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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.

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2012 Red Sox Opening Day Roster Set

With Jon Lester and the Boston Red Sox set to square off against reigning AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers at 1:05 PM this afternoon at Comerica Park, manager Bobby Valentine has announced his Opening Day roster (asterisk denotes starters).

Pitchers (13)
Alfredo Aceves, Matt Albers, Scott Atchison, Daniel Bard, Josh Beckett, Michael Bowden, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, Jon Lester*, Mark Melancon, Franklin Morales, Vicente Padilla, Justin Thomas

Catchers (2)
Jarrod Saltalamacchia*, Kelly Shoppach

Infielders (6)
Mike Aviles, Adrian Gonzalez*, David Ortiz*, Dustin Pedroia*, Nick Punto, Kevin Youkilis*

Outfielders (4)
Jacoby Ellsbury*, Darnell McDonald, Cody Ross*, Ryan Sweeney*

On the disabled list to begin the season are outfielders Carl Crawford (left wrist) and Ryan Kalish (left shoulder) and pitchers Andrew Bailey (thumb), Chris Carpenter (right elbow), Rich Hill (left elbow), Daisuke Matsuzaka (right elbow), and Andrew Miller (left hamstring). Crawford, Hill, Matsuzaka, and Miller begin the season on the 15-day DL, while Bailey, Carpenter, and Kalish are on the 60-day DL.

Raffle Gives Baseball And Golf Fans Chance To Chip At Fenway Park

NORTON, MA — Golfers and Red Sox fans alike will have a unique opportunity to test their short games at historic Fenway Park later this month thanks to a “Chipping in for the Red Sox Foundation” event that will help kick off the Deutsche Bank Championship, the PGA TOUR Playoffs event being held 30 August through 05 September at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts.

On Monday, 29 August, three lucky Grand Prize raffle winners will have the chance to join Red Sox legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice and step up to home plate at Fenway to chip a golf ball into the outfield. Anyone hitting a one-foot-diameter target in center field will win a $5,000 prize and the first to hit the target will generate a $50,000 donation to the Red Sox Foundation in the winner’s name.

Golfers and Red Sox fans hoping to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity can purchase raffle tickets for $25 each at http://www.redsox.com/golf. Raffle tickets will be on sale 05 August through 25 August, and the drawing is open to Massachusetts residents 18 and older. In addition, each raffle ticket purchased will include a ticket to the Deutsche Bank Championship’s Red Sox Legends & Friends Pro-Am, held Tuesday, 02 September at TPC Boston.

A limited number of tickets will be sold, and the drawing will be held 25 August at noon ET.

“We’re looking forward to once again starting Deutsche Bank Championship week with a fun and unique event that combines New England golf fans’ passion for golf and the Red Sox,” said Eric Baldwin, Championship Director of the Deutsche Bank Championship. “Moreover, we’re excited for the opportunity to drive charitable dollars to the Red Sox Foundation, as supporting local charities is a big part of what we do at the Championship.”

In addition to the three Grand Prizes to golf at Fenway, other raffle prizes include: a Red Sox Destinations Spring Training package; a package that includes four Green Monster tickets to an April 2012 Red Sox game, an opportunity to watch batting practice and a personalized scoreboard message; five 30-minute golf lessons at the Golf Town Academy, located at each of the 6 Golf Town stores in Massachusetts; a package that includes four grandstand tickets to a 2012 Red Sox game, an opportunity to watch batting practice and a personalized scoreboard message; and a Red Sox home jersey signed by Rice.

All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Red Sox Foundation’s award-winning programs, including Red Sox Scholars, RBI youth baseball and softball and the Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program.

Aside from the three raffle winners, Rice, a Red Sox front-office executive and two randomly drawn participants from the Red Sox Legends & Friends Pro-Am will chip golf balls during the event, increasing the odds that someone will hit the target and secure a $50,000 donation to the Red Sox Foundation.

