McCain Picks Gov. Sarah Palin Runningmate

Professor Thom's has just learned from a source (CNN, more specifically, Boston's own John King on CNN) that John McCain has chosen Alaskan first term Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.



What do we know about her? She played basketball. (above) She's done some interviews. And, she likes moose burgers. I have to admit that I'm not sure what moose burger is slang for, but everyone is saying it.



McCain surprised even Republican insiders with his pick who also do not know what "moose burger" means.

Rivalry

Oh boy! Here we go. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but I can't wait. This is what we all live for. Next week it's the Red Sox versus the Yankees in a battle for, ahm, well, pride? Yeah, that's it, pride.

You'll see all of your favorite players. Red Sox stalwarts like Jed Lowrie, Jason Bay, Kevin Cash, and Paul Byrd. And, don't forget those hated Yankees like Cody Ransom, Jose' Molina, and Edwar Ramirez. They might even mock us by parading pitcher Carl Pavano, a player stolen from us just a few years ago.

All of the stars will be there to-o.k so the rivalry has lost its luster just a tad bit. But, that doesn't mean we need to be any less hateful. Remember these are the Yankees that tear down parks! These are the Yankees that hate pine tar. They might as well hate trees! These are the Yankees that fight Bill Lee. Bill Lee! He hangs out at Thom's. That means they fight you.

So, what are you going to do about these tree hating, park killing, Bill Lee fighters? I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to go to Thom's and drink and yell at the TV. Who wants to join me? The first two games are Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Then on Thursday celebrate the Sox in style at the semi-annual BLOHARDS luncheon.

Yes, the Sox are coming to town, and that must mean that it's time for another BLOHARDS luncheon. This one is at the Yale Club on Wed., August 27th at high noon.

The BLOHARDS are the longest standing Sox group in NYC and past guests have included Roger Clemens, Jonathan Papelbon, and John Quinn. This time the guest list so far includes:

• WFAN's Ed Randall
• MSG's (former NESN fave) Tina Cervasio
• Prof. Thom's Trivia Time-Out with John Quinn
• Author Nicholas Dawidoff
• The guy who caught Manny's 500th HR
• And a Sox player to be named later.
  

David Aardsma brought his A-game to the April luncheon. Tickets available at http://www.blohards.com/

Thommies in the News

Jazz great and great Thommy John Pizzarelli recently released a Richard Rogers record.

Check out Ken Eng's fascinating film on Japanese high school baseball ""Kokoyakyu". On most PBS stations, the film will be shown on Tuesday, August 26 at 10pm.
Please check your local listings here.

I bet we been together for a million years,

And I bet we’ll be together for a million more.

Oh, It’s like I started breathing on the night we kissed,

And I can’t remember what I ever did before.

What would we do baby, without Us?

-by Jeff Barry & music by Tom Scott

Another Trophy Party at Thom's

...and you were there and you were there.

The premiere of "Blessed! Still We Believe" went royally with so many of the stars in attendance. Last Thursday we screened the film (oops. sorry, wrong movie. Let's try again.) the film made at Thom's last year during the Red Sox run to the title.

And, if you were there and lucky enough to stick around afterwards you got a special treat. Our buddy, baseball historian Peter Nash, inspired by the trophy party at the end of the movie went to his car and brought out the trophy awarded to the Sox following the 1912 World Series. 1912! He also had the ball from the last out of the last game. The dozen or so people still around from the movie got to pose with and touch the trophy, the second to visit Thom's this year. More to come...

Tonight and Friday while the Sox are raising money for the Jimmy Fund on the air we'll have collection cans sent to us from the Jimmy Fund so you can donate in the bar.

Our buddy Aaron Elstein blew the lid off of the little "clerical error" the Yankees were trying to pull in estimating earnings for the new Yankee Stadium. Check out his article in Crain's and you'll understand why Hanky Panky is already saying "Wait until next year."

And lastly, please do not miss The Alex Minasian Trio at Thom's tonight playing Jazz in the Loft. If you want to sit in, bring your instrument.

Still no results from the RSN Governors election. Stay tuned.

It takes two to make a thing go right
It takes two to make it outta sight
-Lyn Collins

Politics, Movies, and Goodbyes

We are but one week away from the New York premiere of the movie staring you and your favorite Red Sox bar: "Blessed! Still We Believe 2". That's right. August 7 at 8 o'clock we will be screening the number one Red Sox movie filmed at Professor Thom's (no offense intended to "Impossible to Forget"). more info

IT'S E-LECTION TIME!
Come on, admit it. You've seen it on "The Daily Show". You've heard tell of it at the barber shop. You know that something important is going on. Alright, I'll spell it out for you. The gubernatorial elections for Red Sox Nation are under way. That's right, vote early and often (10 times) for your New York representative and make Professor Thom's the Governor's mansion. Click here for more info on my candidacy.
Here's how it's judged and how I replied:

• Enthusiasm for The Boston Red Sox coupled with knowledge of the Club's history, values, and current challenges - 25% I think the Sox are pisser and have been forever. It would be a challenge to be more pisserer.
  
• Creativity of submission - 25% I wrote it in 64 different crayola crayons. 64!
  
• Understanding of social climate of U.S. state of residence - 25% It ain't easy.
  
• Number of endorsements received on fan support page - 25% Have I mentioned the beer specials?

Without further ado here's the state of the nation:

Manny rumors continue to swirl as the Sox swoon. In the wake of three straight poor pitching performances by Manny Ramirez it looks like the slugger's tenure in Boston might come to an end sooner than later. The only question that remains is will he go into the Hall of Fame as a Marlin?

Good news from the Celtics' camp: Paul Pierce is the best basketball player in the world according to Paul Pierce: "No creo que Kobe sea el mejor, el mejor soy yo. Hay una línea que separa tener confianza en uno mismo de ser presuntuoso. Yo no traspaso esa línea pero tengo mucha confianza en mí." There you have it.

