The final game of the series was yet another memorable one filled with unique and distinct experiences for Ben and I. Prior to the game we did a little early afternoon sightseeing heading to the Freedom Trail and walked all over Boston. We ended the adventure at the delectable Italian bakery Mike's Pastry. Ben had the traditional Boston Cream Pie and I had a Chocolate Tiramisu cake. Neither one of us could eat more than half, so the rest went back to the room for a late night snack!
We headed off to the game where we got there for batting practice and were right down by the Red Sox dugout. One of the local reporters caught our eye and came over and introduced himself to Ben and I. It was cool but I was not sure why he was drawn to us? We were standing down there because Dan Shaughnessy had asked me to be down there to get the book signed and that he was set to do some television about an hour before game time. On cue, he arrived down on the field and immediately came over and signed the books. I ended up getting an extra copy and having him sign one for Dick Wagner. We then headed up to the seats which by now were beginning to feel like an old neighborhood you get used to living in with all the same neighbors you like! We ended up sitting next to the same 50th anniversary celebrating couple from the night before. Nice people! Just prior to the game beginning we decided we better not break tradition and get down to the concessions and turn on the wallet faucet and purchase our Monster Dog, drink and bag of peanuts. We brought the food back to the seats and finished the MD's right before the Anthem, which oddly enough was sung by the Texas A&M men's choir. I guess Boston needed some Texas flair? They were very good. One of the first pitches was thrown out by the conductor of the Boston Pops, I forget his name but he did pretty well for a musician. Another pitch was thrown out by Jim Nantz from CBS. I am not sure of the connection there but hey, nobody asked me. I immediately thought of his book that I had read over the past year about his father and his fatal battle with Alzheimer's disease. I told Ben about the book.
Onto the game. The pitching match proved to be a good one Brad Penny vs. CC Sabathia. Power on power. Both were throwing in the mid to high 90's. The hits were scattered. Ben and I decided we needed a potty break about the third inning (bottom to be exact) just about the time that Big Papi was scheduled to leadoff. Yep, you guessed it, he homered as I stood there in front of the toilet and I will leave the rest out of this conversation. The crowd roared and I poured so to speak. Anyhow, we got back to the seats and the score remained 1-0 until the seventh inning when Mann Del Carmen came onto pitch. He ended up giving up three runs and the lead was gone. But then the rains came and it seemed to change the entire tide of the game. It's also when Ben and I had yet another unique Fenway-Red Sox-Yankee thrill. For you see when rains come, people leave, not Ben and I mind you but other less hearty souls. So we left the comforts of our "neighborhood" and headed for the shores of the lower deck. The rain was coming harder and with our hoods up and drawn tight we slithered through the crowd and as if on cue we slipped into a pair of seats at the very moment of their vacation. They were even dry for us, how respectful of the former occupants. It was now the bottom of the eighth inning and those remaining were the dyed in the wool Red Sox fans, behaving as if the rains were nurturing the frenzy. There were chants to Sabathia of "fatty" and "Youk" to the hometown Kevin Youkilis. The rally started Green the SS hit a leadoff single, Pedroia followed with a walk, Drew singled to load the basis. Then it was the Youk's turn and he hit a single to right to load the bases. Jason Bay had another hit to start the scoring the tying run. Mike Lowell then hit a fly ball to center that scored the winning run.
We then got to see yet another Johnathon Papelbon save opportunity and he delivered. He faced Jeter to start the inning and Green at SS made a great play up the middle for the first out. Damon flew out for the second out to LF and the final out came on a line shot off the bat of Teixera to the Youk. Game over and the sweep was complete. It was a great ride for Ben and I. I really believe we shared, laughed and had a good time. We will do this or something like again!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Day at Fenway Park
Today was the second full day of our Boston Red Sox Destination week a.k.a. Ben's Senior Graduation Trip. This was the day scheduled to include a VIP tour of Fenway Park as well as a reception luncheon with a player. Ben and I were felling a little groggy from the night before and so we made our way down to the Dunkin Donuts next to the hotel. We are staying at the Hotel Commonwealth literally a 2 minute walk to Fenway. As a matter of fact you can see Fenway out our hotel window just across the highway. I will post pictures as I get back home and can do so.
