The annual BoSox Club Luncheon at Fenway Park is always memorable and this year this year was definitely no exception.
Pres. Paul Shorthose kicked off the proceedings for a packed house in the State Street Pavilion, acting as Emcee for the day as our scheduled emcee had a last minute schedule challenge. Sox legend (over 200 wins) and now NESN host, Tim Wakefield was up first and talked about his history as a first baseman before converting to pitcher and being acquired by then GM, Dan Duquette. He spoke of the challenges of being a knuckle ball pitcher since most managers and pitching coaches don't know quite how to help them. Wake was fortunate to get guidance from the Niekro brothers when he needed a "knuckler tuneup". He spoke also about what is was like to be part of the 2004 team that finally "reversed the curse." Tim thinks he might like to be a pitching coach one day after his kids are grown. For now, he's glad to be off the road.
Jonny Gomes was up next and the clutch hitting slugger came right upstairs from Batting Practice and wowed the crowd with his very thoughtful and well-articulated insights about last year's team vs. 2014 edition and what the team chemistry was like when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics. Jonny is really enjoying his time in Boston and all the great fan support. The attendee consensus was he'll be a great studio analyst when his playing days are over.
Board member, Paul Boghosian shared some funny tales about finding Red Sox Nation members deep in the wilds of Alaska.
After lunch Jonny & Tim hung around to sign autographs for all. It was really nice to see lots of kids in attendance. The program continued with the BLOHARDS, Red Sox fans from NYC - singer and jokester John Pizzarelli and his collaborator, Joe Cosgriff. They co-authored "World on a String" about John 's musical career and offered some very funny "dubious distinction awards" for the Yankees ... many pointed directly at A-Rod. They also conducted a Red Sox trivia contest and awarded prime Sox tickets and autographed copies of John's book. Grabbing his guitar, John led the audience in a rousing rendition of "Sweet Caroline." The memorabilia raffle wrapped up the festive proceedings.
Hope to see everyone at Hilton in Dedham for our next luncheon on August 15!