World Champions

I can't believe how late I am on saying this but... The Red Sox are WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS! Yet again! This is old news by now, but let's just say I've been too busy celebrating to blog. Three times in the past ten years, this franchise has taken home the Commissioner's Trophy. I couldn't be more proud of the team or the city for all the courage and commitment they've shown throughout the season. If you didn't catch the coverage of the celebratory Duck Parade last Saturday, you really missed out. But, this article is a pretty great summary. The announcers truly summed up everything I've been trying to this past month. How much the Sox have affected the healing of the city after the marathon bombing, how the players have taken the city into their hearts, how many people there are behind them. The sport of baseball wouldn't be the same without the Boston Red Sox. Though this is my last planned Red Sox Rant for the year, I may pop up for a quick post about some off-season happenings. (I'm trying to block out thoughts of the roster changing too drastically). I'd like to just take this time to preserve the image I have of the 2013 Boston Red Sox the way that they are. This year has been so unlike any others and I am so happy to have experienced it in my lifetime.

Why I Love David Ortiz

Big Papi. I don't think one blog post can fully explain how much this guy means to the city of Boston. He is inspiring, dedicated and a fearless leader. He is the heart and soul of the Boston Red Sox. He is so influential, and he cares just as much for the fans as we do for him. You won't make it to the third reason before you start loving David Ortiz, too. And these five don't even scratch the surface.

1. He's Foreign

Ladies, who doesn't love a little Dominican spice in their life? His accent is sort of endearing, and I love hearing his post-game interviews because of it. He's officially a U.S. citizen now, but he still holds the Dominican close to his heart and has done a lot to give back to the community that raised him. Did you know he opened his own night club in the DR? Add that to places I want to go before I die. Though he's one of the heavier Sox players, he still has an edge of sex appeal in holding on to his international roots. His beard style is officially called 'the tease,' after all.

2. He's a Boston Veteran

That's right, he is the only player left on the team from the 2004 season that broke their 86-year streak of no world series championships. He's even outlasted most, if not all of, the management of the team, and there's a reason for that. He epitomizes the Boston Red Sox. Spending 11 years with a team can do that to you. He's brought the city into his heart and you can bet that he'll go into the hall of fame and leave Fenway with a retired number at the end of his career.

3. He's Humble

You'll never see him brag about any of his success. He doesn't do it for himself, he does it for the fans and for the team. Seeing everyone going fan crazy for him is what motivates him to succeed, not the fame. He is never involved in scandals, he isn't in your face about his sponsorships, he keeps his focus on what matters. He's a publicist's dream, actually, which may be part of why I love him so much. Not to mention, he has his own charity, The David Ortiz Children's Fund. Sure, he may smash a telephone booth with a bat every once in a while, but that just goes to show his passion for the game. He's so real and down to earth. The kind of guy who just has a genuine passion for what he does and doesn't expect anything from others.

4. He's Inspirational

My dad made an excellent point when he told me that the turning point for the Red Sox as a team this year came shortly after the tragic Boston Marathon Bombing in April. It was the first game at Fenway after the event, and Ortiz's first game back after an achilles injury last August. His speech was nothing short of memorable, and it still hypes me up to this day. Before that event, the Sox were just 40 men. They were coming off one of their worst seasons in years, adjusting to new management, and dropping players from their roster like flies. That event was such an eye-opener for Papi and he inspired his team to rally together for the city. The Boston bullpen heard him loud and clear, and they became a true team after that. Sharing his mentality and passion and using it to stay focused all the way to the playoffs. It even led to Boston's newest unofficial motto "This is our fucking city." Short, sweet, but deep on so many levels. It's basically the R-rated version of #BostonStrong. But it's more fun to put on a t-shirt. I love the looks I get when I wear mine around campus. If anyone wants to mess with Boston, you might have to go through Big Papi first, and that's a fight not many are willing to face.  

5. He's Clutch

Bottom line, he gets it done. If the game tying grand slam from game 2 of the ALCS isn't enough proof of that, I don't know what is. If you ask me, he deserves to be the ALCS MVP for the second time. He earned it in 2004 when he hit .409 with 5 home runs and 23 RBIs. It was the first time a DH had ever been named MVP, and if he keeps up his post season magic, it won't be the last. 

There is so much more than can be said about David Ortiz. He is Mr. Clutch, Big Papi, and has even been called the second coming of Jesus in the Dominican Republic. He's more than a ball player. He's a legend.
 

The Greatest Day in Boston Sports History

Or at least that's what the announcers keep saying. Good lord! I was in such excitement shock that I almost forgot to blog about it.

Let's start with the New England Patriots. First off, I hate the Saints! I have always thought they have the most obnoxious fans who continuously start arguments with barely any post-season ground to stand on. They're like Yankees fans, using old stats and city morale to fill their big loud mouths in an attempt to come off as intelligent. I'm all for supporting your team, but if you're a sore loser and a sore winner? Forget it, I'm not talking to you. 
 