The Patsies signed Lamont "You big dummy" Jordan out from the nose of Al Davis who only agreed to release Jordan if he didn't sign with the Pats. This is some great news for Pats fans. Jordan was a highly sought after free agent just a couple of years ago. But, can he play corner back?

And the Broons have done diddly-squat for many moons. The good news is they recently signed two minor leaguers! There's always next year.

We belong together
And you that I’m right
Why do you play with my head,
Why do you play with my mind?

...

Maybe I’ll forgive you, hmm

Maybe you’ll try

We should be happy together

Forever, you and i

-Kenneth Edmonds

Vote for Me- Governor of RSN NY

With much reluctance I have been thrust into the field of potential governors of Red Sox Nation in New York. For this I humbly solicit your support. Please endorse my candidacy here. (If an email is needed please use chris wertz@hotmailDOTcom)

As Governor I will assemble a crackerjack cabinet made up from the leaders of RSN in New York. This position is bigger than one man. It’s a responsibility to be shared by the most talented ex-pats New York City has to offer. Together, we will continue to provide a safe haven for resident and visiting citizens of Red Sox Nation.

I’ve already spearheaded two successful visits by World Series Trophies (2004 and 2007) and I promise to bring the next celebration to the heart of Gotham. In addition, I will use this recognition to organize more charity events important to New Englanders. My goal is that every member of RSN Nation knows that even behind enemy lines in New York City there’s a place to go where everybody knows your name.

I pledge that the music of Jonathan Richman will ring in the streets. That Bill Lee will get sloshed at the bar (again). That Luis Tiant will smoke a cigar on a terrace. That in the land of the East River you will think of Boston first when you think of dirty water.

I pledge to get the 2008 NBA trophy to the bar. I pledge to bring candlepin bowling to NYC! I pledge to bring back Narragansett to Thom's. I pledge clams for everyone (unless you don't like clams). I pledege more Japanese film crews at the bar. In fact I will make any promise you ask if you'll endorse me.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Chris Wertz, humble servitor

"Blessed! Still We Believe 2" Premiere

Overture, curtain, lights,

This is it, the night of nights

No more rehearsing and nursing our parts

We know every part by heart

Overture, curtain, lights This is it, we'll hit the heights

And oh what heights we'll hit

On with the show this is it

It's here! It's finally here. The premiere of the "Blessed! Still We Believe 2" featuring you and you and you will be at Thom's on August 7th. Portions of this film were shot last year at Thom's during Sox games and particularly the play-offs and the World Series Trophy party. Were you there? Then you're probably in the film. The curtain will go up around 8pm. No not miss this star studded event.

BTW There are 3 new clips from Thom's on the YouTube page.

Around New England

You might not realize it, but there are things happening outside of the demilitarized zone we've carved out of the EastVillage. Let's take a look around the motherland.

In Vermont Little Leaguers from the Connecticut Valley South Little League will be shipping off to Cuba to play against their communist counterparts. This event, unsanctioned by Little League International, will not be a covert military exercise.

In Rhode Island family guys are testing the limits of inebriety. Stanley Kobierowski pushed the needle to red when he blew a 0.49 on his breathlizer last week. 0.50 is dead. Not to shabby. One too many Stellas, Stanley? The best part is he was released. Nice move.

I was driving through Connecticut last week listening to the Yankee game on the radio and I heard this: "Attention Connecticut residents! Do you realize that the Connecticut Lottery Red Sox scratch cards are outselling the Yankee scratch cards. You don't want Connecticut to become a Red Sox state, do you?" In other words, to be a Yankee fan in Connecticut is a gamble.

BREAKING NEWS! Sensibility is back in the Granite State. In an ESPN poll on "Which is the better pair of current sport siblings" for a while it seemed that only Massachusetts-that bastion of ladies' tennis-would get it right. But, here comes New Hampshire! 51% of live-free-or-diers now favor the Williamses over the Mannings. Way to go and just in time for the 200th anniversary of the Flume Gorge. The Old Man in the Mountain is gone, but his spirit lives on.

Maine is so normal it's just hard to find an interesting story. How about this: In Lewiston Maine people are finding pythons over 8 feet. Not bad, huh? A bit humdrum by Maine standards, though. Long time Down Easter Sam McGee when asked about the 9 foot python found under a pick-up truck said, "You're lucky it wasn't a Moose." Indeed Sam, indeed.

And then there's Massachusetts where they're still making it! What to do? The Sox are hosting the Yankees this weekend. Don't have tickets? Come to Thom's. We'll be having fun. Oh, you're down the Cape. Well check out the Woods Hole Film Festival. On Saturday they're screening a film we'll be screening in a few weeks: "Rooters: The Birth of Red Sox Nation".

I've been all around the world, but I love New England best.

I might be prejudiced.

But it's true, I love New England best.
-Jonathan Richman

Thank You Thommies

I just wanted to thank everyone that helped make Monday night special for Jerry, Professor Thom's, and all of the baseball fans in attendance.

It was a night long overdue for a legend of Red Sox Nation right here in New York City.

Fitzy went above and beyond the call of duty as MC for the entire night. Sandy Jordan and Randy Ingram put together a terrific Jazz show. And the mighty Quinn put in some overtime in setting up the items for auction.

We are also much obliged to Andrea and Kim and everyone that helped sell tickets at the door. And, of course everyone that donated so many great things: The Aardsma family, Fred Lynn, the Red Sox, Larry Lucchino, Pat Casale, Joe Cosgriff, the BLOHARDS, ESPN Magazine, Sandy Jordan, Joe Desmond, Joe Castiglione, Dave Lipman, Supahfans, Tavern on Jane, Brett Rapkin, Bombo films, Doug Lipp, Bill Nowlin, Harpoon Brewery, Jere Smith, Boston Latin School, Jim Calhoun, and everyone else that pitched in.

