Pictured on the right is a t-shirt made for me by the good witch back in June. I put this t-shirt on tonight, just as Papi came to the plate sometime in the middle of the game. It's an iron-on thing... rather fragile. I've washed it once, and let's just say it didn't fair too well. I won't be doing that again. And so I put it on when we are in dire need of the Papi mojo... and when the game is over, I take it off, fold it in on itself, and keep the mojo preserved for another day. Thank you much, WCSG. Thanks to Papi's mojo tonight (and indeed, on many other nights this year) we just may be taking in a game together next week.

Of course, in order for THAT to happen (as in, the ALDS "home game 2" WCSG & I will be attending together) we need to WIN. and WIN. and WIN! That's (count them) THREE WINS. Not necessarily three wins in a row... but that sure would make things easier, boys... seeing as there's only three games left in the regular season.

The two games before tonight had all but crushed my spirit. I want to believe, but sometimes our boys make it hard, don't they? On paper we have a talented team. But the games aren't played on paper. The entire season has been exasperating for us, the faithful... for it seems like only a few of our players want to show up at the same time. Think back with me... how many games did it seem like we ought to have won? Sure, baseball is like that. But for us, this year, TOO MANY. At this point I can only shake my head, sadly. For I am a sports fan. With this kind of performance, a team does not really deserve to be in the post-season. And still, we have a shot. It may be a long shot, but it's there nonetheless. And we ride into it with momentum, thanks to Papi.

Even if just for Papi's sake, I plead with fate to bring us into the play-offs. He deserves the MVP. He has carried this team on his broad shoulders, night after night. Everyone knows what he has done, and yet if we don't make it... they will award it to prince purple-lips. This I cannot bear to see.

This is a call to our boys in red & white: It is time to rise up and play like you mean it! No more of this sharing of three bats among you; Everyone must bring THEIR OWN BAT to the park tomorrow! It is time for our arms to show up at full strength! Come with ALL your pitches tomorrow, Boomer - don't even think about leaving that curve at home - and on a full stomach, mind you; We shall have no distractions this weekend. Play each of these games as if it may be your last... because you know, it just might be. Of course, I know you boys will stay loose. Don't forget that it's a game, and it's ok to have some fun... Don't forget that this is YOUR HOUSE. This is where you play your very best baseball, and boys, it's time... time to play your VERY. BEST. BASEBALL.

JUST WIN.

# posted by Rebecca @ 12:46 PM 6 comments

I just went through my pictures from Saturday, and I'm a wee bit disappointed in myself. This was our view. I could have gotten great photos of the fabulous pitching performances we had that night... but no, apparently I didn't bother. Which is a shame, because Bronson's graceful high-kicks were even more incredible from this angle. Also, I thought I had gotten a pic of Edgah on third base, but it looks like I had my finger over the lense. Terrible job, Reb.

That picture of Edgar was important, too. I discovered that he actually has one redeeming feature, and had planned to reveal it with pictoral evidence. You see, I had never before noticed what a very nice ass Edgar has. Not that it matters, since having just witnessed his TWENTY-NINTH error, we all would like to beat it bloody.

It was great to finally meet Andrew in person. We had some stimulating conversation, although I don't think he particularly enjoyed hearing about my edgah discovery (and I think the people around us must've really been fascinated.) It's not exactly my thing, but I tried to fill him in on what the female fascination was with certain players he was confused about, such as Billy (EYES, smile, just plain sexy) and Bronson (must be the kick). I'm pretty sure he still doesn't get it, so maybe someone who's more of an expert on these matters can explain it to him?

Somewhere around the fifth inning, Bronson had lost his no-no and the lead, and I decided to give Andrew a break from my drivel. My friends Christin & Lori were in the bleachers behind center field, and I thought I'd give them a visit. I didn't feel like going all the way up to the 42nd row - so easy to get stuck up there, with people going for beers every inning, and stopping on the stairs for no reason, etc. - so I told them to come down while I tried to get some pictures at the bullpen. I got some shots of the double-barreled Myers-Bradford action, but the plan itself did not work too well. I was walking back and forth, trying to dodge security while looking for Christin and Lori. I spent a disturbingly long time doing this.