After some coffee and a little Dunkin Donut love we made our way to the site of where we were to meet for the tour. And as sheep being herded we joined a somewhat large 150 person group. While standing outside the gates of Fenway in a very unassuming manner in swept Justin Pedroia and his wife. She appeared to be pregnant and they walked right through the people pretty much unnoticed. We buzzed about it for a few minutes and then again they reappeared and were on their way out of Fenway and melded right back into their own time and life. I could not help but ponder as they walked away what was their perspective on life as a big league couple? How was their life similar or different from the Boston Red Sox royalty of the past? I wondered if the Justin were able to visit with Ted Williams what would they have in common? I wonder.
We then were ushered into the ballpark and taken through a maze of follow the leader directly onto the field via the 3rd base side to the vaunted Green Monster. We were able to snap off some great photos including a staged one where we pretended to "crash" the wall and "make the grab". We thought it was funny and I guess that is all that matters. We also got the opportunity to go inside the monster and look it over and attempt to sign the wall inside leaving our mark. Ben and I tried to use a brand new Sharpie pen on concrete...you would think it was a lock for getting our names on a piece of American Folklore, a way to say historically, "we were here!" but you would be wrong...Not sure what you have to use, paint maybe, but a brand new sharpie does NOT do the trick, at least to our high standard of territory marking! But we did get some great photo ops and were told at least a dozen times throughout the visit that the interns shuttling us around and taking photos that "they would be included in a CD" to be mailed to us at a later date. Of course Ben and I being the compliant ones (ok, those of you who know us stop laughing) were always bringing up the rear and likely causing the comments from the shuttlers of "we NEED to move along now".
So the next part of the tour took us into the grandstand where we learned some trivia and facts about the historical ballpark that was built in 1912. The best piece of news was that when the ballpark reaches 100 years old it will automatically become a historic monument and henceforth it cannot be touched. Meaning they cannot tear it down ala, the old Yankee Stadium. Great news. We sat in the same old wooden chairs in the grandstand that many generations past have sat in and experienced joy and heartache. Then we were off to the pressbox area. Ok, if you read last night's blog you know that for Ben and I this was "old hat" for us. But we obliged our shuttlers and went anyway! It was fun to sit in the front row of the pressbox and look down onto the field.
And then we saw one of the purest sights that confirmed for me what it would be like to have the privileged life of being a big league ball player. Mike Lowell, the Red Sox third baseman came onto the field with his son of probably 5 or 6 years of age and proceeded to throw "BP" to himright square at home plate. We all sat and "ahhed" the whole scenario. It really was cute and the kid could hit the ball, consistently...it also shows that with privilege comes some level of advantage! I am sure we will see the Junior Lowell someday in a big league park near you...after the pressbox tour we headed for our last stop before the luncheon and that was on top of the Green Monster. This time we were looking over the field from the top of the wall. Again, a birds eye view of a field that has so much history and lore that you just have to sit and reflect on all of what has transpired over the years. It was the same feeling I had when were standing out in left field under the shadow of the Green Monster. All the great left fielders to have played in that very spot. The view from they had was the view I was now experiencing. What would it have been like to take fly balls out there on such a routine basis that you sort of forget you are playing in such a historic place? It also made me a little angry that a guy like Manny Ramirez would quit on his team a year earlier. He had what every child who has ever played baseball would want, the position of left field at Fenway Park. Eh. It is fun though to just bask in the moment and reflect when you find yourself in such historic surroundings. The "ghosts" as such are there to feed your thoughts and get your mind to play through just "what it must have been like".