Check out all of the photos Manager Matt took on Flickr. Feel free to add your own.

As a special reward for your generosity I put a few new films on YouTube. Click on the link to the page above or check out the most recent here. And, as an extra special bonus, I convinced the Yankees to sign Richie Sexson. No need to thank me; you deserved it.

The Sox are back on Tonight after what was hardly an All-Star break. The Olde Towne team dominated headlines in New York all week, dominated the roster of the American League team, and even took home MVP. Not too shabby for a vacation. Come see them defend first place this weekend against the Angles.

Thursday Night Movies at Thom's

Look for movie nights at Thom's in the very near future. We'll be screening "Blessed! Still We Believe 2" which was shot at Thom's, "Rooters: The Birth of the Red Sox Nation", and "Crazy Legs Conti: Zen and The Art of Competitive Eating".

WANTED in connection with extreme flattery, whoever is responsible for sending Fred Lynn down to Thom's on Saturday night. Free drinks await you! Lynn amused Sox fans with tales of the 70's and the real difference between home and road uniforms.

Support a Local Legend

Welcome to The event of All-Star Week, "An Eventing for Jerry Casale"

Tonight at 7:00 pm baseball fans will gather at Professor Thom's to honor former Sox Hurler Jerry Casale. The night will be hosted by Paul "Fitzy" Fitzgerald and will feature music by Sandy Jordan and Randy Ingram and hopefully a few surprise guests.

There has been an overwhelming amount of generosity in support of this event (even Castiglione has been mentioning it during Sox broacasts) and I would just like to thank everyone that has helped by either donating their time, talent, or items to be raffled and auctioned.
And, speaking of items, below is a list of everything we have so far. Some of them will be available for raffle, tickets for which will cost $20 for 5. The other items will be available by silent auction. There will be a suggested donation of $20 at the door which includes 5 raffle tickets and one drink.

Brooklyn native Jerry Casale pitched for 5 years in the Major League Baseball having had his most successful year for the Red Sox in 1959 winning 13 games. After baseball, Jerry opened Pino's, a small Italian eatery in midtown Manhattan where an entire wall inside the restaurant was made into a mural of Fenway Park and the Green Monster. Pino's became the place to be for Sox fans either exiled or just visiting enemy territory. Jerry would entertain all patrons with his stories of playing for the Sox and would even play the radio call of his homerun against the Yankees in Fenway Park. In many ways Pino's paved the way for the now rabid following of Sox fans in New York City and the many bars and groups that now serve as their beloved sanctuaries.

Sadly, Jerry recently suffered a stroke. We have learned that due to a lack of sufficient health insurance coverage, Jerry is having great difficulty affording proper medical care. On Monday, July 14, baseball fans in New York City will gather for one special night to honor Jerry for his contributions to Red Sox Nation and what he means to our community, and raise money to help him cover some of his medical expenses.

Some of the items available so far:

• A sketch of Ted Williams signed by Ted Williams.
• A plaque of Ted Williams signed by Ted Williams.
• A bat signed by Carlos Delgado.
• A Jersey signed by David Aarsdma.
• A ball signed by Fred Lynn at Professor Thom's.
• A $200 gift vertificate to Capital Grille.
• A collection of three Red Sox books donated by Bill Nowlin.
• 3 DVDs donated by Bombo including: "Still We Beleive", "Still We Believe 2", and "New England Hockey: Life at the Rink".
• Assorted autographed items from Joe Klecko incuding a football, photos, and a jersey.
• Two Sox tix: Section 86 RF box seats for Sunday, Aug. 17th vs. Toronto.
• A trip to Harpoon Brewery's BBQ event on July 26, 27 in Vermont including a package is for two people, one night stay (7/26) Passes to get in for Saturday 7/26 and Sunday 7/27, meal tickets for 2 and 3 beer tickets per person per day.
• Many great items from Boston Latin School including sweatshirt, mugs, golf gloves, etc.
• Mike Lowell autographed bat.
• Josh Beckett autographed baseball.
• Tavern on Jane: Dinner for 4 up to $200.
• An autographed poster of Jerry Casale's rookie card.

Excerpt from June 20, 1956, page 25 The Sporting News:

"While Casale is no hitter-for-an-average as a pitcher, he occasionally gets hold of a ball and all but knocks the coveroff it. A 551-foot homer over the center field wall at Seals Stadium recently was the fifth-longest clout on record in the 24-year history of the park."

More Thom's Foolery
WANTED in connection with extreme flattery, whoever is responsible for sending Fred Lynn down to Thom's on Saturday night. Free drinks await you! Lynn amused Sox fans with tales of the 70's and the real difference between home and road uniforms.

A bottle of reds, a bottle of whites

Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight

I'll meet you anytime you want

In our Italian Restaurant.

-William Martin Joel

The Super Duper Happy Fun Show at Professor Thom's

I miss the Esplanade on the Fourth. After a day of riding mangy ponies and losing foot races to kids who lied about their age at the VFW picnic at Smith's Field in Allston. We'd walk down to the Esplanade to watch the fireworks, listen to Arthur Fiedler conduct the Pops on a little radio, and get yelled at for twirling a glowstick-"Put that god-damned thing down! It'll break open and burn your skin!"-in that order. Fiedler's long gone, and I'm a long way from the Hatch Shell, but I can twirl a glowstick to my heart's content.

Tonight, the number one rated morning show in all of Japan will be broadcasting live from Professor Thom's on NHK. So, if you're not going to the Bronx (and, why would you) please get to the bar early for the two segments at 5:30 and 7. BANZAI!