Empy spotted me wandering aimlessly and called me over. I had left her a message, knowing she would be there, but she had forgotten her phone, therefore we never would have met up if it weren't for my absurd meet-up plan. Then Christin called me and we decided to give up; we were going out after the game anyway. I was on my way back to Andrew and our prime seats, when I passed a souvenior stand with stickers.

STICKERS! Perhaps some of you remember the sad discovery made by Jere and I just last week? That's right, no sox stickers on the sign. Well Empy had told me that Finy was along with her group, and I decided I had to buy some stickers and give them to Finy.

Here is my plea, a mission for all of my NY readers, especially Finy, should you choose to accept it: Place Sox stickers on this sign! The playoffs are coming, and we need the mojo! This sign is located in the Times Square subway station, on the way from the blue line to the shuttle (I think. correct me if I'm wrong here; It may be my banner but I'm not a New Yorker so I could be remembering this wrong.) This sign needs sox stickers, and as many as we can get. So buy some sox stickers and bring them with you if you will be passing the sign. Please. I beg you. I am on my knees here...

So I head back to the bleachers, stickers in hand. Empy is on the far right corner in the front area, so I go in the wheelchair entrance and pull myself up on the rail next to her. I hand her the stickers and tell her what they are for. Still, I had not met Finy, so she points me in the right direction. I go over to look, no luck. I notice someone's up in the bullpen, so of course I back-track and take some shots of the very impressive rookie, Jonathon Papelbon. Back over to look for Finy, but Empy has found out she had left the seats to get something. Well I was a bit disappointed I did not get to meet her, and of course I have no idea whether or not she will accept her mission. But I'm finally on my way back to hang with Andrew.

This adventure of mine had taken quite awhile. I was shocked to find I had only missed two innings or so. I got to see quite a bit of Papelbon's commanding performance. Also we saw Johnny somehow managing a conversation with Jay Payton from across left field. And of course we saw Timlin's A-game as well.

We had enough in that game, but don't you wish our arms and bats could show up to the same game for once?

You know what I mean.

Anyway, thanks Andrew, again, for the ticket. You rock. I enjoyed the game and the company immensely. Hope you didn't mind my leaving you at the mercy of section 27 for awhile. They seemed like pretty nice folks around there, but you never did tell me what happened while I was gone....

# posted by Rebecca @ 12:20 PM 10 comments

1. The most fortunate part, for me the fan, was that the games basically occured simultaneously, saving me several hours of pain and distress.
2. the final score in Toronto.
   
3. Keith Foulke was back in the saddle yesterday. I was still torturing myself with the last-channel button at the time, but he looked fairly confident out there, and the stat lines infer that he had good command of his pitches.

# posted by Rebecca @ 7:35 AM 5 comments

I was SO proud of myself. I had not forgotten how to do it. And it was easy. And the rookie little papey was such a perfect warm-up. I was ready for more. But most of the time it's not easy to catch them going in - especially when they arrive together by bus.

You may have noticed in the last picture of Jere's Part One something a little bit unexpectected? Well at least, I did not expect it. It's one thing to be in the presence of famous ballplayers whom you admire and cheer for every day; it's quite a different thing to be in the presence of greatness. I. LOST. MY. MIND. Literally. I was pressing the button like a madwoman, and could not figure out why it was not taking pictures (wrong mode). Tons of cool players came out of that bus, but I barely noticed. All I cared about getting pics of was Theo. And finally I gripped enough faculties to figure out the "problem" with my camera (the nut behind the wheel, as my dad would say) and got a couple action shots as he headed inside:

See those two guys in green in the backround? Well the one in the striped shirt is from RI (the other is his buddy from Boston), and he won some trip to see the sox in NYC - among other things - from Home Depot. The prize included hotel accommodations with the sox players, but curiously no opportunity to meet them. They had been there two days, taken in two games, and dude still had a baseball he was desperate to have signed - by anyone.

