the American Express office a few blocks away. Surely someone there would know all the important news from the U.S. We got dressed and proceeded to American Express. It turned out all the employees were French, but they had the information we and the other 20 or so Americans in the office were eager for. When they told us the RedSox had won the pennant, we total strangers hugged and danced and whooped and hollered, to the puzzlement of the office staff—an early manifestation of RedSox Nation.

We were back in Boston in time for the World Series, and that was wonderful, but what I’ll always remember is the celebration for the Impossible Dream team in Paris.

Tavarez Wows BoSox Luncheon!

2007-07-03T11:10:00.000-04:00

Red Sox starting pitcher Julian Tavarez was the hit of the July 2, 2007 BoSox Club Luncheon at the Newton Marriott. Regaling the 300-plus members in attendance with on and off field stories, Julian showed why his energy and enthusiasm has made him a fan favorite. He talked about his "rolling the ball to first" exploits, the advisability of his locker being placed between Dice-K and Okajima, and his general love for the game of baseball and the Boston fans.

Also in attendance were: Wally The Green Monster, Master of Ceremonies Dan Roche from WBZ-TV, former Sox player Billy Conigiliaro (representing his brother Tony for the 1967 team), and Ranger rookie thrid baseman Travis Metcalf.

You can catch this type of excitement at the next BoSox luncheon on July 17th with the K.C. Royals, so make your reservations now.

BoSox BBQs At Fenway Nourish Body And Soul

2007-05-29T15:08:00.000-04:00

In this 40th Anniversary year for both the BoSox Club and the 1967 Impossible Dream Red Sox, we're holding 3 special BBQ days at Fenway for members and friends. The first was held on May 1st when the Sox hosted the Oakland A's, the second was held on May 17th when the Tigers were in town, and the final one will be held on September 14th when the (not so) dreaded Yankees come to Fenway.

The May 1st BBQ was graced by Red Sox Legend Bill Monbouquette, who held court with fans of all ages (see photo). These are just some of the great events planned by the BoSox Club in our big 40th Anniversary Year. If you'd like to join, just go the right of this story and click on the BoSox Club link. Go Sox!

BoSox Luncheon Kicks Off 40th Anniversary Celebration

2007-04-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

The twin 40th anniversary celebrations of the BoSox Club and the 1967 Impossible Dream Red Sox were held at a huge gathering of fans at the Newton Marriott on Monday, April 23rd. Close to 500 people enjoyed the festivities, emceed by Fox 25's Gene Levanchy.

Two of the anchors of the team that launched Red Sox Nation were honored guests—Hall of Famer and 1967 MVP Carl Yastrzemski and the man that caught the final regular season out, Rico Petrocelli. Carl and Rico recounted the memories of that storied season—and recalled when they first thought the team might be something special (Yaz thought so right in Spring Training).

If you'd like to share in these kinds of great moments, click on the BoSox Club homepage link on the right of this blog and join up today!

Ted From NH's 1967 Memories

2007-01-20T11:23:00.000-05:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh 1967............what a year!

1. Returning to the Danvers Armory on a Sunday, after a National Guard drill down the Cape. I had a transistor radio and listened as the Sox beat the Twins late in the season. I believe the entire "convoy" of trucks had access to transistor radios—as horns would loudly blow when the Sox did something good.

2. Jose Tartabull made a key throw to home plate and nailed the runner. I was pleasantly shocked and, to this day, I believe that successful throw was a key reason we won the pennant.

3. We got "the Hawk" and the Hawk did good !

4. Russ Gibson, Mike Ryan, and Elston Howard. 'Nuf said!

5. Lonborg was a sure thing. He took the mound, you figured: "automatic win". Then the ski accident after the season—talk about heartache!!

6. Jose Santiago actually hit a home run—how did that happen ???

7. Nobody at any time, ever in the history of baseball, had the season that Yaz had. Hitting, clutch hitting, fielding, throwing out runners—-what a season. I don't care what anyone says, this was the best one year performance in the history of baseball !!!! I even bought some Big Yaz bread.

8. Jerry Adair—this guy made more of an impact, much more than the Hawk. We couldn't have done it without him!

—Ted From New Hampshire (age 63)

Help Us Celebrate The Impossible Dream Year!

2007-01-02T16:18:00.000-05:00

Let's blog baseball!

Do you have a fond memory of the 1967 season? A key game? A critical play? The exact spot you were when Red Sox Nation really came into being?

As part of our joint BoSox Club-Impossible Dream Year 40th Anniversary Celebration, we invite you to send us your story about 1967 and the Red Sox team that re-energized an entire region.

Click on the "e-mail us" link on the right sidebar, submit your story and we may just publish it for the world to see!

October 2006 BoSox Club Luncheon

2006-12-20T17:17:00.000-05:00

As an informal kick-off to the joint 40th Anniversary celebrations of the BoSox Club and the 1967 Impossible Dream team, the Club's October luncheon featured one of the most popular stars of that great squad—Jim Lonborg.

Dr. Jim shared his insights on the ups and downs of that storied season, and what it meant to the team, the city and the fans to finally make it back to the World Series.

The BoSox Club—in close cooperation with the Boston Red Sox—will be carrying out a year-long celebration of the team that set in motion the growth of Red Sox Nation.

Welcome To The BoSox Club Blog

2006-12-15T13:38:00.000-05:00

This weblog is a special 40th Anniversary Feature of The BoSox Club—The Official Booster Club of the Boston Red Sox. Founded in 1967—during the Impossible Dream Year—the club now boasts over 800 members around the country.

During the 40th Anniversary season, we will provide you with stories, photos and commentaries from the 1967 season. It may be the fond memory of a Club member, a special focus on a key player on the team, or a look at an important game on the road to the '67 American League pennant. Let us know if you have something to share!

If you'd like to join the BoSox Club and participate in exciting events like: regular luncheons, Fenway Park brunches, Spring Training trips and much more, click here and sign up!