That being said, thank god we beat them. I was seriously worried about this one near the end, especially when we turned the ball over with 2:30 left to play, down four points. On top of that we had like four injuries in this dang game. The Saints were undefeated up until this point.. but by some miracle Tom Brady pulled out a game-winning drive; 8 plays, 70 yards, 1:08. Check out the full recap, those guys can spit off stats better than I can. Man how I'm loving our team this year. But for my sake, can we not take any more games down to the last five seconds? Thanks. 

Now as for the Red Sox, that was the most impressive post-season game I've ever witnessed. Big Papi, Mr. Clutch himself. He left me and most of his team speechless. Just in case you live under a rock, I'll catch you up to speed. David Ortiz hit a game-tying grand slam in the bottom of the 8th last night. The first in Red Sox post season history. After thinking it was going to be another disappointing series of at-bats for the Red Sox, Papi turned the tides yet again. I couldn't be happier. And I could keep watching these highlights over and over. After that amazing example of how playoff baseball should be played, Salty drove in a walk off hit to win the game. On to Game 3.. Let's get the lead in the series.

Why I Love Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (SALT-a-la-MOCK-ee-uh). What a mouthful. And what is it that it so loveable about that shaggy haired catcher? Well, take it from me, there are plenty of reasons to be a fan of Salty, and here it are just a few.

1. He learned from the best
Playing catcher isn't for everybody. You have to be smart and quick witted, especially to work with the Red Sox pitching line-up. Varitek knew the strategy like the back of his hand, and he was pretty hard to replace. I remember when Jarrod first started with the Sox in 2010 and there definitely was some resistance on both ends before some real chemistry happened. Varitek mentored Salty. He learned priceless lessons from him and you can see how hes grown from it. 

2. He has the longest name in baseball 

That's right, Saltalamacchia has held the record for longest last name in the MLB ever since the Braves brought him up from the minors in 2007. It barely fits on the back of his jersey, but a name like that is just music to my ears when said in a Boston accent. Sawltalamaahccia. Has a nice ring to it.

3. He's a beach boy 

He's from West Palm Beach Florida. Maybe that's where the hairstyle comes from. He actually started in the minors with the Mississippi Braves and eventually got called up to play for Atlanta. I think we can all say that we're happy this guy migrated north, because he belongs in Boston now.  

4. He's got heart 

This guy never gives up. Throughout all of his frustration in learning the pitching lineup back in 2010 and 11, he pushed through and came out strong. He makes it look easy now, but he put in a lot of hard work to be where he is today, and that shouldn't be overlooked. You can see his determination when he's at bat, too and his stats prove that he's a valuable asset in offense and defense. Speaking of his stats, that brings me to number five.

5. His season >>> 

Salty is having a personal best season with 116 hits, 40 doubles, 68 runs, and 14 home runs. He keeps growing every year and that's more than enough of a reason to keep him around for a few more years. 

So, are you a fan of Salty yet? I know I am. 

Why I Love Mike Napoli

Mike Napoi is by far my favorite Red Sox player for so many reasons. That's why I'm making him the first player I profile in my "Why I Love.." series. Sit tight, and prepare to discover a new adoration for the Nap. He was picked up as a free agent in the off season and has brought something to the team that we desperately needed: Moxie. Sort of like a modern day Ted Williams. He fits the profile of what a Red Sox player should be perfectly. He also filled the gap left in Sox fan's hearts when we lost Youkilis, which is no easy feat. Needless to say there are plenty of reasons to be a fan of him, but here are just a few more.

1. He wears his socks on the outside

A true traditionalist, he sports the classic look that I find irresistible. He and Will Middlebrooks are the only two players that show of their red socks on the reg. Hats off to you, gentlemen. You're doing it right.

2. He's #12

My all-time favorite number, and my birthdate. I always like players with this number above all others, and I'm waiting on the day that I get my Nap shirt, so I can sport my lucky number as well as my favorite player. 

3. The Beard

Ladies? Anyone else think that he pulls the look off better than any other infielder? Even, dare I say, the man who started the trend himself, Pedroia. Explosive. That’s the only word for Naps extendo-beard.  It just keeps going and going, much like his home runs.

4. His stats are insane

This season has been a personal best for Napoli. He's had 78 runs, 90 RBIs and 125 hits so far. He's also had the most at-bats of his career. Not to mention, he's hit two grand slams this season. One against the Oakland A's back in April and another against the Yankees in the most recent series. Two teams in the AL that I dislike, so that makes me love him even more so.

5. He's priceless

Although the Sox only signed him to a one-year contract, I have a strong feeling that they will re-sign him to a longer deal. He was originally supposed to sign with us for three, but a physical evaluation that showed he had hip issues back in December took the deal down. If he does resign, it won't be cheap! He's proved his worth on the team and the city has accepted him and loves him.

So there you have it, five reasons why everyone should love Mike Napoli.