Alright, who had the guts to call in to work today to attend the rolling rally in Boston? Everyone claims they're going to go, but as I learned in '86 when everyone bragged that they were going to cut out of school to go see the Celtics at Government Center, there I was alone with Greg Frawley bumming money off me for hot dogs and tonic. I had to go though; I didn't have a choice. My mother actually wrote me a note to get me out early.
I still can't believe that the Celts were underdogs. How the hell did everyone except Brian Scalabrine really think that the Lakers were the better team? All year long the Celts practiced scoring on the tougher defending East teams while they shut down the offenses of the West teams. It was a no-brainer. I just hope that someone out there took my advice and bet with the odds on 6 games (5-1).
But honestly, a lot of the credit needs to go to the faithful at Professor Thom's. Those last few games were the loudest the bar has ever been. "Defense" chants followed every Laker possession while a few choice chants aimed at Kobe filled in the gaps. I don't think they could have done it without you. I put a bunch of the photos from Game 6 on Flickr. Feel free to add you own.
Jerry Casale Benefit
I'll be sending out more details about the benefit for former Sox pitcher Jerry Casale next week. But, as of now put aside July 14th for a terrific party for a great guy at Professor Thom's. The Sox have donated some stuff for auctions and we'll have ticket raffles and some special appearances too.
More Thom's Foolery
Vote now and vote often for Thommy John Pizzarelli's entry in MLB's "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" contest. John's a big time Jazz musician, but a bigger Red Sox fan. (Yes, it's the guy from the Foxwoods commercial.)
I've added another DVD to the Thom's library. "Crazy Legs" Conti is the 11th ranked eater in the world and the only Thommy that has no problem polishing off our nachos. Check out his DVD "Zen and The Art of Competitive Eating" and look for an eating event at Thom's in the near future.
In the DC Area?
Check out the premiere of "Holyland Hardball" a well-reviewed film by Brett Rapkin ("Impossible to Forget: The Story of the '67 Boston Red Sox" and "Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey").
Sing with me, sing for the years
Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears
Sing with me, if its just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good lord will take you away
-Aerosmith