“The Red Sox Foundation is excited to partner with the Deutsche Bank Championship in bringing this unique golf moment to Fenway Park,” said Meg Vaillancourt, the Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the Red Sox Foundation. “Red Sox Nation will be rooting hard for Hall of Famer Jim Rice and the raffle winners to hit the perfect chip shot. A $50,000 donation would go a long way to supporting our team charity’s Red Sox Scholars and RBI programs and our community’s wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries and combat stress disorders.”

The event is part of the Deutsche Bank Red Sox & Friends Pro-Am draw party at Fenway Park, the first in a series of great events highlighting Deutsche Bank Championship week. The Deutsche Bank Championship opens on Tuesday, 30 August with practice and pro-am events on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Competition rounds begin Friday, 03 September and run through Labor Day Monday, 06 September, giving the Deutsche Bank Championship the only scheduled Monday finish on the PGA TOUR. The Championship features the top 100 players in this year’s PGA TOUR FedExCup standings.

About Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank with a substantial private clients franchise. Its businesses are mutually reinforcing. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With more than 100,000 employees in 73 countries, Deutsche Bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions, creating lasting value for its clients, shareholders, people and the communities in which it operates. For more, visit http://www.db.com.

About IMG

IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in China, Brazil and India; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academies; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at http://www.imgworld.com.

About the Red Sox Foundation

The official team charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Red Sox Foundation is committed to using the power of Red Sox Nation to support community partnerships that will improve the lives of children, adults and families across New England. The Foundation’s efforts are primarily focused on four cornerstone programs and the new Home Base Program. A 501c3 nonprofit, the Red Sox Foundation raises most of its funds through special events with Red Sox owners, players and their wives, donations and fundraising activities. Founded and initially funded by Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, President/CEO Larry Lucchino and their partners, the Red Sox Foundation has won numerous awards for its innovative programs and impact in the community, including the 2009 Patterson award for Sports Philanthropy, also known as the “Best Sports Charity” award given by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Sports Philanthropy Project. For more information about the Red Sox Foundation, please visit http://www.redsoxfoundation.org.

Support the 2011 WEEI / NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon

Tune in Tuesday, 30 August and Wednesday, 31 August on WEEI Sports Radio Network and New England Sports Network for the 10th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. Cheer on the Boston Red Sox as they take on the New York Yankees and help strike out cancer.

Striking out cancer

Over the span of 36-hours and two Boston Red Sox games, this broadcast features compelling stories from Dana-Farber patients, doctors, researchers and nurses, celebrity guests and athletes, inspiring people all over the world to support Dana-Farber’s mission. There are also special ceremonies prior to both Red Sox games during the two-day period.

Generous support

Since 2002, your generous support of this event has raised more than $25 million to support research and care for both children and adults at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Join the WEEI / NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon fan page on Facebook

For more information:

Phone (toll-free): 877.738.1234
E-mail: jimmyfundradiotelethon@dfci.harvard.edu

Boston Red Sox Star Pitcher Josh Beckett, Local Stars & Athletes Throw Strikes for Children at Fifth Annual Beckett Bowl

Boston Red Sox star pitcher Josh Beckett will throw strikes of a different kind on August 29, when he trades in his cleats for bowling shoes at his fifth-annual Beckett Bowl, a celebrity-studded bowling tournament at Lucky Strike Lanes in Boston benefiting Children’s Hospital Boston, the nation’s top pediatric hospital.

BOSTON — Boston Red Sox star pitcher Josh Beckett will throw strikes of a different kind on August 29, when he trades in his cleats for bowling shoes at his fifth-annual Beckett Bowl, a celebrity-studded bowling tournament at Lucky Strike Lanes in Boston benefiting Children’s Hospital Boston, the nation’s top pediatric hospital.

Beckett Bowl features an impressive lineup of athletes and celebrities joining local corporations and individuals who will bowl to raise funds for children in need. The roster of VIPs will include current and past Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, and New England Revolution players, along with actors, comedians, musicians and celebrity chefs with New England ties.