July 14 Benefit for Jerry Casale

The Evening for Jerry Casale is coming together nicely. So far Boston Latin School has donated a couple boxes of great stuff, Harpoon Brewery is putting together a vacation package to their BBQ event in Vermont (Speaking of which, there are plenty of free passes at the bar.), and the Red Sox have donated a ball signed by Josh Beckett and a bat signed by Mike Lowell! So far so good, right? If you have something you want to add to the night let me know. Also, if you'd like to contribute in another way, like performing or volunteering, drop me a line.

If you're interested in any of the items, you have to show up July 14 to win them.

VOTE VOTE VOTE

The most talented Thommie, John Pizzarelli is competing in ESPN's "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" contest. Vote early and often and get one our own the win.


EAT EAT EAT

The biggest baddest eater at PT's is "Crazy Legs" Conti. We'll be rooting for him Friday the 4th as he competes for the Yellow Mustard Belt at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. The contest kicks off at noon on Friday and finishes just before the start of the Sox game at 1pm.

And the smell of the smoke and the lay of the land

And the feeling of finding ones heart in ones hand

And the tiny tin voice of the radio band singing

Love must stand

Love forever and ever must stand

All on the fourth of july

On the fourth of july

-James Taylor

Oh When the Sox...

Here they come again, mmmm-mm-mm. Catch us if you can, mmmm-mm-mm.

Next week the Sox come to town to play 4 games against the third place New York Yankees and with them come the cameras.

NHK (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai) will be broadcasting LIVE Thursday, July 3 on the most popular morning show in Japan. If you want all of your family and friends back in Japan to see you on TV try to get to the bar early. They'll be shooting at 5:30 and 7:30. There's something about this rivalry that brings out the media.

And, speaking of the rivalry, no one enjoyed beating the Yankees more than Red Sox pitcher and Brooklyn native Jerry Casale. He slugged one of the longest homeruns ever hit at Yankee Stadium and to this day has the Phil Rizzuto play-by-play of the at-bat.

We'll be honoring Jerry at Professor Thom's on July 14 and everyone is invited. After baseball, Jerry opened Pino's, a small Italian eatery in midtown Manhattan where an entire wall inside the restaurant was made into a mural of Fenway Park and the Green Monster. Pino's became the place to be for Sox fans either exiled or just visiting enemy territory.

Sadly, Jerry recently suffered a stroke. On July 14 we will gather for one special night to honor Jerry for his contributions to Red Sox Nation and what he means to our community, and raise money to help him cover some of his medical expenses.

If you want more information or if you have anything you would like to donate to be raffled (gift certificates, dvds, books, etc.) please let me know. There will be a suggested donation at the door.

Catch us if you can

Catch us if you can

Catch us if you can

Catch us if you can

-Dave Clark / Lenny Davidson

Who Went to The Parade?

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

Beat L.A.

It's about this time that someone always asks, "If they lose the championship was it worth it?" Who cares, the Celtics are going to win. Somehow the team with the best record in the NBA, a better record against the West than the East, and the best defense in the league is underdog to Kobe Bryant. You know what that means: Place your bets. Right now the Cetics are getting about 8-1 to beat the Lakers in 5 games and 5-1 to win in 6 games. That's easy green stuff.

If you're coming to Thom's tonight for Game 1 you should get there early for game 3 between the Sox and the Famous Original Tampa Rays. The baseball game was moved up to 6 out of concern for excess traffic in Boston. So, if you come in at 8 looking for a table and they're all gone, don't say I didn't warn you.

Benefits

Mark your calendars now for July 14 when we'll be hosting a benefit for former Sox hurler Jerry Casale. Jerry's had some health problems lately and we're going to pick him up with an evening in his honor with many special guests. Details to follow.

And, if you find yourself in the giving mood help one of our favorite Thommies, Kim reach her most modest goal in her battle against Alzheimer's disease: Click here for more info.

More Thom's Foolery

There are still plenty of free tickets behind the bar for tomorrow's Summer Session at Harpoon Brewery. If you're going to Boston come in and pick some up.

Haven't found that perfect Father's Day gift yet? Check out Andy Wasif's new book Green Monster University. Andy does signings at the bar a couple of times per year.

My Father is the butcher

My Mother cooks the meat

And, I'm the little hot dog

That's runs around the street

-William Ralph Wertz

Blessed! Still We Believe!

Today is the day that "Blessed! Still We Believe" finally goes on sale everywhere. The extra features on this DVD will have more footage from Thom's than the Shaw's version that's been around for a couple months.

Jon Lester thrilled Sox fans last night by throwing the first no-hitter by a lefty in more than 50 years. To boot, it was the fourth no-hitter caught by Jason Varitek, a new MLB record. It seems like mound celebrations are becoming common place in Red Sox Nation. I for one will never tire of seeing them.

The Celts kick off their final series before the championship at home tonight versus Detroit. Ray Allen needs to score double digits with Pierce so worn out from the Cavs series. Look for Rondo to run Billups who has been nursing a sore hamstring.

More Thom's Foolery

Gino is the not only the dancing machine on the Garden's scoreboard this year he's the burying machine from the Bronx. The man who used voodoo to start Ortiz' current tear now claims that he buried a scorecard from the '04 ALCS under the new toilet. Can you dig it?

3rd Base Saloon Reopens its Door

McGreevy's is back in Boston. The original sports bar that was home to Boston sports fanciers and cranks more than 100 years ago has reopened its doors, this time on Boylston Street not too far from Fenway.

The 'Nuf Ced behind this version of the saloon is sometime Thom's visitor and baseball historian Peter Nash. Peter made the film "Royal Rooters" last year which will be screened at Thom's soon.

If you find yourself in Boston make sure to try it out at 911 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02115.

