Pictures from World Series Game 4

The Love

The People

The Joy

The Bunting

The Celebration!

The BLOHARDS

Around the Bar.

Time to Dance

It's all over. They won. They dominated. I really don't have much to say yet except that I'm exhausted. I get one night of rest then back to the bar tomorrow at noon for a parade party. That's right, the duck boats will be waggling through the streets of Boston tomorrow loaded with champions and we'll have all of the NESN coverage at Thom's. I've gotten lots of queries, so there should be a nice crowd. I hope I see all of those faces that have become so familiar to me over the last few weeks. Honestly, I was overwhelmed by the general air of geniality and cooperation in the bar. Instead of people in the back row fighting through the crowd to get beers all they had to do was shout their order and they were duly passed through, hardly ever sipped. Thank you all.

I realize many of you are shipping up to Boston to see it live, but if you're in town take a long lunch and join us at the bar.

I have a bunch of pictures from last night that I'll be posting here. If you have some too, please send them in.

A Roamin' Holliday

There wasn't much cheering last night at Thom's until the fourth inning when Jacoby Ellsbury gave America a free taco by stealing second. The crowd was warmed up and jumped into to full fan mode. When Schilling left the game he got a standing ovation in the bar. Horton lead each and everyone in "Take Me Out To The Ball Game". And then Okajeemer got a riot out of us for every big K. It was the perfect set up for the biggest roar of the night.

Papelbon entered the game with 2 outs in the eighth to face the leading contender for NL MVP, Matt Holliday. A line drive up the middle nearly put a hole through Paps and was gloved by Pedroia who rolled over his wrist without making a throw. The trainers came out to check both players and they both stayed in the game. But, now one of the best hitters of the last decade, Todd Helton, was at the plate down one and a man on first. Paps stared into the plate puckered his lips and lowered his head. He set his glove and suddenly twirled to first ending the Rockies' roamin' Holliday who probably had it in mind to steal second but, instead, ended the inning.

Papelbon went on to close out the closest game the Sox have had this whole postseason. It's on to Coloroado.

A Thommy Abroad

Check out the blog of Thom's regular Ken Eng as he films in China.

Thom's Sox Song List

Many of the people at Thom's have asked about the music we play during the game and between innings. Below is a list of some of the songs:

Before the game starts we always play a clip of Sherm Feller saying "Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Welcome to Fenway Park". If you grew up in Boston going to Sox games chances are that you heard this a million times without even thinking about it. Well, Sherm is gone now and his memory lives on at Thom's. Most of the time that is followed by another Sherm Feller clip introducing former Red Sox organist John Kiley playing the "The National Anthem". Immediately following "The National Anthem" is the band Boston with "Rock and Roll Band" and, if it's a Fox broadcast there's usually enough room for the first few bars of the "Cheers Theme".

During the seventh inning stretch you hear John Kiley again playing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" followed by "I Do" by the J. Geills Band. When the 8th inning stretch comes the whole bar sings along with Neil Diamond and "Sweet Caroline". If the Sox happen to win then of course we hear "Dirty Water" by the Standells.

In no particular order here are some other songs you hear:

• "New England" by Jonathan Richman
• "MTA" by The Kingston Trio
• "Walk Away" by The Dropkick Murphys
• "Tessie" The Dropkick Murphys
• "I'm Shipping up to Boston" The Dropkick Murphys
• "Shake it up" by The Cars
• "Just What I Needed" by The Cars
• "I Do" by J. Geills
• "Freeze Frame" by J. Geills
• "Centerfold" by J. Geills
• "New England" by Big D and The Kids' Table
• "Dream On" by Aerosmith
• "Voices Carry" by Gang Green
• "Window Pane" by Mad Larry

Most of the above are Boston bands except for Mad Larry whose song appears in "Fever Pitch"

A lot of these are songs I've been playing during Sox games for years, but this year Sarah Logan of the Red Sox gave me a list of the songs she plays at Fenway between innings. They include:

• "What I Like About You" by the Romantics
• "Glory Days" by Bruce Springsteen
• "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince
• "On the Dark Side" by John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band
• "Pressure Drop" by Toots and the Maytals
• "Joy to the World" by Three Dog Night
• "Melt with You" by Modern English
• "Boom Boom Boom" (Follows a homerun)
• "Oki Doki"

I also play the soundtrack to "Outside Providence" because that's the best movie ever.

