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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.

Support the WEEI / NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon

The ninth annual event will take place on Thursday, 19 August and Friday, 20 August on WEEI Sports Radio Network and New England Sports Network. With your help, we can reach our goal of raising $5 million this year.

Tune in Thursday, 19 August and Friday, 20 August on WEEI Sports Radio Network and New England Sports Network for the ninth annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon. Cheer on the Boston Red Sox as they take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Thursday and the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday and help strike out cancer. Listen to or watch the broadcast between 6:00 AM and midnight on both Thursday and Friday.

Striking out cancer

The 36-hour broadcast will feature compelling stories and celebrity guests, as well as emotional ceremonies prior to both Red Sox games during the two-day period. The lineup is packed with interviews with Dana-Farber patients, doctors, researchers and nurses. There will also be special ceremonies with celebrities at both Red Sox games.

Generous support

Last year’s event raised $4.5 million, with gifts coming in from every state in the country. This year we’re looking for Red Sox and Jimmy Fund fans outside of New England to host Radio-Telethon viewing parties as part of our 50 State Challenge. Since 2002, your generous support of this event has raised more than $21 million to support research and care for both children and adults at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. With your help, we can reach our goal of raising $5 million this year.

For more information

Phone (toll-free): (877) 738-1234
E-mail: jimmyfundradiotelethon@dfci.harvard.edu

Boston Casting Seeking Die Hard Red Sox Fans for TV Commercial

Did you cry the day Johnny Damon went to the Yankees? Would you travel thousands of miles to see a Red Sox game? Would you go to Fenway Park no matter what the weather? Boston Casting is seeking DIE HARD Red Sox Fans for a television commercial. We want to know what makes you such a devoted fan!

Come to our Open Casting Call:

Date: Friday, June 18, 2010
Time: 5 pm – 8 pm
Location: Outside GAME ON
82 Lansdowne Street
Boston, MA 02215

Only DIE HARD FANS will be considered.

If chosen, you must be available Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 for the shoot.

We look forward to seeing you! Go Red Sox!

Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt Tournament To Benefit Journey Forward

This year, the Jason Varitek Celebrity Putt-Putt Tournament will benefit Journey Forward, a non-profit gym dedicated to bettering the lives of those affected by spinal cord injuries. It is truly a great organization and Jason has decided he wants to help them out. This year’s tournament will be held at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, MA on 01 July. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the event starts at 7:00 PM.

Varitek and his Boston Red Sox teammates will come together to compete in a miniature golf tournament with fans and fellow players. It is a great family fun event and fans get the opportunity to interact with their favorite Red Sox players, even the opportunity to snag autographs. The day also includes a live band, interaction with the players, and other entertaining events.

General Admission tickets are $15.00 each and can be purchased either at the door or online at Ticketmaster.

Bottom Line Apparel Partners with Kevin Youkilis Hits For Kids

Bottom Line Apparel, a designer and retailer of Boston sports fan apparel, donates proceeds from t-shirt sales to support charity.

BOSTON – Bottom Line Apparel, based in Carver, MA announced today that it has teamed up with Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids to help raise funds for the charity by introducing the new “Yoouuk!” t-shirt. Bottom Line Apparel will donate $5.00 for every t-shirt sold through their website and through participating retailers like Chowdaheadz.com. The t-shirts will also be available at select Bottom Line events throughout the baseball season.

The “Yooukk!” t-shirt will be available at participating retailers throughout New England in adult and children’s sizes. The front of the shirt features a unique design, created by founder Rob Munstis, with the Kevin Youkilis Hits For Kids logo on the back.

“Kevin has been kind enough to work with us, answering questions from the readers of The Bottom Line blog for the past few years, and we thought this would be a great way to say thank you”, said Munstis.

The promotion will begin 01 April 2010 and run through 30 June 2010, with the possibility of a second run in the fall.

About Bottom Line Apparel and The Bottom Line blog

Founded in 2006, The Bottom Line blog features daily news and analysis on the Boston Red Sox, including game previews and recaps, player evaluations and Hot Stove coverage all offseason long.

Bottom Line Apparel was founded in 2009 and offers original t-shirt designs for the Boston sports fan. Bottom Line Apparel t-shirts can be purchased on the web and in retail stores throughout New England.

About Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids

Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids is a charitable organization focused on raising support and awareness for the health, advocacy, safety, and well-being of children. Rallying the support of individuals and businesses Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids teams up with existing community-based children’s charities and medical research efforts, which currently lack sufficient funding. Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids also identifies and partners with businesses that can deliver products and services to children in need, on the behalf of Hits for Kids.

To learn more about Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids, or to make a donation, please visit www.youkskids.org.

Nomar Garciaparra to Retire as Red Sox Player Today

Is Nomar Garciaparra retiring? Say it isn’t so. At age 36, with several surgeries having limited his playing time in recent years, the last rock at the shortstop position in Boston is hanging up his uniform for good – maybe, maybe not – with a press conference this morning in Fort Myers.

The legendary Ted Williams touted “NO-mah” as the game’s next great player and he seemed destined for a Hall of Fame career. First, he easily won Rookie of the Year honors in 1997, then followed that with a second-place finish in the MVP ballot in 1998 and two batting titles in two years (1999 and 2000). Five times, he was named to the All-Star while with Boston, and he was often compared to other great shortstops of his time, including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Miguel Tejada.

When Garciaparra returned as an Oakland Athletic last July to Fenway Park for the first time since being traded away in 2004, he received a lengthy standing ovation from an appreciative crowd, to which he tipped his cap and graciously clapped along with them. It reminded us of the moment following a series-ending loss to Cleveland in the 1998 American League Division Series; as the Indians celebrated on the field by the visitor’s dugout, Garciaparra stepped back out from the Boston dugout, turned to the stands, and began clapping in genuine appreciation of the Red Sox fans that had followed the team all season and every season before then.

Boston is still searching for the answer at short while fans search for answers on why such a promising career ended too soon; some might say that Garciaparra is to this generation what Fred Lynn was to the last one and Tony Conigliaro was to the one before then. Red Sox fans will always have a place in its collective heart reserved for Garciaparra, who gave all he had with the club for eight seasons, but we will always wonder what might have been for him.