Add Curt Schilling to the list of great ballplayers who don’t know when to quit

THANK GOD this needed to be said. Finally my continued sentiment of Schilling's dispicable tendencies of shooting off his mouth at every single thing that occurs in today's society- both in and outside of baseball. WHO CARES MAN???? Good to know that more people besides me are fed up with his love for the sound of his own voice. He's thrown countless people under the bus, only to recant and desperately try to blame others "misunderstanding" him in the media. I can't stand people who think everyone needs to hear their every opinion on everything. Who made you the grand resource of wisdom? I'm sad for this world if that were ever to be the case.

Have some dignity man.

Hall of Famer on and off the field

Congratulations Jim Rice, your entrance into the hall has been a long time coming. You have always been a legend on and off the field and I can speak for all of Red Sox Nation when I extend my most heartfelt admiration of your accomplishments. Just a little story to share with all of you that I didn't know about Jim- just another reason why he has been so firmly entrenched in Red Sox fans' fondest memories.

"Rice remembered for big save that came off the Red Sox field"

Boston is "Title Town." Hello!? Are we just noticing this now? :)

What a wonderful, long time coming/deserved voice of reason. I'm so sick of hearing year after year about the prejudice and racism in the city of Boston- and that being "what its known for." I'm sorry, but in the greatly white supremicist society we live in here in America, I'm so sick of people making Boston a scapegoat. Look at yourselves people... the race of African American people have been abused for centuries. Unfortunately, it hasn't ended either, and there are still wide spread issues and injustices alive and well in all corners of this country, and in all levels of society. Don't give me the "not in this town" crap, don't give me this "I'm not racist" crap. We're all a bit racist, whether we admit it or not- and its up to us to change that and grow for our future generations. We all have skeletons in our closets- it's about time we bring them out- have the courage to acknowledge them, learn from them- and work on healing our wounded nation and its people. I'm not intending to stir the pot here- but I just get so frustrated with people who have such self serving viewpoints that they don't realize their own flaws and fault. Guess it stirred up the pot in me, because I know I'm not the only one who admits my part in this widespread problem, and I'm not the only one willing to work for change.

"...It is a curious contradiction about Boston. The city had a questionable reputation in its eagerness to embrace baseball desegregation, and it was not so long ago that there were still mutterings that the Red Sox might not be the best choice for an African-American player because of Boston's racial climate.

But anyone up on NBA history knows that 44 years ago, the Celtics became the first team in history to start five black men. Red Auerbach did not care about a player's skin color, if he could help him get his victory cigar lit.

And the current Celtics seem enamored enough with their workplace.

"Since day 1," Kevin Garnett said, "Paul (Pierce) told me this is unlike any other city when it comes to sports. You give them a reason, and they will jump on and they will be behind you even when you're losing or even when you're going through tough times. I got to see that."

This is not a bad way to go chasing after championships. There is strength in unity. Not without reason, is it called Red Sox Nation..."


-Mike Lopresti of the Jackson Sun

Did I mention I love the Red Sox?

I know I have. :) You'll see more Patriots news as the season approaches. I usually report on highlights from games I thought were fantastic, or games that had noteworthy performance from my standpoint, statistics standpoint- or from a valued source. This time, its both from the game I watched last night- and realizing how important and incredible this accomplishment is- for so many reasons.

Lester has had a few lackluster performances so far this season, to say the least- but none of his teammates, or Francona ever doubted him. They always said, "he has great stuff, he just needs confidence." While I wanted to trust their word, his apparent inability to have a clean inning, and his penchant for gathering several men on base and having to pitch out of tough situations, so on and so forth has been frustrating. I wondered if he would come around,(I hoped he would) and wondered what exactly needed to happen in order for him to gain confidence. I got the answer last night. Lester blew me away with his command, and the aggressiveness he showed at the mound with EVERY hitter. It was the fourth no-hitter of the captain Jason Varitek's career with the Red Sox. No other catcher has that many. It isn't just the statistics that blow me away, its also how difficult it is to accomplish that feat. So many things go into that, from discipline, stamina, and command from the pitcher; but also stellar defense, clean plays, and a cleanly (and creative) called game from behind the plate. The rules are a bit sketchy surrounding no-hitters- I really didn't understand that until reading this article. I didn't really grasp the significance of his accomplishment... until reading that article. All this put together, pitching a no-hitter is a challenging feat that most pitchers could NEVER even dream of doing.

Usually you can tell almost RIGHT away whether a pitcher will make it or not in Boston. Many don't. (perfect example, Eric Gagne. We called him "GAG-ne" ) First, they have to be thick-skinned, strong, disciplined etc to survive the Boston fans. Talent isn't enough up here. This stretches to all New England fans in general, going in line with Belichik's "Do your job" philosophy. You don't do that, you don't survive up here. I was literally brought up learning this from day one- and my love of the game and the Red Sox has never and will never stop growing.

Anyway, that's enough for now.... Congratulations Jon Lester!

Stuck with Lugo?

From FoxSports. com "The Red Sox appear stuck with shortstop Julio
Lugo, who is earning $9 million per season through 2010, but they inquired about the Astros' Mark Loretta in spring training, evidently viewing him as possible infield insurance. A trade for the Giants' Omar Vizquel might be something for the Sox to consider: Vizquel would offer steady and at times spectacular defense, and offense that would be no worse than Lugo's ..." Source: Fox Sports

I just keep swimming :)

Badly neglected the blog in the last week, although I'm not sure how many readers I've got yet. Been a little caught up with some writing thats unfinished.... Any of you out there, feel free to speak up anytime. I know I've gotten a few, and if you feel like talking- know it will be anonymous if you choose and that is fine. I look forward to speaking with readers, survivors, poets, athletes... anyone looking to connect.