Local corporations and philanthropic individuals are invited to sponsor four-person bowling teams for the event. Each team will be joined by a celebrity teammate and will compete for unique prize packages. For information on sponsoring a team, please call 617.338.2766. A limited number of tickets to attend the event are available for $250 by emailing events@ammteam.com.

Beckett Bowl has continuously attracted some of Boston’s top professional athletes and celebrities, including Beckett’s Red Sox teammates Jacoby Ellsbury, Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester, David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Clay Buchholz, and Tim Wakefield; HBO’s Entourage star Adrian Grenier; performer Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of legendary hip-hop trio Run DMC; stand-up comedian, actor, stuntman and performer Verne Troyer (aka “Mini-Me”); country music stars Pat Green and Jason Aldean; Boston Celtics 2008 Finals MVP Paul Pierce and teammate Glen “Big Baby” Davis; Patrice Bergeron and Milan Lucic of the 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins; current and former New England Patriots Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Adalius Thomas and Steve Gostkowski; New England Revolution stars Matt Reis and Taylor Twellman; and many more.

“We’re thrilled by the tremendous support we’ve received from the local sports and business community,” said Beckett. “As a result of everyone’s tireless efforts, we’ve raised funds that have made a positive impact on the lives of kids served by Children’s Hospital Boston. This is something that’s close to my heart and a cause I truly believe in. Any time you can touch other people’s lives, your life ends up being touched just the same.”

The annual fundraiser is organized by The Josh Beckett Foundation, which supports community-based programs that improve the health and well-being of children, especially those who are seriously ill, disabled, poor, or otherwise disadvantaged. Since its inception, the Josh Beckett Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Children’s Hospital Boston from the proceeds of the Beckett Bowl. Monies from these efforts facilitated the 2009 opening of The Josh Beckett Cancer Treatment Room at Children’s Hospital Boston which features a miniature Fenway Park scene, giving patients the opportunity to cherish a ballpark-like atmosphere.

“Thanks to the support and dedication of Josh Beckett and everyone at the Josh Beckett Foundation, Beckett Bowl has been throwing strikes for the nation’s top pediatric hospital since 2007,” said Children’s Hospital Boston CEO James Mandell, MD. “Support from generous individuals like Josh allows us to address the hospital’s most critical needs and essential programs including our cutting edge cancer care and research center.”

The Josh Beckett Foundation is also hosting the Beckett Bowl Ultimate Jeep Raffle presented by AFTER FX CUSTOMS, where fans will have a chance to win prizes including an authentic jersey autographed by Beckett and two “Monster Seat” tickets to the Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays game on September 17. One Grand Prize winner will drive away in a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4-Door, fully customized by AFTER FX CUSTOMS, including: full JL audio sound system with Alpine DVD/navigation head unit, 20-inch KMC wheels with Nitto tires, multiple exterior upgrades, and much more. Winners will be drawn at Beckett Bowl.

Computer World, After FX Customs, Liberty Bay Credit Union, Reebok, Cooley LLP, ProPrint, Improper Bostonian, NESN-TV, and WAAF-FM among others, are working with the Foundation in support of Beckett Bowl.

About The Josh Beckett Foundation

The Josh Beckett Foundation is a charitable organization established in 2007 by Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett to support community-based programs that strive to improve the health and well-being of children, especially children that are seriously ill, disabled, poor, or otherwise disadvantaged. The Foundation provides Beckett with an opportunity to have a direct and permanent impact on the lives of children throughout New England.

About Children’s Hospital Boston

Children’s Hospital Boston is the nation’s top pediatric hospital, ranked first in more specialties than any other, and the only one in the top three for all 10 areas rated (US News and World Report Best Children’s Hospitals 2011). We’re number one in: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, kidney disease, orthopedics, and urology. Learn more at http://www.childrenshospital.org/usnews.

In 2009, Children’s Hospital Boston unveiled the Josh Beckett Cancer Treatment Room which features Boston Red Sox imagery including Beckett and his teammates, crowd scenes and the historic Fenway Park sign.