For now check it out online:

http://www.mcgreevysboston.com (under construction)http://www.myspace.com/mcgreevysboston

http://going.com/mcgreevysboston

Night Time is the Wright Time

According to the NY Post Boston's own Stephen Wright dropped by the bar last Saturday to catch the Sox and the Celts.

He said he looked us up on-line. While at the end of the bar he sketched some of the female patrons on the back of menus signing them "You by Me, SW". It was the Wright night to be at the bar as both hometown teams won.

I went for a walk last night and she asked me how long I was going to be gone. I said, "The whole time." -SW

Sox Take on Team Sponsored by Pizza Shop.

The Sox’ spate of ninth innings wins ended ignominiously last night when Uncle Jed Lowrie forgot to bring a bat to the plate with him.

In case you missed it, the game first ended on a Crisp fly ball to center that was called back due to a BJ Ryan balk. The do-over turned into a two out rally and with a full count Lowrie disappointed all of the inside-out-caps by watching strike three. It wasn’t meant to be.

Your Boston Red Sox will try to avenge last week’s sweep in Tampa against the first place Ray's tonight. The Ray's changed their name this year from the Devil Rays to promote the pizza chain that sponsors them. The Famous Original Tampa Ray's made the move easily from Cental Park softball to MLB baseball.

But, that’s not all. As a bonus you will get Game 6 of the Celtics’ series. The doubters are back in the Celtics’ camp after seeing this series that was supposed to be a bye become competitive. Come out and boo Bibby.

Let’s see. What else is going on? Hmmm.

O Clemens! And you thought your record of 20 strikeouts would stand forever. Little did you know that you would strike out far more times in your retirement. The Daily News has been ripping Roger lately digging up his former lovers like the Yankees dig up Sox jerseys. (BTW, how’s your DL since that little incident, Hanky Panky?)

A third such liaison has come forward today. In case you’re keeping score at home, that’s a 15 year old girl, a mother of 4, and a Detroit stripper. Roger is all over the place just like he was in game 3 of the ’99 ALCS.

Reports have it that friends of Clemens are urging him to drop his defamation suit against Brian McNamee and escape the public eye. But, The Daily News has proven that report false unable to get find anyone claming Fraudger as a friend.

More Thom Foolery

After careful, careful deliberation (the month long variety) I’m a ready to declare a winner of our Red Sox Haiku contest. Our guest judge Hidenori Sekita of NHK chose Michael Liss as his overall favorite. Hide said, “This haiku is very simple and he understands the notion of haiku very well .“

The award for the people’s choice goes to Kristine Zaleskis who received all of the votes. Approbation and gift certificates await you at Professor Thom’s. Congrats.

Winners abound at Thom’s. Aside from the usual trivia night’s etc. we’ll be awarding a prize to the top fund raiser of our AIDS Walk team. Haven't joined up yet? You should.

Here’s a few reasons why from team captain Eden Ligas:

• You care about the plight of people living with HIV/AIDS
• You’ll be at Thom’s for the game anyways, might as well make the walk before
• You love Thom’s Ale
• Happy hour specials after the walk at Thom’s
• Michael Kay and Joe Buck won’t be doing the play-by-play
• You hate Kaczmarczyk!

When the moon hits your eye

Like a big pizza pie

That's Amore

- Harry Warren and Jack Brooks

RIP Buzzie Bavasi 1914-2008

RIP Emil "Buzzie" Bavasi

Sadly, former baseball executive Buzzie Bavasi died yesterday at the age of 93.

I'm happy to have gotten to know Buzzie in the past few months at his home in La Jolla and through e-mails. He was a very generous man with an underappreciated value to baseball. It's a shame that Cooperstown passed him by this year for the hall of fame in favor of Walter O'Malley his sometime boss and often nemesis.

In his last days Buzzie avidly watched three baseball games a day and "four when the Cubs [were] at home." Aside from being passionate about baseball he read on average three books a week.

Buzzie met his wife Evit when he was 13 years old and she was 11. He said, "I saw her skipping across the street with her books under her arm and said, 'Someday I'm going to marry that girl' and I did." They were to celebrate their 68 wedding anniversary this month.

Buzzie told me this joke a few months ago:"One day a baseball player went to heaven. St. Peter asked him at the gates, "What do you want to do?" The baseball player said he wanted to play baseball. So, St. Peter took him to a part of heaven with endless baseball fields and endless baseball players playing the most perfect brand of baseball he had ever seen. In the middle of it was a man orchestrating it all wearing a hat that read W.O'M. The baseball player asked St. Peter, "I don't get it. What is Walter O'Malley doing here? I thought he'd be in the other place. St. Peter answerd, "No, no. That's not Walter O'Malley. That's God. He just thinks he's Walter O'Malley."

Rest in peace Buzzie. You will be missed.

'Eck of a Guy

Professor Thom's was at the center of an affair in Boston last week at Fenway to celebrate the release of "Blessed! Still We Believe 2". We had a great opportunity to whoop it up with former Sox hurler Dennis Eckersley.

The film which features so many Thommies is only available in New England at Shaw's supermarkets. It will be for sale online May 13 and there will be a screening at Thom's May 15.

Can You Dig It?

No tickets for the game tomorrow? Come to Thom’s. Why? Why?

Well, David Laurila will be there signing copies of his book “Interviews From Red Sox Nation” featuring “over 100 interviews with a wide range of people associated with Red Sox baseball past and present.”

And, in case that’s not enough how about the 4th installment in the series we like to call Red Sox/Yankees?

Yes, the ex-con’s shirt has been excavated. Hanky panky went from denial to forking over $50k to dig up the shirt that supposedly didn’t exist. And now the Steinbrainners want Gino from the Bronx (First time long time) to cover their costs.

