Author: fenfan

Lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, weekend web developer, and badly in need of sleep

Why Did Beckett Get Booed? Media Should Look In The Mirror

After retiring the first eight batters in Boston’s 4-1, rain-shortened win over the Tigers Tuesday night, Josh Beckett allowed an infield single, hit the next batter, then walked two straight batters before calling for the trainers.  He eventually walked off the mound with what was later diagnosed as a back spasm, but not before hearing boos from the Fenway Park crowd.

Now Peter Abraham wants to know what the fans think about this atypical reaction. Continue reading “Why Did Beckett Get Booed? Media Should Look In The Mirror”

Speak Out Against The Boston Sports Media This Weekend

“…all the negativity that’s in this town sucks.” – former Boston Celtics coach Rick Pitino, 01 March 2000

It doesn’t take much effort to realize that the Boston sports media — or the “mediots,” as I prefer to call them — love to drag the names of Red Sox players and coaches through the mud, to the point where the stories have become clear examples of “yellow journalism,” i.e., using sensationalism rather than well-researched news and objective evidence to sell newspapers and attract television viewers, radio listeners, and web site visitors.  Unfortunately, their collective efforts have given outsiders the perception that the fans, not counting misguided callers and anonymous web site commentators, think as they do.

Continue reading “Speak Out Against The Boston Sports Media This Weekend”

Did You Know? – David Ortiz and His Home Run Totals

On Wednesday afternoon in Oakland, Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hit career home run number 400, making him the 49th player in MLB history to reach this milestone.  It was also his 342nd home run in a Boston uniform, which ranks him fifth all-time in team history behind Ted Williams (521), Carl Yastrzemski (452), Jim Rice (382), and Dwight Evans (379).  “Big Papi” also ranks second behind Manny Ramirez in number of at-bats per home run at 14.7, just ahead of Jimmie Foxx and Williams.

Continue reading “Did You Know? – David Ortiz and His Home Run Totals”

Today In History – Pedro Martinez Strikes Out Side On Nine Pitches

18 May 2002 – On this day ten years ago, Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez struck out the side on nine pitches in the first inning of a 4-1 win over the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park.  To date, he is the only pitcher to accomplish this remarkable feat in a Boston uniform. Continue reading “Today In History – Pedro Martinez Strikes Out Side On Nine Pitches”

Red Sox Mourn Loss of Carl Beane, Fenway Park PA Announcer

Carl Beane, the “voice of Fenway Park,” passed away today at the age of 59.  The public address announcer for Red Sox home games since 2003, he suffered an apparent heart attack as he was driving through Sturbridge, Massachusetts this afternoon, which resulted in his vehicle leaving the road and crashing into a tree.  Born and raised in Agawam, Massachusetts, he was a local radio announcer for many years, including at WBZ, before he took over from former PA announcer Ed Brickley after beating out several other applicants for the position.

Continue reading “Red Sox Mourn Loss of Carl Beane, Fenway Park PA Announcer”

Turn Your Yard Into Mini Fenway Park

DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes has teamed up with MLB Network and former Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey to find serious Red Sox fan with a seriously desperate front yard.  Licensed contractor Jason Cameron and his team want to help one lucky Red Sox fan take their front yard from worst to first with a Fenway Park-inspired front yard transformation.

Continue reading “Turn Your Yard Into Mini Fenway Park”

Today In History – Fenway Park Officially Debuts

20 April 1912 – On this day one hundred years ago, the Boston Red Sox played their first game at Fenway Park, defeating the New York Highlanders (later to be named the Yankees) 7-6 in 11 innings.  It is often noted that the opening was overshadowed in Boston by a much bigger news story at the time: the recent sinking of the RMS Titanic, a British passenger ship, in the North Atlantic Ocean five days earlier.

Continue reading “Today In History – Fenway Park Officially Debuts”

Opening Day Renews Our Love For Baseball And The Red Sox

For New England baseball fans, there is one day that we look forward to every year. After toughing out a long winter in New England, one of the first signs of spring for us is neither the return of the robins nor the sound of lawn mowers starting up in yards in your neighborhood.  It isn’t melting snow piles in the mall parking lots or the discarding of winter jackets.  It’s Opening Day for the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Continue reading “Opening Day Renews Our Love For Baseball And The Red Sox”

No Need To Panic In Mudville

For those of you ready to jump from the Tobin Bridge, I refer you to the post from the joy of sox (and be sure to bookmark this site).

Yes, losing all three games on Opening Weekend hurt.  Five home runs off our number two starter hurt.  An embarrassing shutout loss on national television hurt.  Two blown saves in one game by the leading candidates for the closer role hurt.

Continue reading “No Need To Panic In Mudville”