Share and Enjoy

Check out this video!

Spectacular catch but PawSox can’t win

Share and Enjoy

An Interview with Pat Summitt via The Stir

Share and Enjoy

Share and Enjoy

But watching the Olympics over the last 10 days has revitalized me. The time, energy and commitment of these athletes puts me to shame.

Check out this video clip “I’m a Female Athlete Montage.” Pretty inspirational.

Share and Enjoy

Now, after such a busy weekend, probably more than a few of us momentarily took our eyes off Red Sox Nation and the Celtics. It’s ok, I won’t tell. But here’s a quick roundup of what you need to know:

THE RED SOX: Not a bad weekend for the Sox. They’ve won 3 of their last 4 games. They dropped one game to Tampa Bay over the weekend, but they’ve beaten the Detroit Tigers in their last 2 games. Of course, there is still some drama. Dustin Pedroia hurt his thumb, had an MRI, and we’re hoping he won’t need surgery. Youkilis is back, and he’s playing – 1st Base mostly. However it’s widely believed that his playing time is really being used to showcase him for a potential trade.

THE CELTICS: They’re still alive in the playoffs! They fought a hard battle against Philly on Saturday night, and survived, if not a bit bruised and battered. With almost no rest, they arrived in Miami on Monday, for their first game against the Heat. This time they lost. They were tired, Ray Allen seemed barely present, and my seven-year old could have done a better job calling the game. They play Game 2 in Miami tonight. Here’s hoping they got a bit of rest, and some better officials.

Today I’ll be doing a little pre-game jig, making my son don his #34 Jersey (he was wearing it when they won on Saturday), and holding my breath during every foul shot. That should guarantee a win, right?

;

Share and Enjoy

So if you missed Friday Night’s Red Sox game, here’s what you should know before meeting up with your foursome on the links.

The Game: Boston Red Sox v. Philadelphia Phillies

The Score: Red Sox: 4, Mariners: 6

The Recap: Daniel Bard started for the Sox, but it just wasn’t his night. He pitched for 5 rough innings, with three hits, 5 walks and three strikeouts. When he left the Sox were down 5-2.  On a bright note, three Red Sox players homered, Adrian Gonzalez, Mike Aviles and Cody Ross, but that wasn’t enough tonight.

Jonathan Papelbon is Phillies' Closer Now (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr)

Beyond the Score: Inter-league play is here, and the Red Sox and the Phillies are living parallel lives in their respective leagues. Both teams sit at the bottom of their Divisions, but have had started to make a comeback in recent days. Bobby Valentine was ejected for the first time this year for arguing a call. The Phillies Manager wasn’t even at the game because he was serving a one-game suspension. Red Sox catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia had to leave the game early after being grazed by a pitch on his ear. Finally, former Red Sox closer, Jonathan Papelbon, made a statement of his own by closing out the game with a flawless ninth inning.

Share and Enjoy

Some moms of baby girls look forward to dressing them in pigtails and pretty outfits, helping them decorate their doll houses with just the right dainty furniture, and seeing their first dance recital. Not this Mom.

I’ve never discouraged her from playing with dolls or from wearing the frilliest dresses for every major holiday (like days that end in Y), and believe me it shows. Growing up a tomboy who had no interest in Barbie, or playing house, or dresses, I’ve always felt a little ill-equipped in this department.

However, when it comes time to help out at my daughter’s basketball or t-ball practice, I feel like I shine a little bit brighter as her Mom. And my greatest joy this Mother’s Day weekend was taking her to her first Red Sox game.

This was dangerous for me. I knew I risked being disappointed if boredom set in after the second inning. As it turned out though. she loved it! We made sure she had the proper attire: a Red Sox hat, with just a bit of sparkle around the B, and I “Heart” Red Sox-shirt, with a heart-shaped baseball emblazoned on the front. She was raring to go.

As a family, we took in the sights and sounds of Yawkey Way. My son and daughter each played a little catch with a guy on stilts, and we munched on Fenway Franks before taking our seats.

There's nothing better than a Fenway Frank

Once the game started, I fully expected the whining to begin, but then I offered to show my daughter how to score the game. I had downloaded a kids’ version of a baseball scorecard, do that she could mark the progress of each Red Sox batter. To my delight, she really took to it! For each batter, she colored in the little circles that marked whether they got on base. We talked about the players and their nicknames (I think her new favorite is ‘Salty‘), and the difference between a ball and a strike. Thanks to Cody Ross, she learned where the Green Monster is, too.

We worked on scoring the game together

Ironically, all the while, my husband had to console my teary-eyed 7-yr old son who had spilled his lemonade.

She’s only 5 years old, so how much of that night she will remember is anyone’s guess, but this tomboy Mom will never forget her first Red Sox Game.

Share and Enjoy

Moral support is about the best you and I can do for them now. That’s why so many of us who’ll be screaming at the game from our couches have developed little rituals, superstitions that we just know can give the Celtics the edge.

Some folks will not leave their seats. Some insist on “shooting” alongside the TV with every foul shot. Some have rituals that involve dirty t-shirts, and special snacks. Some folks turn off their cell phones. (Who does that?!) Even my 7-yr old has taken to wearing his Paul Pierce T-Shirt and Celtics pajama bottoms for every game.

What about you? Do you have a special voodoo doll to block Philly 3-pointers? Is your spouse allowed to speak? What are you doing to help the team?

Share and Enjoy

So if you missed Tuesday’s Afternoon Sox game, here’s what you should know to break the ice at this morning’s staff meeting.

The Game: Seattle Mariners v. Boston Red Sox

The Score: Red Sox: 5, Mariners: 0

The Recap: Beckett pitched the way we all know he can. His fastball was faster than it’s been in a while. He pitched seven innings, allowed only four hits and struck-out nine Mariners batters. A vintage performance to follow Jon Lester’s complete game yesterday.  Beckett got plenty of support from hitters too, with a pair of doubles by Mike Aviles, and some great base-running by David Ortiz (go figure).

Beckett gets some speed on his fastball, shutting down the Mariners (courtesy of Boston.com)

Beyond the Score: The starting rotation, which by many accounts has been THE problem so far this year, has been on fire for the last five games. Red Sox batters have given them the support they need too. The Red Sox have outscored their opponents, 34 to 8, in the last five games. two walks while striking out a season-high nine batters, about

Tim Wakefield exchanges greetings with Doug Mirabelli after throwing our the first pitch (courtesy of Boston.com)

Today was “Thanks, Wake” Day at Fenway, and Tim Wakefield threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his favorite catcher, Doug Mirabelli. As always, Tim Wakefield was a class act and earned the adoration of former teammates and fans. I can’t think of a better role model for Josh Beckett right now. I wonder if he was paying attention.

Share and Enjoy