We were then whisked away down a hallway that housed all the Sports Illustrated photo covers that included any Red Sox player over the years. The procession also included passing the Red Sox Hall of Fame with the dedicated plaques. Ben did not want any photos here. We then went into a newly remodeled area that looked like any brand new ballpark prime seating area! It included a dining area back from the seats with a gourmet kitchen and staff. I am sure they looked at us as the paupers getting to eat at the Kings Diner for a day. No doubt providing them with a chuckle. We hero worshippers at our ballpark fair of dogs, potato salad, slaw, chicken legs, pulled pork and a nice assortment of cookies, washed down with our choice of beverage. Ben, being the newly crowned adult that he is made a request for me to get him a beer. I thought what the heck and so I did. It was fun to share an adult moment with my son. A new experience for both of us. A few sips later he appeared to have had his "fill". We enjoyed our meal and stepped outside to overlook the ball park some more from yet another vantage point.
The next prize in the Destinations getaway was the meeting of the surprise player. For our tour it was to be Mark Kotsay, OF who had just come off the DL. We also had a special guest Don Orsillo whom Ben and I had met the night before in our pressbox journey. We wnet through the line and got a ball signed by Kotsay and another item signed by Orsillo. Then we came back through cattle style for a "CD" picture with the player and announcer. Finally, there were a couple more finishing touches to the gathering. A drawing for some signed baseballs and an opportunity for a picture with the World Series Trophies. We hit it out of the park on both! We won a baseball signed by Justing Masterson and we got our picture taken, to be included on the complimentary photo CD mailed to your house at a later date!
We were spent! At least Ben was, he was hurting from the previous day's running adventure through MIT. So we headed back to the hotel in brief preparation for the nights ball game. I took the opportunity to try and burn some calories! I took a run to the Prudential Plaza Mall in search of another copy of Senior Year. I wanted an extra signed copy for my good friend Dick Wagner. Who I was beginning to feel was more responsible all the time for this whole trip. I was in luck and there was a copy waiting for me behind the counter. After jogging back it was time to get ready for the game and head over.
The game was a good one! 6-5 Sox complete with a Youkilis (Dee likes to refer to him as the Eucharist - one of the only ways she and I connect with baseball) home run, Lowell HR, Pedroia RBI double, and a Papelbon save! Ben and I laughed and joked throughout the game, we celebrated all the good. We danced, we ate yet another Monster Dog! Something tells me it won't be my last (see game Thursday night). We sang the renditions of take me out to the ballgame and of course...Sweet Caroline, which I serenaded to Dee over the phone! We also sat next to a couple who were enjoying their 50th Anniversary gift from their daughter. They were retired teachers now living in Cape Cod. They really sounded like they made it! Lived in central Mass their professional lives and retired to a nice coastal community. All was well. They even had a granddaughter there across the way who love as she called him "Big Pupi"
It was a great day and night all around. We then went right back to the room intensely satisfied and sleep came easy. Today will be another lightning quick experience.
After some coffee and a little Dunkin Donut love we made our way to the site of where we were to meet for the tour. And as sheep being herded we joined a somewhat large 150 person group. While standing outside the gates of Fenway in a very unassuming manner in swept Justin Pedroia and his wife. She appeared to be pregnant and they walked right through the people pretty much unnoticed. We buzzed about it for a few minutes and then again they reappeared and were on their way out of Fenway and melded right back into their own time and life. I could not help but ponder as they walked away what was their perspective on life as a big league couple? How was their life similar or different from the Boston Red Sox royalty of the past? I wondered if the Justin were able to visit with Ted Williams what would they have in common? I wonder.
We then were ushered into the ballpark and taken through a maze of follow the leader directly onto the field via the 3rd base side to the vaunted Green Monster. We were able to snap off some great photos including a staged one where we pretended to "crash" the wall and "make the grab". We thought it was funny and I guess that is all that matters. We also got the opportunity to go inside the monster and look it over and attempt to sign the wall inside leaving our mark. Ben and I tried to use a brand new Sharpie pen on concrete...you would think it was a lock for getting our names on a piece of American Folklore, a way to say historically, "we were here!" but you would be wrong...Not sure what you have to use, paint maybe, but a brand new sharpie does NOT do the trick, at least to our high standard of territory marking! But we did get some great photo ops and were told at least a dozen times throughout the visit that the interns shuttling us around and taking photos that "they would be included in a CD" to be mailed to us at a later date. Of course Ben and I being the compliant ones (ok, those of you who know us stop laughing) were always bringing up the rear and likely causing the comments from the shuttlers of "we NEED to move along now".