I'm sure that I left a bunch off or that there are still a bunch I should include. So, drop me an email or leave a comment with your opinion, please.

One Down!

Game 1 of the World Series went off without a hitch. It's strange to say, but there are fewer and fewer new faces at the bar these days. A regular crowd of rooters has settled in to the point where they even try to sit in the same seats every game and drink the same drinks. It makes my job a lot easier. I just pour a bunch of beers, put them on the bar and wait for the right person to pick them up. I know where my high fives are coming from and I know who's going to be yelling on "I'm Shipping off to Boston".

From the start there was plenty to celebrate. Three lucky fans answered Red Sox World Series trivia correctly and won a copy of "Feeding the Monster", an autographed Doug Mirabelli photo, and a case of Harpoon IPA. Then Beckett struck out the side and Dusty got us on the board with a blast that should have been grabbed by the front of the monster. From then on it was chants and sing-alongs. We even woke up the Big Giant Pez for his usual role of Mitch Miller leading us in "Take Me out to the Ballgame".

Truth be told the crowd was a bit sparse by "Dirty Water" but the energy was still very high. I think everyone knows that despite the fireworks it was one game. We started out the Indians series with a blowout too. Now, Schilling and Dice-K have to step up.

I don't know how we're going to top last night, but we can try. Schilling's going to need a lot more help from us than Beckett did. So, look for the "bloody sock" behind the bar and even ask to touch it. Then go and worship a the World Series bunting in the back of the bar that borrowed from Game 4 of the 2004 World Series. Get the mojo moving. and get there early for more trivia tonight with prizes that include a case of Harpoon UFO, and an autographed photo of Manny Delcarmen.

Also, many of you have been asking for the playlist of songs during the Sox games, so I'll put that up on the blog today.

The Celts
Looking ahead to next week, the much vaunted big three of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett make their debut against Washington on Friday, November 2. There should be a great crowd for what people are anticipating as the first serious contender the Celtics have had in almost 20 years.

I'm a sailor peg
And I lost my leg
I climbed up the topsails
I lost my leg
I'm shipping up to boston
(whoa oh oh) x3
-Murph

More Pictures from Game 7

A Big Day at Thom's!

Thanks to everyone that got to Thom's early for the Pats and kept me company on the first leg of my Sunday marathon. I got there at 11:45 am and left at 3:45 am. It was worth it.

The box score showed that Tom Brady had a record breaking day, but, as Brady said, the receivers starred. Stallworth put my fantasy team on his back and spin through the Miami secondary turning a small gain into a touchdown. And Moss stole two under thrown balls from Brady from no less than two defenders for touchdowns. I still haven't seen a replay that actually shows how he caught the second one with one arm, but there he was, cradling the ball with the competition at his feet. And, Welker just kept catching the ball and refusing to go down. There seems to be nothing this new corps of receivers can't do.

The crowd for Game 7 began trickling in around 5:30. For Game 6 we had to stop the door around 7:30 and turn away a ton of fans, so it was wise to arrive early on Sunday.

The throng was a cautious one. While Saturday night almost the whole bar sang along to the "National Anthem", on Sunday the faithful were quiet.

That all changed with the Sox' first at-bat. When Pedroia singled to start the bottom half of the first you felt good vibes from Saturday return to the room. Then Youk followed with a base hit, then Manny drove Dusty home for the first run of the game. Suddenly everyone was on board for the chorus of "I'm shipping off to Boston" and the sing-alongs didn't stop. With "Glory Days", and "New England", and "Tessie", and "Take me out to the Ballgame", and "Sweet Caroline", and finally "Dirty Water"every hand clapped and the words echoed far onto 2nd ave. And between songs you could even hear "Rog-ah" chants every time Clemens appeared in a commercial and "Steroids" chants for Betancourt when he entered the game.