While they’re at it, why don’t they get Gino to pay for Kei Igawa’s contract or how about Posada’s contract? Maybe Gino could dig up some experience for Ian Kennedy and a haircut for Bruney. So, much for that “Yankee look”. And, since they’re asking the authorities to look into charges against Gino why don’t they look into how an ex-con with mob ties gets hired to an $88/hour job building the new shrine?

Oh, it’s going to be ugly in the Bronx these next two days. The Sox are coming off of two huge 9th inning wins in Cleveland. The only rivalry in baseball is alive and well.

Blessed: Still We Believe 2

Look for a special Thom’s screening of the newest Red Sox film around the 15th of May. This will be the only New York showing of the film featuring so many Thommies.

Following that we’ll be doing a special screening of “Rooters: The Birth of Red Sox Nation” by Peter Nash. Peter is also opening a new Red Sox bar in Boston. If you’re in Boston for the marathon, be sure to stop by.

Don't forget to join Thom's AIDS Walk team.

I can dig it He can dig it
She can dig it We can dig it
They can dig it You can dig it
Ohhhh, let's dig it,
Can you dig it, baby

THE FRIENDS OF DISTINCTION

Thom's Regulars Weigh in on Jinx

The NY Post shot some interviews for NYPOST.COM at Thom's Friday night during the opener of the Yankees series. The subject was the alleged Red Sox shirt buried under the new Yankee Stadium.

As the Yankees go on to doubt the story of the buried jersey the construction worker released photographic evidence of the shirt being buried in concrete. The icing on the cake is the hard-hat embalmer is a Bronx native. Rumors abound as to what else "Gino" the construction worker stored in cement.

Yankees Cursed, or Course.

"You son of a bitch. You moved the cemetery, but you left the bodies, didn't you? You son of a bitch, you left the bodies and you only moved the head stones. You only moved the head stones. Why? Why?-"Poltergeist"

Well, that's it the MFY are finally done and Thom's had a say in it.

HIGH'JINX' HITS YANKEES-NY Post

Today's story in the New York Post details a construction worker from Boston's attempts to screw the Yankees forevermore (or at least for 34 years until they tear down the new hallowed grounds of Yankee stadium). According to The NY Post there is a Red Sox shirt buried in the cement poured in the floor of the visiting clubhouse. They also claimed that the Yankees buried something in tribute to Thurman Munson in the home club house. This begs the question, what else is buried there? I hope we get a clue every year about something else buried.

The Yankees should really take advantage of this situation and start burying anything they're embarrassed by. They could bury Kei Igawa with his contract, and why not Hideki Irabu whlie they're at it. They could bury Brian McNamee and all of the syringes he used on Clemens and Pettitte. They could bury Slappy's Blue Lips and Cap'n's Golden Gloves. I bet they wish they could bury Hank Steinbrenner right now.

While they're down there they should dig up Billy Martin. Maybe he could teach Hank some humility.

Any more ideas?

Make a pile of trunk tires

And burn em all down

Bring a dollar with you baby

In the cold cold groundCold cold ground

-Tom Waits

The Red Sox, The Tigers, and Bruins. Oh My

Red Sox fans, how did you spend the Red Sox home opener? In 2005 I spent it trailed by a camera crew from YES Network! That’s right, the Yankees. It was my job to show 4 MFY fans around the Athens of America. Fear not, it was for a good cause as the footage will show. I made sure they suffered.

This year I took it easy joining the BLOHARDS on their annual pilgrimage to the most beloved ballpark in the country, Fenway. There wasn’t as much pomp and circumstance as the ceremony in 2005, but it was still special. Check out all of the pictures on Flickr and add your own to the pool.

We had a little time before the game so we headed to Shaw’s to pick up a copy of “Blessed: Still We Believe 2”. Look for details about a screening at Thom’s. And, if you can’t get to Shaw’s you can pre-order a copy here.

The Sox play tonight at 7pm against Detroit then host the Yankees this weekend. The crowds at the bar should be great and they’ll be plenty of give-aways.

Lace Up Your Skates!

It’s that annual right of passage that Boston fans for generations have suffered. The time has come again for the Bruins/Canadiens playoff exhibition. Yaaaaaaaay! Yes, each year the Bruins are allowed to play the Montreal Canadiens in as many as 7 games of exhibition hockey before the Canadiens move on to the NHL playoffs and the Bruins players go back to their jobs bagging groceries. The celebrations start tonight at 7 pm.

The BC Eagles face off in the Frozen Four tonight against North Dakota at 6 pm. Then it’s Notre Dame and Michigan at 9 pm. The winners will play Saturday at 7 pm in the national championship. College championship hockey is the best brand of the sport.

Second verse same as the first

I'm Henry the eighth I am

Henry the eighth I am, I am

(Murray/Weston)

2008 Red Sox Ring Ceremony

Blessed: Still We Believe 2

Stop by your local Shaw's tomorrow for a Sox party and pick up your copy of "Blessed: Stil We Believe 2".

Or pre-order on Amazon: Blessed: Still We Believe 2

Goodbye Bob Lobel

Tomorrow, the event you've all been waiting for, "Blessed: Still We Believe 2" will be released in New England Shaw's stores. This is the movie that features scores of Thommies taking you through the 2007 Sox season all the way to the World Series Trophy visit at Thom's. That's right you are all in pictures. But, just because you're big stars doesn't mean you should let it go to your head. You should still come out to Thom's this week and support your teams. You could pre-order it at Amazon, but it will take 6 weeks to get it. So, get to your local Shop Rite.

First, there will be tons of Thommies on hand tonight to watch the UMass Minutemen play at the Madison Square Garden in the National Invitational Tournament Championship against Ohio State. Make no mistake about it; the NIT is the real championship! That other one is for the runners up.

On Saturday the Final Four tips off at 6 pm. And, on Monday it's the lesser of the two college National Championships. (In case you're interested, we will have a sizable crowd and reservations are not taken. So, get there early and take advantage of Happy Hour.)