So the next part of the tour took us into the grandstand where we learned some trivia and facts about the historical ballpark that was built in 1912. The best piece of news was that when the ballpark reaches 100 years old it will automatically become a historic monument and henceforth it cannot be touched. Meaning they cannot tear it down ala, the old Yankee Stadium. Great news. We sat in the same old wooden chairs in the grandstand that many generations past have sat in and experienced joy and heartache. Then we were off to the pressbox area. Ok, if you read last night's blog you know that for Ben and I this was "old hat" for us. But we obliged our shuttlers and went anyway! It was fun to sit in the front row of the pressbox and look down onto the field.
And then we saw one of the purest sights that confirmed for me what it would be like to have the privileged life of being a big league ball player. Mike Lowell, the Red Sox third baseman came onto the field with his son of probably 5 or 6 years of age and proceeded to throw "BP" to himright square at home plate. We all sat and "ahhed" the whole scenario. It really was cute and the kid could hit the ball, consistently...it also shows that with privilege comes some level of advantage! I am sure we will see the Junior Lowell someday in a big league park near you...after the pressbox tour we headed for our last stop before the luncheon and that was on top of the Green Monster. This time we were looking over the field from the top of the wall. Again, a birds eye view of a field that has so much history and lore that you just have to sit and reflect on all of what has transpired over the years. It was the same feeling I had when were standing out in left field under the shadow of the Green Monster. All the great left fielders to have played in that very spot. The view from they had was the view I was now experiencing. What would it have been like to take fly balls out there on such a routine basis that you sort of forget you are playing in such a historic place? It also made me a little angry that a guy like Manny Ramirez would quit on his team a year earlier. He had what every child who has ever played baseball would want, the position of left field at Fenway Park. Eh. It is fun though to just bask in the moment and reflect when you find yourself in such historic surroundings. The "ghosts" as such are there to feed your thoughts and get your mind to play through just "what it must have been like".
We were then whisked away down a hallway that housed all the Sports Illustrated photo covers that included any Red Sox player over the years. The procession also included passing the Red Sox Hall of Fame with the dedicated plaques. Ben did not want any photos here. We then went into a newly remodeled area that looked like any brand new ballpark prime seating area! It included a dining area back from the seats with a gourmet kitchen and staff. I am sure they looked at us as the paupers getting to eat at the Kings Diner for a day. No doubt providing them with a chuckle. We hero worshippers at our ballpark fair of dogs, potato salad, slaw, chicken legs, pulled pork and a nice assortment of cookies, washed down with our choice of beverage. Ben, being the newly crowned adult that he is made a request for me to get him a beer. I thought what the heck and so I did. It was fun to share an adult moment with my son. A new experience for both of us. A few sips later he appeared to have had his "fill". We enjoyed our meal and stepped outside to overlook the ball park some more from yet another vantage point.
The next prize in the Destinations getaway was the meeting of the surprise player. For our tour it was to be Mark Kotsay, OF who had just come off the DL. We also had a special guest Don Orsillo whom Ben and I had met the night before in our pressbox journey. We wnet through the line and got a ball signed by Kotsay and another item signed by Orsillo. Then we came back through cattle style for a "CD" picture with the player and announcer. Finally, there were a couple more finishing touches to the gathering. A drawing for some signed baseballs and an opportunity for a picture with the World Series Trophies. We hit it out of the park on both! We won a baseball signed by Justing Masterson and we got our picture taken, to be included on the complimentary photo CD mailed to your house at a later date!
We were spent! At least Ben was, he was hurting from the previous day's running adventure through MIT. So we headed back to the hotel in brief preparation for the nights ball game. I took the opportunity to try and burn some calories! I took a run to the Prudential Plaza Mall in search of another copy of Senior Year. I wanted an extra signed copy for my good friend Dick Wagner. Who I was beginning to feel was more responsible all the time for this whole trip. I was in luck and there was a copy waiting for me behind the counter. After jogging back it was time to get ready for the game and head over.