The DOT workers outside repaving the street stood at the door and stared. They thought they were in New York, but the crowd told them otherwise. There's a little pocket of Fenway Park in the East Village. The beer is better and it won't cost you $7.75.

Of course they were in New York and of course these were all New Yorkers they were watching, but that doesn't mean they can't root for anyone they want. Sox fans get a lot of grief in New York for just being here. But, to me New York City has always been sold as a place where anyone could go and do whatever they want. That's how I got here. That's how so many generations of New Yorkers got here.

I never liked the "melting pot" metaphor for this city. Why should people just be assimilated into the mass. Why can't it be a stew with some clearly recognizable ingredients and a bunch of vegetables. Or a Vegas buffet with so many choices like prime rib or melon. Or a quilt with patches that are made by kids trying to raise money for- Ok, I'll stop now. (I really haven't slept much these past two weeks.) But, why can't people come here and be themselves without being harassed. They can. At Professor Thom's they did last night.

While the Sox were adding a run an inning through the first three, Dice-K did just what I asked of him. He pitched five innings that kept the Sox in the game. The Japanese news crew that showed up was very happy that this game turned out better than last week's. Dice-K left the game before the sixth with a 3-2 lead and our fate was now in the hands of the bullpen who pitched terrifically.

Then came more runs.

In a long standing Red Sox tradition (Bobby Doerr, Marty Barrett, Todd Walker, Mark Belhorn, et al.) it was the 2nd baseman that came through big in the playoffs. Dustin Pedroia hit a two run bomb to left that put the Sox up by 3 in the seventh then doubled to clear the bases in the eighth.

Papelbon was still on the mound in the bottom of the 9th with his team up 11-2. His job was now to throw strikes. That he did. Of the 16 pitches Papelbon threw in relief 15 of them were strikes. And that included the blast Blake drove to center with two outs and one on. In retrospect, Francona made a great move putting Crisp in the game for the last inning. Not only did Crisp make the game ending catch to save a run and Papelbon any more pitches. But, he likely had a great amount of confidence restored that he'd lost since being benched for Ellsbury.

The hero of two games Josh Beckett was awarded the MVP trophy. He pitched great, but I don't think he pitched as well as Youkilis hit. According to MLB.com:

"Youkilis hit an even (14-for-28) during the series, besting Bob Boone's seven-game ALCS record of .455 in 1986. He scored 10 runs, breaking a three-year-old ALCS record held by the Yankees' Hideki Matsui. With 14 hits, including at least one in each game, Youkilis tied the LCS record jointly held by Matsui and Albert Pujols since '04. And each seemed bigger than the last."

Youkilis now holds a least three hitting records for the ALCS. His OBA was .576! His 26 total bases were 10 more than the next closest Red Sock and 11 more than the closest Indian, Peralta.

Stat maniac David Tice agrees (bold added):

"In terms of runs created (without getting into batting the runner at first over to third to score on a later sac fly etc.), Youk matched or exceeded the Cleveland 0ffense in Games 1, 5, 6 and 7. In other words, the ones that the Red Sox won.

Beckett's pitching performances can't be overlooked, and Beckett and Schilling in games 5 and 6 just did everything you can do to keep your team in the game long enough to win, in games that they absolutely had to win, so I can see the ace getting the MVP. But it is rather suspicious that in a series marked by hugely unbalanced offensive swings, the Boston offense got superhot when Youkilis was hitting and did close to nothing (save Game 2) when he wasn't."

Even Youk himself commented on his blog today about one of the best hitting performances in playoff history and the lack of attention it received, "I had a good series swinging the bat, but I don't mind flying under the radar."

That's all behind us now. It was a great comeback. It was a great night. But it means little if we lose this week. The World Series begins Wednesday and I won't be surprised to see so many of the same faces at Thom's that have been there throughout the playoffs.