Contacts

Keith Gainsboro, Elevate Communications, 617-861-3650, keith@elevatecom.com
Colleen White, Elevate Communications, 617-861-3679, cwhite@elevatecom.com
Katie Largay Dean, Children’s Hospital Trust, 857-218-3193, Katie.dean@chtrust.org

Red Sox Prepare To Mark 100 Years At Fenway Park

Today, 20 April 2011, marks 99 years since the Red Sox officially opened Fenway Park with a 7-6, 11-inning victory over the New York Highlanders. With that in mind, the team officially announced plans to celebrate the park’s 100th anniversary next season with the unveiling of a new web site, fenwaypark100.com. There, fans will be able to find a wide array of information, including a look at the park throughout the first 100 years, the features that make Fenway Park unique like the Pesky Pole and the Green Monster, and how to purchase bricks marked with personal messages that will be placed in the area of the concourse spanning from Gate B to Gate C. In addition, fans young and old will have the opportunity to share stories and ideas to mark the anniversary.

From President and CEO Larry Lucchino:

“We have decided to take an affirmative and active and engaging approach to this whole thing and try to make this celebration of 100 years unique. In our mind, it deserves a fitting, a grand and an extended celebration.”

Red Sox Set for Opening Day and the 2011 Season

With great anticipation, the Boston Red Sox will open the 2011 season this afternoon at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington against the 2010 American League Champion Texas Rangers.

With great anticipation, the Boston Red Sox will open the 2011 season this afternoon at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington against the 2010 American League Champion Texas Rangers. The revamped Sox, who last season missed the playoffs for only the second time under manager Terry Francona, have the baseball world abuzz as they are considered the pre-season favorite by many, including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sportsline, FOX Sports, and The Hardball Times, to win the World Series this fall.

The Opening Day lineup includes two of the newest Red Sox players, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and left fielder Carl Crawford, as well as several familiar faces, including second baseman Dustin Pedroia, third baseman Kevin Youkilis, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, and designated hitter David Ortiz. On the mound will be Jon Lester, who is another pre-season media favorite as the 2011 Cy Young Award winner.

Here is the complete Opening Day roster for Boston (asterisk denotes Opening Day starters):

Starting Pitchers: Lester*, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Josh Beckett, Daisuke Matsuzaka

Relief Pitchers: Matt Albers, Daniel Bard, Bobby Jenks, Jonathan Papelbon, Dennys Reyes, Tim Wakefield, Dan Wheeler

Catchers: Jarrod Saltalamacchia*, Jason Varitek

Infielders: Gonzalez*, Jed Lowrie, Pedroia*, Marco Scutaro*, Youkilis*

Outfielders: Mike Cameron*, Crawford*, J.D. Drew, Ellsbury*, Darnell McDonald

Designated Hitter: Ortiz*

Boston Red Sox Pitchers Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz 2011 Jimmy Fund Co-Captains

The Jimmy Fund announces today that Red Sox Pitchers Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz have signed on again as the 2011 Jimmy Fund Co-Captains. First up: Spokesplayers for the 2011 Jimmy Fund’s Rally Against Cancer. Pitch in against the fight against cancer and learn how to win a visit from one of the players at RallyAgainstCancer.org.

BOSTON — Today, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund announce that Boston Red Sox pitchers Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz will continue as Jimmy Fund Co-Captains for the 2011 season. Their first assignment is to be this year’s Spokesplayers for the Jimmy Fund’s Rally Against Cancer.

Buchholz was the 2010 Rally Against Cancer spokesplayer in addition to being Jimmy Fund Co-Captain last year. Wakefield, a strong supporter of the Jimmy Fund for many years, was also a Co-Captain last year, and will be a Spokesplayer for the Rally Against Cancer for the first time this year. Wakefield and Buchholz join the ranks of past Rally Against Cancer Spokesplayers, including Jon Lester, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and Trot Nixon.

As Jimmy Fund Co-Captains, the two pitchers will be ambassadors for the Jimmy Fund to raise awareness and build support for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. They will also lend their support to Jimmy Fund events, visit adult and pediatric clinics, thank donors, and more.