The game was a good one! 6-5 Sox complete with a Youkilis (Dee likes to refer to him as the Eucharist - one of the only ways she and I connect with baseball) home run, Lowell HR, Pedroia RBI double, and a Papelbon save! Ben and I laughed and joked throughout the game, we celebrated all the good. We danced, we ate yet another Monster Dog! Something tells me it won't be my last (see game Thursday night). We sang the renditions of take me out to the ballgame and of course...Sweet Caroline, which I serenaded to Dee over the phone! We also sat next to a couple who were enjoying their 50th Anniversary gift from their daughter. They were retired teachers now living in Cape Cod. They really sounded like they made it! Lived in central Mass their professional lives and retired to a nice coastal community. All was well. They even had a granddaughter there across the way who love as she called him "Big Pupi"
It was a great day and night all around. We then went right back to the room intensely satisfied and sleep came easy. Today will be another lightning quick experience.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Fenway Park Experience
Tonight I had the most incredible experience a father can have with his son. To give some background to this entire experience I need to begin back in December 2008 when I was contemplating what I was going to do for a "senior trip" for Ben upon his June 09 graduation. It was just after Christmas that I decided that I would try for the holy grail of baseball...a Red Sox-Yankees series at Fenway Park...as luck would have it the Red Sox provide a "destinations" experience and there was the Yankees Series this weekend (June 9-11)...so I booked it...I waited until March (about as long as I could hold it in) to tell Ben...he seemed happy and surprised...In February a very close friend and mentor of mine Dick Wagner gave me a book that he thought would have meaning called Senior Year, written by Dan Shaughnessy, a sports writer for the Boston Globe and author. The book chronicled his son Sam growing up a baseball player and focusing on his Senior Year. I read it as a way for Dan to write TO his son more than about him. There were some great reflections all throughout the book that again immediately connected with me. Ben had many of the same type of experiences growing up and playing baseball. I really got a sense that Sam S. and Ben had kindred spirits in their baseball experiences and passions. Once I finished the book I decided I would send Dan an email at the Globe and share with him how much I appreciated his book and what an impact it had on me. You see, unbeknownst to the whole situation I had been journaling to Ben since the first day of his Senior Year...again another connection...well to my complete shock the day after I emailed Dan he responded back with a very nice personal note...he asked me to keep in touch with him as we got closer to our trip to Boston...I emailed again just before our departure and he requested my cell phone number...I was hoping to meet him and get my book signed and have him meet Ben in person...as Ben and stood in the drizzling rain about an hour before the game was to start, my phone rang and it was Dan. He gave me instructions on how to get up to the 5th level which houses the pressbox. Ben and I hurriedly got out of our rain gear and tried to look as little like tourists as possible. We didn't do very well there...:) But what the heck...Dan met us as we got off the elevator and I cannot overstate how friendly and down to earth he was. He immediately took us into the press area to show us around. He took us into the NESN Television Broadcast booth to meet the anchors and reporters as well as watch the pre-game introduction of the game. We met Don Orsillo and Dennis Eckersley (the Eck!). We also met Heidi Watney the on field reporter for NESN. Ben and I sat there and just pinched each other as we could not believe what we were experiencing. All because of Dan and his hospitality. As we were still in the NESN booth, in walked Peter Pascarelli from ESPN. It was fun to listen to the banter among the journalists. After our NESN booth experience Dan walked us into the area where the press have notes and the starting lineups for the game...he graciously gave us a copy of all the information, a great souvenir to mark the occasion. Now, for the real reason I had contacted Dan, my book signing. One problem, I left it in the room. I was not sure how which night he was going to call and the weather was very wet. Well, Dan said, here, give me a call tomorrow and we will connect again and get your book signed...and just as he was about to turn us loose to get to our seats for the game, out walked Bob Ryan another world renowned author and reporter for the Globe. He too was immediately personable like Dan and chatted with us about Idaho...oh by the way, Eck shouted out that he had relatives in Idaho Falls!!! Small world! As we left the press area with unending smiles on our faces we high-fived each other, kept asking each other if we could believe what just happened??? We then went to our seats in the upper part of Fenway and proceeded to cheer and yell at the Yankees...as Big Papi drilled a 2nd inning HR and Josh Beckett threw 6 shutout 1-hit baseball. The Sox capped off the perfect night winning 7-0...on the way back to the hotel (a five minute walk) we did a little vendor shopping and picked up a t-shirt and hoodie for $20 total! Now, I am comfortably in my room at the Commonwealth Hotel contemplating how we can improve upon the perfection of what was June 9, 2009. Thank you Dan Shaughnessy for helping to create a memory Ben and I will never forget and always reminisce upon with great affection, something more fathers and sons should do...