Red Sox Take Pennant

Here are some links and photos from the American League Championship:

A new tradition arises

Red Sox roar into World Series

DUSTIN 'EM OFF NY Post

A Team of Destiny and Teflon NYTimes

Matsuzaka, Pedroia put BoSox back in World Series ESPN.com

Ready or Not, Here Come the Red Sox Deadspin.com

Pennant Number 12 The Mighty Quinn Media Machine

Rox and Sox 2007 World Series, it’s on…. 38 Pitches

We stuck together Yooooouuuuukkkkk

ア・リーグ優勝決定戦:松坂、岡島の黄金リレーでＲソックスＶ、ワールドシリーズ進出

What Might Have Been.

It seems that MLB once again jumped the gun at the expense of the Red Sox by running this ad for Indians' World Series swag. It's not the first time. I just thought that they only did it for another team.

If you're from New England you know full well that is the ultimate no-no. The baseball gods are real and have punished hubristic Sox fans for generations. So the Sox turn around was no surprise given Ryan Garko's words and the unbelievable antics of Cleveland area stores.

The Fates were on our side and the Sox' bats were so many gadflies to Chief Wahoo Bellerophon's flight up Olympus. The smitten Clevelanders only have themselves to blame.

"What fates impose, that men must needs abide; It boots not to resist both wind and tide”-Billy Shakespeare

Game 6

Many of you Sox fans have probably never even been to Thom's during college football. Well, let me tell you it gets packed, especially during Michigan games. And the Wolverines are playing opposite the Sox on Saturday night.

So my advice would be to get there as early as possible. When's the last time you tried our brunch?

Sunday night's game should be no problem for space. But, don't be surprised if when you get there all of the seats are taken by Pats fans that haven't left since noon.

*****

A hearty goodbye to Joe Torre; the team won't be the same without him. At his press conference today he said that he went to the meeting with an offer in hand that he didn't like, but was willing to negotiate. The Yankees weren't. They made it clear that they didn't want him back, but left it to him to say no. I predict he'll be managing the Mets in 2 years.

More Thom's Foolery

Gagne Optioned
The First Clambake
Torre Gone
Beckett on the National Anthem
Jacoby's Popularity Soaring

Patriots get Stubhub Users' Names

Tessie, you make me feel so badly.

Why don't you turn around?

Tessie, you know I love you madly.

Babe, my heart weighs about a pound.

Don't blame me if I ever doubt you,

You know I wouldn't live without you.

Tessie, you are the only, only, only.
-Will R. Anderson

Strap It On!

As if spygate wasn't enough, the Patsies are again up to their wicked ways. This time Tom Terrific is taking it on the chin for cheating. The league has decided to punish the greatest QB ever for not fastening his chin strap. The Commissioner stated: "Everybody knows that when Tom Brady leaves his chin strap unbuckled he looks cool in a swashbuckling manner. It's distracting to opposing defenders and provides the Patriots with an unfair competitive advantage." The Commissioner went on to say that his office was considering banning the glint in his eye if other teams registered complaints thereof.

Rivals of the Patriots are up in arms over what they see as another meaningless punishment. Tom Brady will have to pay a fine of $4 million, 3 touchdowns, and 2 fingers (his choice). He will have the dimple on his chin spackled. In addition, the Patriots will have to give one receiver to each of the other AFC East teams and Brady will lose visitation rights for the baby he had out of wedlock with actress Bridget Moynihan. Brady has also agreed to throw at least one interception per game for the rest of the season and pledges not to challenge Pedigree Manning's holy TD record.

Manning supported the decision: "He's dreamy. Everyone knows it. He shouldn't be allowed to flaunt it on the field. He's been warned numerous times by the league."

The Patriots (6-0) take on Miami (0-6) at 1:00 Sunday.

In other news, it's going to be a big weekend at Thom's. Get there early for your seats on Saturday to watch the Sox return to Fenway for game 6 of the ALCS. Then on Sunday the Sox try to close out the Tribe and head to the World Series against the rested Rockies.

Hey! I’m only fourteen

Sickly ’n’ thin

Tried all of my life

Just to grow me a chin

It popped out once

But my dad pushed it in

Why did he hurt me?

He’s my next of kin...

He’s a mex-i-kin

-Frank Zappa

All Square.

