You Know We Have a Hell of a Band...

So far the Sox have been smoking Washington DC like Marion Barry, but with nary a crack showing. All right, a cheap joke.

Tonight, future Hall of Famer and one of only about 8 men to play for both the Sox and the Braves in the Hall, John Smoltz, will take the mound for the Olde Towne Team on 387 days of rest. Will it be enough? A little advice to the Nats: whoever throws out the ceremonial first pitch, leave him in there. Sure, get someone throwing in the pen, but be patient.

Speaking of the Hall of Fame:
The induction of two Sox is quickly coming. In one month Jim Rice will be inducted in the baseball Hall of Fame meaning that he will finally be eligible to have his number 14 retired at Fenway. The Sox have long anticipated this day allowing no other player to wear it since Rice retired 20 years ago. Sadly, those petitioning for George Pipgras (1934), Fritz Ostermueller (1936-37), and Archie McKain (1938) to have said honor will disappointed. The honor is Rice’s forever more. If you’re going to the ceremony in Cooperstown let me know. The Governor will be in attendance watching Rice and Rickey.

More Thom’s Foolery

How About a little trivia? The first email I get naming two Hall of Famers that have played for both the Sox and Braves gets a $20 gift certificate to Thom’s. The person who sends me the most gets the same.

In Memoriam

“...98 year old, Katherine "Kitty" Dooley, daughter of Royal Rooter co-founder John S. Dooley and sister of "The Queen of Fenway Park" Elizabeth "Lib" Dooley , died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Milton on Father's day.” More info here.

Next up for the Sox:

The aforementioned Braves. A lot of people don’t realize it, but the Braves are the oldest team in baseball tracing their roots to the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings. And Bobby Cox has been there with them the whole way. Thank you. You’ve been great…

If you believe in forever

Then life is just a one-night stand

If there's a rock and roll heaven

Well you know they've got a hell of a band, band, band
-The Righteous Brothers