Red Sox and Fathers
If you're a sports fan, there's a pretty good chance it's because of your father. Yes, I know there are plenty of moms who are sports fans, but this is Father's Day so give me some rope. My dad came of age as a Red Sox fan right about the time that Ted Williams broke into the majors. For the next 22 seasons (including almost 5 lost to military service) fans got to witness the greatest pure hitter of all time.
Ted
Ted Williams was a major connection for people of my generation (GenX not Boomer) with their fathers. I grew up to stories about 1941 and his .406 batting average, the eephus pitch he hit out of the park during the 1946 All Star game, and his legendary rivalry with Joe DiMaggio. He won 2 MVP awards and came in second 4 more times, all to Yankee players, including that 1941 season where he hit .406 but DiMaggio had his famous 56 game hitting streak. This was a huge sore spot for Red Sox fans of the time, no doubt increasing their hate for the team in the Bronx. Ted played in one World Series and got hurt right before it in an exhibition game that used to be played before the Series. He was essentially ineffective going 5 for 25 as the Red Sox lost in 7 to the Cardinals (Yes, Pesky held the ball but that's a story for another day). He went out on top, hitting a home run in his last at bat at Fenway Park in 1960.
The Yawkey Years
The Red Sox were not very good in my early years as a fan but there were some bright spots: Fisk, Lynn, Rice, the '75 series, Boggs, Clemens, the '86 series, Mo and Nomar. Trips to Fenway with my dad were special. He knew the exact perfect place to park, the best vendor for hot peanuts, and his favorite seats on the first base side even with the bag. It really is a great vantage point. Try it next time you're there. He used to tell me that no matter how many runs the Red Sox were losing by, nobody left the park until Ted Williams' last at bat. He noticed the same thing with Jim Rice, who was a generational talent in his own right. The Sox were always hitter heavy and light on pitching and rarely contended for the division.
2004
My dad passed away in January of 2004, nine months before the first Red Sox World Series in 86 years. It was quite emotional for me, but I took solace in the fact that he did get to see his beloved Patriots win a Super Bowl. After the 2007 World Series, one of the broadcasters made a comment about family. I think it might have been Tom Caron or Jerry Remy that said "2004 was for our departed loved ones, 2007 is for us." That was a beautiful thought. That year healed a lot of wounds and gratified many Red Sox dads who had lived through the lean years.
It's a Game
I've seen some pretty extreme comments on Twitter during this Red Sox season, many coming from the high-profile personalities. "This team is killing me," or "I am living my worst nightmare," and my favorite "The Red Sox are my only source of happiness." Folks, it's not that serious. In the Before Times (pre-social media), people would shut off the game and go about the rest of their day. One of my dad's famous lines was "If the Patriots don't win on Sunday, I still have to go to work on Monday." His generation got it. Sports is the entertainment business. Be entertained (whenever possible).
Enjoy Every Moment
I have a friend whose father just passed away. He was a few years younger than mine but was also a dedicated Sox fan and Ted Williams enthusiast. I honestly wish the two had met. My friend was able to enjoy the Red Sox dynasty with his dad, and for that I am so happy for him. So, my message to you is enjoy every sports moment with your dad if that is a common interest. Rejoice over wins and complain about losses. He probably has some old school perspectives that you would find interesting. I hope you all have a great day enjoying baseball and family with your fathers.
Here I was thinking this was going to be an article about Devers being Cole’s, but well written and thought provoking thoughts on the relationship we have with our fathers in sports. My Dad is a Mets fan but he was never into baseball. He always loved football and hockey more. We didn’t get to share a moment when my Sox have won. However, as a NYer we shared our moments when the Giants beat the 18-0 Patriots then again 4 years later. However, I was too young to enjoy when the Rangers won in 1994, and that moment has evaded us ever since… now my son loves sports but all of our teams stink except the Celtics which we got to share that moment last year which I’m grateful for. Hoping to share one with our beloved Sox soon!
Thank you for this message today. I felt like you were talking directly to me because my Dad passed away in February and baseball was one of the few things we really connected on. And although he wasn't a Sox fan like I am, (we didn't live in NE) he was also born during WWII and the only way for him to take in the games for many years was by radio. His two favorite players were Stan Musial and Willie Mays.
One thing that I had always looked forward to was inheriting his vast baseball card collection from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s because it would be like he and I were still connecting even after he passed away. And after he did pass, I was looking for them in his house and ended up finding out that he sold them all when he got caught up in one of those financial scams. I was and still am devastated. So now I don't have anything tangible and physical I can go to in what we shared together and I only have my memories for what we did together. So yes, it's VERY important to make as many memories with your Father as you can before it's too late because it may literally all you have like me.
I'm making as many memories with my five year old son who loves baseball, the Red Sox and to wear my Red Sox caps even around the house. I will not put my son in the same position my Dad left me. It's so important for me to do it the right way. So if you still have your Dad and/or you are a Father yourself, make sure that you make sure you do everything that you do everything you can to be the best Father and/or son you can be because when memories are all you have to gravitate to, you'll make sure there are plenty there.
Happy Father's Day everyone!!