Now in its sixth year, Rally Against Cancer encourages Red Sox fans to partner with their companies and schools, and encourage co-workers, classmates, and friends, to each contribute $5 or more to the Jimmy Fund. In exchange, they “Dress for Sox-cess” by wearing Boston Red Sox gear to work or school on Friday, 08 April, when the Sox take on the New York Yankees at Fenway Park for their home opener. The top fundraising company and school (K-12, college or university) are each eligible for a visit from Wakefield or Buchholz, if located within two-hour travel distance from Boston.

This year’s event adds a new twist: up for grabs are two Wild Card visits. Each team that raises $5,000 or more is eligible to win one of two visits from Wakefield or Buchholz (see full contest rules at RallyAgainstCancer.org).

In five years, Rally Against Cancer has raised $1.9 million to support the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber. This year, the program hopes to raise $500,000. For more information about Rally, please visit www.RallyAgainstCancer.org.

The Jimmy Fund supports Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helping to raise funds for adult and pediatric cancer care and research and improve the chances of survival for cancer patients around the world. It is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, as well as the official charity of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, and the Variety Children’s Charity of New England. Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund (www.jimmyfund.org) save countless lives and reduce the burden of cancer.

Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston Presents New Stars for Young Stars VI

Get up close and personal with the Boston Red Sox. The Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston presents New Stars for Young Stars VI on 15 January 2011 from 11:00 A.M. until 1:30 P.M. at Jillian’s Boston. Participating players include Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Robert Coello, Ryan Kalish, Darnell McDonald, Dan Wheeler, Tim Federowicz, Jason Rice, Will Middlebrooks, Jeremy Hazelbaker, Ryan Lavarnway, and this year’s special guest, former Red Sox player Bill Mueller (this list of players is subject to change). Tickets are on sale at www.jimmyfund.org/new-stars and cost $99 and $250.

Get up close and personal with the Boston Red Sox. The Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston presents New Stars for Young Stars VI on 15 January 2011 from 11:00 A.M. until 1:30 P.M. at Jillian’s Boston. Participating players include Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Robert Coello, Ryan Kalish, Darnell McDonald, Dan Wheeler, Tim Federowicz, Jason Rice, Will Middlebrooks, Jeremy Hazelbaker, Ryan Lavarnway, and this year’s special guest, former Red Sox player Bill Mueller (this list of players is subject to change). Tickets are on sale at www.jimmyfund.org/new-stars and cost $99 and $250.

Dana-Farber Holiday Cards, Candles, and Ornaments On Sale to Conquer Cancer

BOSTON – This holiday season, get into the spirit by purchasing a cheerful array of original holiday cards, candles, and ornaments to support adult and pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

The card collection has something for everyone’s holiday list. Warm the hearts of your loved ones and colleagues with 12 new holiday card designs created by award winning artists and our patients, featuring bright and cheery depictions of winter scenes and decor, or send special cards from our “Classic Favorites” collection. For sports fans, there is a Boston Red Sox Jolly Wally card, a New England Patriots Santa card, and, for $20 each, two different candles and two ornaments that showcase both Boston teams. E-packs and photo cards, which let you upload your own photo to select card designs, are also available. You can also create a customized corporate e-card out of any holiday card on the site.

For $20 customers receive a package of 20 cards and 21 envelopes, and both cards and envelopes can be customized with personal messages or company logos for an additional fee.

The exclusive Dana-Farber Holiday Greetings collection can be viewed and ordered online at www.jimmyfund.org. The cards will be sold at the end of September at The Paper Store, which has 25 locations in New England. To find a location near you please visit www.thepaperstore.com. The entire collection will also be sold in the Dana-Farber lobby and gift store at 44 Binney Street in Boston, starting 01 November, Monday-Friday, from 10AM until 2PM.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org) is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute. It provides adult cancer care with Brigham and Women’s Hospital as Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center and it provides pediatric care with Children’s Hospital Boston as Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center. Dana-Farber is the top ranked cancer center in New England, according to U.S. News & World Report, and one of the largest recipients among independent hospitals of National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health grant funding.