There was a 19 inning party at Thom's that ended this morning with a stray Gagne fastball. The bar rocked for the entirety of game 1 and the enthusiasm flowed smoothly into and throughout game 2. From the choruses of "Tessie" to Horton's lead in "Take me out to the ball game" there seemed to be one mass consciousness of optimism. Then the extra innings came and Ortiz, Manny, and Lowell came and went. Then there were was a donnybrook or two. Then it was over. The Sox had lost their first game of the playoffs.

The fantasy of a clean run through the World Series is over and now we have to actually play the games. That should not worry us though, because "Tessie" will be back Monday as will these guys:

K. Youkilis 1b .375
D. Ortiz dh .500
M. Ramirez lf .500
M. Lowell 3b .375

If you are at Thom's on Monday look for a little tension at the start of the game. Even since 2004, there lingers a bit of the apprehension in the sole of every Sox fan. But, that too will pass quickly around the time that Big Papi comes up to bat in the top of the first.

Get to Thom's early on Tuesday. Bombo films will be by again to shoot footage for their new documentary on Sox fans. They are continuing to get coverage of Ka(y)reoke, our own play-by-play experince that lets the customers take up to the mic and call the game. Look for house trivia master John Quinn with the sign up sheet if you want to participate and be a star.

That's Amore!

Many of you have asked where I was during the first two games of the ALDS. Well, it's time to reveal that I in fact went to the Riviera. Yes, that no-man's land of Red Sox fans. The original home of Red Sox Nation in New York. The place to where I swore I would never return. But, I could not resist all of those beaches and all of that great food and olives and wine and...

Alright, you may have figured out by now that I wasn't in the West Village for the ALDS but the other Riviera, the one in Italy, on my honeymoon. I had a lobby computer and had to wake the hotel staff at 2 am for an internet card, "Scusi signor, io voglio internet per i Calzi Rossi di Boston." "I Calzi di Rossi? Ma certo!" Then I had to wait for hours for CNN International to show the least meaningful clip of the game just to follow it with an hour of Cricket coverage. Mamma mia! Apparently, the Red Sox are very popular in Italy. And, it's no surprise when you consider all of the great Italians that have played for the Sox: DiMaggio, Petrocelli, Casale, Conigliaro, Merloni, Oglivie

I got back in time to join an incredible crowd at Thom's watch the Sox knock out the Angels and the Indians knock out the Yankees. Yes, the Yankees lost in the first round again. It kind of seems strange not to face them in the playoffs, but for those of you belating the loss of another Sox/Yanks match-up, CHB makes it clear why we want the Indians.

*****

It would appear that Yankee fans are finally getting used to losing and are actually starting to enjoy it. Play-by-play icon Suzyn Wailman gave this heartfelt summation of their season. That's right Suze, he's our friend. The Yankees have even been kind enough to offer money back on tickets already bought. You just have to fill out this application: Yankees ticket redemption form.

The pennant games start tonight with Rockies at the Diamondbacks. Then tomorrow, it's the Sox and the Indians. Please get there early if you want a seat. Just four more wins until the World Series.

Sunday, the unbeaten Patsies face the unbeaten Cowboys in Dallas a 4pm. It's a big weekend in New England. Hit it Barry!

More Thom's Foolery

It's picture time. Here are a couple fotos of friends of Thom's with some big names:

First up is Sam McGee with hall of famer Bobby Doerr.

And here's the Kaz kids with Tina Cervasio.

And, finally, here are the pictures from my wedding! (Sorry, wrong link. Here are the real pictures)

When you like to take naps

And you wish you had Paps

That's Joe Torre.

That's Joe Torre!

-R. Zapatka

Bad News for Sox Fans

It looks like the Yankees have done it again. They've won the division. MLB even has the t-shirts printed. Well, it's the wild card again for the Olde Towne 9. At least we're in the playoffs.

In a surprising move the Yankees have also won the AL West stunning the Angels who have already celebrated the crown. The Yankee domination is far reaching and the Sox will do best to simply get out of their way.

Upon hearing the news that he had won the MVP and Cy Young awards A-Rod said he was so happy that he got his back waxed.

Good for you, A-Rord. GFY.