Then on Tuesday, the day you've all been waiting for, the 2007 World Series Champions get their rings at the home opener against Detroit. I hope you saved a sick day because we will have a very nice crowd at Thom's for this twice in a lifetime affair. The game starts at 2 pm.

Next Thursday, April 10 come out and support the BC Eagles hockey team who returns to the Frozen Four for the third straight year. Face off is at 6 p.m.

And finally, fairwell to Bob Lobel, longtime sports anchor for WBZ who saw his contract bought out by the station yesterday after almost 37 years on the air. My little league field was next to WBZ on Soldier's Field Road and after games we would sneak into their parties and just stare at the people that were on our TV every night: Liz Walker and Jack Williams, meteorologist Bruce Schwoegler and sports anchor Bob Lobel. Much later, in 2003 I ran into Lobel (literally) at Game 1 of the ALCS. He was speeding through the hallway of Yankee Stadium teetering a beer and hotdog loaded cardboard food tray like Abominable when my friend John said, "Hey Bob. Cowboy up." Bob nodded and smiled and Wake mowed down the MFY.

You oughta be in pictures,

You're wonderful to see,

You oughta be in pictures,

Oh what a hit you would be!

Your voice would thrill a nation,

Your face would be adored,

You'd make a great sensation

with wealth and fame your reward.
-Edward Heyman / Dana Suesse

Opening Day All Over Again and Again.

Ok, in case you haven't heard we were packed for the Sox season opener in Japan. At 6 am! Not only were there more than 100 fans, but we had two TV stations, two newspapers, and 1010 WINS doing live radio updates all morning. Thank you everyone for making this event so great and not making me regret getting out of bed at that ungodly hour.

As great as it was, there's more to come. Here's the week ahead:

Friday, the best record in the NBA hosts the best record in the West when the Celtics take on the Hornets at 7:30 p.m. This week the Celts blew out Phoenix avenging an earlier west coast loss to the Suns. Now, they hope to do the same to New Orleans a team that beat them recently despite an all-star performance from Rondo. We've had some great Celtics crowds lately as we get closer to the post-season.

Saturday the Sox play in what should be the biggest baseball game in the history of the universe when they do battle with the L.A. Dodgers at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. If you're not lucky enough to be one of the 115,000 in attendance, the game for you, of course, will be om at Thom's at 10:10 p.m.

Sunday night is the first regular season game not in Japan pitting the Washington Nationals against the Boston Braves (Sorry, I still can't give it up. They played in Allston for crying out loud!)

Monday, some other teams play in the official Opening Day.

Then Tuesday, The Sox are back for the A's official home opener in America at 10:05 p.m.

More Thom's Foolery

Don't forget that we have a little haiku contest going on. Be sure to look below to see all of the entries and tell me which you think is the best. he winner will be announced some time next week.

In honor of the pilgrimage so many of the faithful are making to the Coliseum (Send pictures. I'll post them.):

Well, I'm goin' out west where I belong

Where the days are short and the nights are long

Where they walk and I'll walk

They twist and I'll twist

They shimmy and I'll shimmy

They fly and I'll fly

Well they're out there a'havin' fun

In that warm California sun.

-Henry Glover and Morris Levy

Red Sox Haiku

Here are all of the

Submissions for the contest.

Help pick a winner!

-P. Thom

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Baseball before dawn

Daisuke on familiar mound

Kirin for breakfast

Konichiwa, how

Say "Manny being Manny"

In Japanese? Hai!

All eyes on Edo

New season rises with sun

World Champs now play World

-Michael Liss

I think that's awesome

for Thom's to open early

Will Sonny's as well?

-Andrew Wasif

I

The alarm clock rings

It's 6 and the Sox are on

Praise f*cking Jesus

II
The alarm clock rings

It's 6 and the Sox are on

Please pass the sake

-Bryan Joiner

I

Sox Rub Sleep From Eyes

Sun Rises Over Fuji

A Blast From Papi!

II

Champions Head East

To Land Of The Rising Sun

Baseballs Strike Bamboo
-Jason Stevens

Matsuzaka is

Our Daniel-san. Is Oakland

Our Cobra-Kai? No!

-Kristine Zaleskis

I

Dice-K takes the mound

The hero of two nations

Play besuboru!
II

Red Sox in Japan

Better than Bad News Bears 3

Papi skunks Kelly

III
Manny be Manny

In a strange and far-off land

Domo Mannysan
IV

Red Sox dawn rising

Awake! Awake! all ye fans

It's time to defend
-Matt Fortnow

Tiny dark-eyed girl sees hero on mound
In a new Boston cap, she is beaming
Tokyo's dusk is again her hero's

-Rhonda Zapatka

Predawn East Coast beer

Rabid chants: "FucK KaczmarczyK"

DaisuKe's mullet striKes

-Jules Verdone

I

Cherry blossoms burst
Fields run red and white with...Sox
Marry me Lowell

II
Overflowing eggs

Family gathered at Thoms

Alas, I slumber

-Melinda Richards

Early east-coast sun

Bring Red Sox game from Japan

Let's watch at Prof. Thoms

-Giack Selloni

Defending champions

won't condone shenanigans

from greedy bastards.

-Rob LaRose

Red Sox charter jet

Soars agleam thru the twilight,

Like Papi’s big fly.

-Peter M. Collery

Yes We're Open

Opening Day is nigh and for some reason I'm still getting tons of e-mails and phone calls asking if we'll be open for the 6 am games. The answer, of course, is a resounding "yes". Don't believe me? Well read this: We're open proof. See. I told you so. They'll be even more media there representing both New York and Japan. So, come on in for eggs and keggs.

プレイボール!

Contest Time!
Whoever sends me the best Haiku appropriate to the Sox trip to Japan will win a special prize.