Jere has very similar pics to mine from this bus-load, but I do have the woman's eye, and I may be able to offer you something in my editing. I'm sure Jere did not notice this. I'm here to tell you, no matter how much money a man has, most of them still care not about accessorizing. They might have expensive toys in their bags, but apparently Slick (aka KY, aka Kevin Youkilis) uses paper, and Trot prefers plastic.

We had seen almost everyone go in by now, and it was just a matter of time until they came back out. One of the first out was Clement. I remember reading in the off-season a comment that Mattie may not be able to handle Boston's rabid fanbase. Not so. He's quiet, and soft-spoken, but very good natured. He seems to have plenty of time for fans. Here he is signing autographs for kids in the lobby.

Now I already have a photo with Mattie from May, so I would feel foolish asking for another, even though he would not remember such a thing. So instead I got an autograph, on the only thing I really had for such a thing, the Hello Kitty notebook I keep in my purse:

This is not going to help his "tough-guy" reputation, I'm sure. (sorry Mattie; you're a great guy and do not deserve such razzing.)

Keeping my eyes peeled, I soon spotted a new opportunity. Mike Myers, whom we had seen go into the hotel previously... yet curiously, we did not see him exit. He came walking up towards the hotel entrance. Mike was not stopping for anyone when we saw him in May, and he looked like he would pull the same here... but he was not being mobbed quite the same way. It's actually easier for these guys to say no to A LOT of people. *tap* well you know the routine, right? worked like a charm - again - but this time Mike had a few people bugging him when he was done with me. I think he got away fairly unscathed.

Next to come out were Jason and Karen Varitek. I have a hard enough time bothering these guys; I draw the line when they are with family. I don't even crowd them enough to get decent photos. Now do not ask me why Karen is facing the hotel here. I seem to remember her turning around in response to something Jason said, perhaps. Albeit from afar, these two struck me as pretty carefree last night. And I'm not sure if anyone even tried, but they walked quickly and casually by, stopping for no one.

Now is it just me, or does Karen look AMAZING here? Does she look like she gave birth just under three months ago? Here's another (blurry - in motion) look:

Now check this out. Once across the street, the Variteks blend in perfectly. NO ONE IS EVEN LOOKING AT THEM. (But why are they looking back? Jere shows a shot here where she appears to be waving, and I'm guessing their kids are with them, back in the hotel room.) They soon disappear around the corner.

For awhile we were watching Millar in the lobby. He signed some autographs, posed for some pics, talked on his phone a whole bunch, but by the time he left the lobby he was bee-lining it for a waiting car. No one had a chance. Yet somehow the magic worked. Jere had some trouble with my camera that time, and knowing he was dying to get out of there without appeasing the rest of the mob, I apologized. "It's okay, don't worry about it," He said, smiling, and he really sounded like he meant it.

He was REALLY nice about the whole thing, yet very clearly eager to get out of there, and if any of the vultures had gotten to him because of me, I would have felt terrible.

Shortly after this, I got my first and only refusal of the evening. To be fair, Tony was being completely mobbed, and I try to not do this in those circumstances- people grabbing at him and all. He was giving hard no's until my tap. He was moving fast, but he did glance back at me, and I made my request. "After dinner I will, not now" he said. Jere thought he was saying that to someone else and I really can't be sure. All I know is I didn't get him, and I was pretty disappointed actually. But I also totally understood. And in a way I'm glad he didn't, because he would've been trapped in the swarm, and I would have felt awful about it.

We were hanging out for awhile waiting for more to come out, and I dropped my camera - for no reason. Maybe I AM blonde. So I took this shot of Jere to make sure it was still working. And I'm posting it because it's kinda cool... and also a little funny, because Jere's eyes popped out in surprise like that when he realized I was taking a picture of him.

At this point Jonathon Papelbon came out with his fiancée, so of course we don't bug him because we already have his picture, but I smile at her as they pass by. They were trying to catch a cab, and after a couple of false attempts, one of the doormen walk past, right between Papelbon & his girlfriend and me, so I said to the doorman "excuse me- you might want to get him a cab" The man gave me the look of death. A look so nasty that when he said "what did you just say?" In that way of saying he knows perfectly well what I just said. I was quite speechless, and apologized, and he glared at me some more before he stalked away. "What did you say?" Jonathon's girlfriend asks me. By this time I'm pretty embarrassed to say the least. But I smile weakly as I tell her. "Yeah," she said to me, "because we suck." I told her not to worry about it, and we saw Clement try for five minutes back in May. I walked back over to Jere. A few minutes later she motions us over, and thanks me again. "You did good, you were just trying to help," she says to me. We end up chatting with them for a few minutes until they finally get a cab, and she waves goodbye, smiling at us.