In other news, Manny's return to the line up has given a much needed boost to the Sox line up. And, with but a few games remaining he has a chance to get his average over .300.

Don't forget that all of the games are on at Thom's next week. But, it's going to be busy, so get there early. I'll be in Italy on my honeymoon, so I'll appreciate any and all updates.

More Thom's Foolery

Look for New Hampshire's own Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale on tap next week for the playoffs and, as always, the Magic Hat's Space Man Ale and the Harpoon's Thom's Ale will be $4 during the game.

Represent! Check out these shirts with your neighborhood or town.

And, you'll soon be able to buy Thom's gear here. You already have a Fitzy tee? Good for you. GFY.

Bad news, bad news come to me where I sleep,

Turn, turn, turn again.

Sayin' one of your friends is in trouble deep,

Turn, turn to the rain and the wind.

-Robert Zimmerman

Save the Last Dance

Get ready to rumba!

This weekend Olde Towne Team enters the home stretch with its whip out and red silks fluttering behind. But, gaining ground and poised to make a pass on the turn is that old grey mare, MFY. Suddenly, she is what she used to be and the 14 length lead has been shaved to-ok that metaphor fell apart like the Mariners.

The point is that I spent my formative years (ages 2-35) at Suffolk Downs Race Track in Eastie. It was there that I won my first bet and it was there that I learned I would usually lose. But, that was before the "Summer of Believe". Remember those guys? No game was out of reach, and the past few games this team has had a bit of that magic too.

This weekend will be a frenzied one. The Yankees are guaranteed to still be in 2nd place when it ends. But, how far behind will they be? The Sox have a real chance to put the Yanks play-off hope in jeopardy and you should be at Thom's to see it happen. So come on down and get there early. On Saturday, the Michigan/ Notre Dame game will fill the place up by three. So, if you want a seat you might want to try our brunch.

If, by the way, you're not able to see one of the games, don't worry. A buddy of mine from the Patriots is taping it. I'll get you a copy.

Don't forget next Thursday, Bombo films is coming in to tape the season's last edition of Ka(y)reoke for the new Red Sox movie.

But don't forget who's taking you home

and in whose arms you're gonna be

So darlin', save the last dance for me

mmmm

-Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman

On to Clamapalooza V

Clamapalooza IV was a huge hit!

Thanks to everyone that made chowder, ate chowder, served the chowder and judged chowder.

Congratulations to our winners:

Judges Prize: The Emperor's New Chowder
Popular Prize: Estee Chowder

All of the chowders were terrific.

I can't wait for next year's event. And, judging from the crowd, we might have to use both floors next year.

What's next for Clamapalooza? Glad you asked. Look for the fifth and final edition of the year featuring Rhode Island clam cakes on December 3.

Clamapalooza IV: The Chowder Off

It's finally here! The Chowder Off. Everybody's favorite event of the entire Clamapalooza season. It's bigger than the big bang, greater than the Great Awakening, more witchy than the witch hunts. It's all happening tonight at Thom's.

Come on in to try an assortment of New England Clam Chowder made by Thom's regular competing for prizes. Check out the line up:

(Pictured: Thom's regular Stephanie Gaskell

at the Red Sox checkpoint in Iraq )

Traitor Chowder
Estee Chauder
Silence Of the Clams
Chowda!
The Emperor's New Chowdah
Soxwinit Point Chowder
Ortiz’s Homerun Chowda

You need something to wash down that chowder with so we're introducing this season's Harpoon Octoberfest for $3 during the event.

Nobody knows New England better than Thom's regulars.

The panel of judges will be headed by Thom's regular and food expert Andrea Strong of The Strong Buzz.

There will also be a "Most Popular" prize voted on by you. Just fill out the ballots for your favorite and include your name and e-mail. You might win a prize for just attending!

On the undercard tonight is the Red Sox vs. the Orioles and the Colts vs. the Saints. Only 3 more days until the Patsies kick-off.

Under the seaUnder the sea

Darling it's better

Down where it's wetter

Take it from me

Up on the shore they work all day

Out in the sun they slave away

While we devotin'

Full time to floatin'Under the sea

-Howard Ashman, Alan Menken