You've got to get up
You've got to get up
You've got to get up this morning
You've got to get up
You've got to get up
Get up with the bugler's call
The major told the captain
The captain told the sergeant
The sergeant told the bugler
The bugler told them all

Land of the Rising Sun and Sinking Fastball.

SANPU (1647-1732)
First cherry blossoms,

a cuckoo, the moon and snow:

another year closes

Closes? That's right winter is ovah! Are you ready for some besubaru? Well, BANZAI! プレイボール!

The Sox kick off their adventure in Edo tonight in the first of two exhibitions against Japanese clubs before they go for the real thing on Tuesday. The great news is that opening day against the A's is at 6 am! I told you that we would be showing all of the games. (Of course, since the bar isn't legally open, this will be a private party and you are invited.)

Phew. Finally, baseball before work. There's nothing worse than going to the grind sober and baseball-free. Well, no more. Why didn't they think of this before? Next Tuesday and Wednesday the World Champion Sox will be on at Thom's once again. Get there early for a seat. What's early? If you ask nicely we'll lock you in the night before.

In honor of the Samurai Sox we will be serving kobe beef hot dogs on special all weekend in addition to Smuttynose Hanami Ale. Smuttynose, a New England brewer, named this beer in honor of the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing in Japan. So, obviously, we're into it. (Here's a quick Japanese lesson.)

Contest Time!

Whoever sends me the best Haiku appropriate to the Sox trip to Japan will win a special prize.

I know. I know. It's tournament time, March Madness. Yeah, and the Celts are kicking some serious butt. But, I can't help but get giddy about the return of the cherry blossoms-I mean baseball. I'll see you Tuesday morning.

Cherry blossoms are blooming;

Pink, sweet, and fragrant;

They grow high around the temple wall.

Lisa Renee.

Vintage Red Sox

There's no whining in baseball. Sour grapes? The Red Sox defy all saws and sayings by winning and wining.

Charity Wines has announced that they will be releasing three more wines named for Red Sox tipplers. And, they're holding off production on a fourth until Bartolo Colon makes the team.

Also in the works is a Dustin Pe-Drysack Sherry, a Bruins Bordeux Vintage 1972, a Pokey Riesling, a Brian Daubach 30-pack, and a non-alcoholic Raspberry-Lime Rickey Henderson (Rickey don't drink alcohol.)

NCAA

The tournaments leading up to the tournament are in full swing with many of Thom's favorite teams being beaten last night. We will have all of the games on this weekend and, of course, next week when the tournament begins.

Thommies Trying to Make the News

Support our team. There are about one million filmmakers that hang out at Thom's and some of them need your help.

Evan is used to winning. He won a beautiful Narragansett tie at an event we had last year. So, help him win again: Vote for the Sox-inspired "Pound" on YouTube for a short film award.

You helped these guys make the top 20 for Super-chef Anthony Bourdain's contest. Now put them over the top and bring the Super-chef to Beantown. Vote for "Here is Boston".

Red, red wine

Stay close to me

Don't let me be alone

Its tearing apart

My blue, blue heart

-Neil Leslie Diamond

Dugout Doug, No More

The Boston Red Sox announced today that the most famous back-up catcher in baseball, Doug Mirabelli, was released. This is not the first time that Doug has left the Sox. In 2005 Boston traded Mirabelli to the Padres for Mark Loretta. Then, frustrated by the catching of Josh Bard, they traded Bard, Cla Meredith, and $100K to the Padres to get Mirabelli back. Doug was escorted by the Boston police from the airport to Fenway Park in time for Wakefield's next start.

Thom's has a soft spot for Mirabelli who once shared an episode of "Red Sox Stories" with the catcher. In the show hosted by Tom Catlin and Colleen Reilly, Thom's was depicted as a haven for Sox fans in New York City.

Bye bye Dougie, for now. No more going deep.

Thom's Baby Thom's

What is wrong with me that I watch "Gone Baby Gone" and actually miss home? It's a violent, disturbing movie that is set in an ugly, ugly place. That being said, I couldn't help but feel a bit of heimatweh. It's probably the first film to represent Boston with some honesty since that scene on the Charles in the snow in "The Last Detail" or the street hockey scene in "Monument Ave." or the whole "The Friends of Eddie Coyle".

So, for the next couple weeks I'll be posting on the blog some nostalgic YouTube clips that I remember growing up in the Athens of America. ("I can walk like a penguin.") If anyone out there has a suggestion or some 8 mm film of me bowling at Sammy White's drop me a line. (Check out my YouTube page for more clips.)

During the whole film, instead of paying attention to important plot lines, I watched Casey Affleck's Celtics jacket and couldn't help but think I was missing the Boston/Detroit game?

No matter what the Celtics do they still don't get the respect they deserve. When they beat ALL of the teams in the West without losing a game I heard, "Well, what would happen in a 7 game series?" After last night's win against Detroit I heard on ESPN, "Well the Celtics shouldn't have shown the Pistons what they're capable of. Now the Pistons will adjust come playoff time." What? All they do is win. They clinched the playoffs quicker than the Pats did- Ok, bad example. I won't do that again. I promise. It's that damn movie that put me a bit off-kilter. I've been having flashbacks of Hano Street all day.

Need a pick-me-up now? How about this: The Sox are on ESPN at 1pm today. They're playing the Dodgers. You know, Nomar, Lowe, Torre, those Dodgers. Time for a liquid lunch!

Shipping Off to Boston?

If you're going to Boston this weekend stop by the bar first. We have free passes to Harpoon's St. Patrick's Day parties this weekend. They're behind the bar.

a pedestrian foot bridge covers turnpike

I read all of the spray paint from my bike

down the slope, look left and right

I once fell down and almost died

but I've taken hits to the head before

and always made it back to my front door

"All Hands On Hano Street" by The Stairs