Emcee, Dan Roche was in rare form as he humorously interacted with head table guests from the Texas Rangers and Sox. He first talked with New Sox left-hander Chris Capuano from West Springfield, Mass. Chris expressed how much he is enjoying his "homecoming" to New England. He was acquired just before the start of Spring training and is off to a terrific start. Chris can give John Farrell and Juan Nieves some flexibility as he can both relieve and start.
Rangers broadcaster, Tom Grieve, spoke first. He praised the BoSox Club for its dedication and enthusiastic loyalty and said how much he looks forward to these events, He introduced Rangers second baseman Donnie Murphy who was acquired by Texas and called up near the end of Spring Training. Murphy thanked Koji for throwing him a rare fastball which he lined off the Green Monster in the 9th last night. Also on hand from Texas was coach, Bobby Jones who managed teams in the minors to over 1500 victories!
President Shorthose talked about the continued focus of the Club on community and "giving back" through various philanthropic activities like summer camp scholarships and the Run to Home Base program and working even more closely with the Red Sox Foundation. A check, representing our 2013 donations to RSF, was presented by Paul on behalf of the BoSox Club members and board, to David Friedman Sox SVP and Special Counsel representing the Red Sox Foundation.
Nick Cafardo from the Globe and NESN sparred with Dan Roche expressed a few concerns about this year's team but also did about the 2013 team too, and we know how that turned out. He noted how everything came together for the team at the right time, last year.
He also talked about how much covering baseball has changed in his many decades of reporting with all the new media and social media outlets. With an eye towards his fellow guest, El Tiante, he said that he feels the writers who do Hall of Fame balloting are getting closer to selecting "Looie" whose career numbers are very similar to current Hall of Famers such as Drysdale and others.
Luis Tiant spoke last and talked about his long and storied career including facing the Yankees in his very first MLB start. He recalled how he became even more effective after he switched to his unforgettable and jerky back to home plate delivery. He is especially proud of his two hits and two wins in the 1975 World Series. He thinks of David Ortiz (with Dustin Pedroia getting honorable mention) as the most exceptional player he has known both on and off the field for all his good works in the USA and in the Dominican Republic.
A great meal was enjoyed by all as well.