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Kids Take a Lot of Energy
Duh! But now that I am going through the raising kids a second time...I realize just how much energy and effort it takes...a major part of it is just being there. The kids need you to be there. That is one thing I miss about my older kids is being there for them. I love my life now and wish somehow I could make them closer physically to me than they are. I did get a nice hug and thanks from Ben yesterday after watching him play baseball, always fun for me.
Jakie and Katie and Sammie though are a whole different breed. They are full of their childish energy that makes you sleep well at night once the chasing and caring for is complete. Routine is paramount for them too, they eat, sleep, dress and bathe on a regular schedule. Keeping them as close to that schedule as possible makes the days run smoothly. It takes careful planning and execution to arrange activities around their schedules. Failing to heed to the schedule means a loud crying ride home from the store or some other "errand" outing...they are fun very fun...especially when Jakie says, "Dada, I love you." or "Watch a mooovie" or "watch a show"...
Another thing that has worked well for Diane and I is to tag team all efforts when we can...getting kids ready or organized can be done efficiently when both of us are working to get it done...tag teaming bath time, dinner fixing, and dressing or diaper changing...it works well when you work together...I figure that my needs will come some time after they are at a more self-reliant age...then I can think about a hobby or project again...but then again that is when they will be getting active, so there you have it! My life...work, chasing kids and my wife...lol...and preparing for their athletic careers! Jakie is already throwing and swinging as a lefty and his swing is naturally sweet!
March 2009
Just trying to get ready for the Spring in Western Idaho...Diane has pulled all the weeds from the flower beds...the kids are growing like weeds...hmmm...Jacob is talking like he is an adult in more ways than one...he loves to be "outside" now and climbs the swingset to go down the slide...speaking of climbing, Sam has now realized he can climb the stairs in the house and is a regular on them now...Katie loves chasing both Jakie and Sammie around and is a very good big sister...
Ben is playing his last baseball season as a senior at Skyline...they are off to a very strong start at 4-1 and will play here in Boise next weekend...I always look forward to watching him perform...he made some very good defensive plays yesterday in Burley playing shortstop...Brooke is looking more grown up each time I see her...she really is maturing into a nice young lady...her school work is excellent and you can tell she works hard! Diane is working on her master's in public health and has finished 32 of 60 credits...she just started her latest class on Human Resource Management...there is plenty of that in our house these days too...we continue to try and cook and eat healthy and fresh...I have missed about a week and half of workouts but will restart my regiment tomorrow morning at 5:00 am! Work will be ramping up with the beginning of enrollment for the 09-10 school year and we have a goal of over 3000 students for next year...pretty exciting stuff...
I have been thinking a lot about how much I would like to spend some time with my brothers and need to see them and spend time with them...we have talked about a weekend together maybe in Vegas, sorry Kal! Well, you could come and stay at our hotel!!! I will be taking off to Prince Georges County next Sunday for a few days of "vacation" to do some classroom observations...I am also finishing my Ed Specialist degree and need to do a couple more things for it so I can finally get the piece of paper on the wall and my official superintendent endorsement...It is good to write some stuff occasionally...
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