Next came Bronson and I already have a picture of me with him... but his head was cut off. So I thought I ought to get one with his whole head.

I had noticed KY in the lobby, and for awhile I kept track of him hanging out, sitting in one of the lounge chairs. Another guy was sitting across from him, back toward me. Foulke showed up. He was talking to the other two, standing up for awhile, cell in hand. He saw us out the window pretty much right away, smiled and waved at us. What a card. We laughed and waved back. The third guy got up after awhile and went up to the desk. Jere saw his face, couldn't figure out who it was. I knew the face. "shoppach." it hit me. And it was so. I can't pat myself on the back too much, because I totally missed some others somehow, as you will see... anyway, after awhile they got up to talk to the desk, and ended up standing around in the seating area next to it (where Edgah was hiding last time.) Then Keith and Kelly were walking over to the side door. Going out, then in again immediately. Walking over to the door, then turning. Laughing at us through the glass as we reacted to their moves. They were messing with us. Quite possibly US as in ME & JERE specifically, since we were the closest to the glass. I had given Jere my Hello Kitty notebook and pen so he could write notes to amuse the guys through the glass. Maybe I should let him write about that, though. Anyway, with all their milling around, I suspect they were running interference for some of their shier teammates. If they were, I hope they succeeded. I can think of several times when all the vultures were definitely distracted at the far corner, and someone could have easily snuck right out the front. Someone like Edgah, who really can't hack... read Beth's comment on this post; that's how Edgah seems to feel about fan attention.

Finally, after several teases, Keith Foulke walks right out the side door, drawing the crowd in a spot near the street on the far corner. (this would have been a prime opportunity for anyone needing to get out the front.) Of course, I walked out to get my pic (I knew it was a ruse, but I really HAD to have Foulkie anyway). Keith's ready for the pic, I turn around to hand Jere the camera - no jere. "Jere" I call. "Jere!" Keith yells. "Jere!" cries the crowd around us. Then someone in the crowd takes the camera. Jere, who was deep in conversation with Adam Stern at the time about their alma mater, University of Nebraska (how did I not notice; I know what Adam Stern looks like) mortified, has to apologize to Adam, and rushes over. Well some other dude had the camera, so Keith tells Jere to get in the picture.

As you can see, Jere and I are both laughing uncontrollably as the picture is snapped. Look for more on this whole scenario at Jere's, who has described this whole time pretty well, where we are just hanging with these guys for awhile. Here's Jere with Adam Stern.

Here's me and Kelly Shoppach.

Here's me and Adam Stern.

And here's the part when I walk over to KY and Gabe and somehow *I am beating myself up over this, just writing it* miss Billy, and if you look at the shot over at Jere's, Billy actually looks irritated about this. *I. WANT. TO. DIE.* And here I am with Youk:

Slick was the most reluctant of all posing players the entire evening. I really have to wonder if this is because his dad finds all this stuff on the internet. Mr. Youkilis, do you tease your son terribly or what? Give him a break; he's had a rough year, having to commute to RI all the time.

And here, my final pic of the adventure, Gabe Kaplar and myself.

You will not believe this, as I barely can myself, but Gabe thanked ME. Meanwhile, the very sexy Billy Mueller was likely glaring and muttering and hates my guts.

I've linked to these throughout the post, but I think it might be helpful to people at the end here. Jere told his side of the story (with fabulous photo evidence; don't miss it!) in three different posts. Also, we did this for the first time back in May.

# posted by Rebecca @ 9:22 AM 13 comments

Some of you know me well enough to guess what's coming next. Stay tuned for another episode of the adventures... and check on jere 'cause he will be posting lots of good adventure stuff, too.

# posted by Rebecca @ 2:46 AM 1 comments