On a random note- I love the Red Sox, I couldn't say that enough. Love for the Red Sox is definitely in my blood- a ball was in my hands long before I could run the bases.. and we've all, always been Red Sox fans in my family- i've never known any other way, not that i looked for other options. :) I grew up with a bunch of New England sports know-it-all's too, so I appreciate Boston's history and truly enjoy what they've accomplished in the recent years. And now, the depth of the team after so many disappointing seasons is so endlessly exciting. I love watching every game and seeing the talent and dedication these players show. They end up feeling like family, and we all root them on in life and on the field. I'm as dedicated to them, as they are to the field- I think partly because I'm an athlete myself- and i've missed their presense in my life since college. I need to join a baseball/softball league or something and pronto. I feel a bit lost without sports, I've played them all my life.. I've got restless feet and hands. :)

I have endless appreciation for survivors, and loved ones and friends. New ones and old ones, pen pals and mentors. Its such a wonderful gift I'm given, each time I meet or talk to a survivor. Without knowing any/all/every particular person out there- we all have a certain bond that is unmistakable- and unbreakable. We've all survived the kind of trauma that most can't even fathom, and now we've lived to tell about it. It's so important that we do as well, because there are a lot of women and men out there who didn't live to tell about it- and we're honoring them with the stories we tell and ways we connect and support each other. I can't imagine the horrors that others have felt, and I know there have been plenty of women and men who have fared far worse than I did, and have. I feel fortunate that some of you have shared with me- and I carry your courage with me everyday. I hope I can share some of mine. Anyway, I hope you keep reading. Thanks for sharing!

Ugly...

I don't know how many of you out there are Red Sox fans.. but regardless, this weekend was ugly. The likelihood of being swept by the Devil Rays... oh er, I mean "Rays" as they are now called....(which is humorous in and of itself, but first things first) would be a laughable thought at best in the last several years. We've lost to them before- I mean its not impossible considering that they are a team of professional major league baseball players. The team has never been all that good or as much of a competitor in the league though, until now. But it just happened. It makes me cringe. I guess I'm not used to the fact that they are getting better, day by day. The people upstairs at Tampa Bay are finally starting to make some good decisions for the Ray's future. The players coming up from their farm system are looking better and better too. But the Red Sox got swept by the Rays to complete a five game losing streak. In a game where Beckett struck out 13 batters no less! (*career high) It's kinda like I just got kicked in the side. I know they will turn things around, the team has been shifting around a lot due to injuries/illness. I'm never one to use that as an excuse though, especially now considering that they are defending World Series Champions. Even without that, I'm a diehard Boston sports fan with the Red Sox leading in my book at least. I expect the best, and nothing else from them. So does the rest of the league at this point- by all senses of the word all eyes are on them- and how well they'll do in the year following the title. This year means a lot to me considering our 2005 season- and I expect the same winning tradition- leading us back to the World Series.

I was a little surprised that Theo made so few changes to the roster from last season. Our pitching staff is missing some pop, and besides Beckett and Matsuzaka (and Wakefield, but of course he's even a bit unpredictable), there's not a whole lot of "feel-good" feeling for me about our current pitching rotation. Buchholz is looking good, but this is his rookie season. It's hard to know what to expect from him in the year(s) ahead. Otherwise, why do we still have Schilling? I know there are plenty who feel otherwise on that subject.. but I just don't. We need another pitcher we can depend on as a second, third, fourth or fifth starter.

Anyways, to be continued.......

"Ramirez truly a Manny-splendored thing"

Consider this an answer- to all the haters, doubters, the labeling bandwagon, and every other person too ignorant to appreciate his brilliance....


"Nearing 500 homers, slugger remains one of game's true gems"

Likes and Dislikes

To be positive. Likes:
-The Red Sox
-When the Red Sox win
-Red Sox in the World Series
-HD TV
-Patriots in the Super Bowl
-Hugs
-Kisses
-Cuddles
-other intimate activities :)
-Chocolate ice cream
-Colorful flowers
-Summer dusk
-walking barefoot
-Playing sports
-Being outside
-video games
-Loving everyone in my life (not including those just around me in the world. Just those who I care about in my small space here in the world) including myself... (trying to)
-Making people laugh
-When I win any type of competitive activity.
-Winning money, or tickets, making money.
-Red Cars

Dislikes:
-Irrational fears
-Loquacious ignorant people
-People who shove their religion down others throats
-Doing the dishes
-Migraines
-Repressed emotions, metastasizing bodily tension
-No protection in this thin skin
-Male strangers who call you "honey" or "dear"
-Inconsiderate people
-Passive aggression
-People who "beat around the bush"
-Those who don't stand up for themselves
-Women who feign the "dumb blonde" persona for attention
-Men who think they are "God's gift to the earth"
-Writers Block
-Not caring
-Lack of motivation
-Self-doubt
-Lonliness
-Insecurities

These are in no particular order... Nor is this a complete list. Certainly a good list for what's been on my mind. What is it that brings the balance between the good and bad in life? I've always told myself it was perspective. Perspective can change the outcome of events/occurances in life, good or bad. Sometimes it seems harder to tap into what my perception is exactly. Sometimes I think I understand the way I think, other times it seems there's someone else inside my walls doing the thinking for me. I'm not sure I'm acquainted to this person, I'm not sure I invited them in.....