Road trips and off days... in some ways they make me restless, since I can't pick up the cameras.  But since I'm always, always behind on editing, it does give me a chance to try to catch up!  So if you will, let's set the wayback machine for June 15, in Cincinnati...



A beautiful Sunday morning!  Justin Masterson smiles at Daisuke Matsuzaka wielding a bat.




More smiling! Jacoby Ellsbury with some warmup throws.


It's officially an epidemic! Sean Casey with a big grin.  One of my favorite things about seeing the Red Sox on the road is actually what I'm documenting here: a full BP session, which usually starts with stretching and joking around.


Mike Lowell continues my theme.


Manny and Alex Gonzalez.  I miss Gonzo.


... Does Gonzo miss me?


Well, he gave me my belly shot!


Looking at these then, I was nostalgic for these two as teammates; now there's a different edge with Manny gone.


Bronson Arroyo inspects Coco's cornrows.  Sorry, Bronson, he's got you beat there!




Justin fields a tough hop.  (He seems to have a tough audience back there, but you'll notice that they're all far enough out not to have to do much!)


Whoops--looks like Justin's got critics in the infield, too!


I can't tell if Kevin Cash is laughing with Dustin Pedroia, or at him!


More nostalgia, since Brandon Moss now calls Pittsburgh home.


Bartolo Colon, not satisfied with three balls in hand, goes for a fourth.


Dusty Baker's son threw out the first pitch.  (Dusty tried to leave him out there too long, of course.)


Uh oh.  The real action is starting, and Mike Timlin will not smile.
 

There's a part of my heart reserved for players I ought not to have any connection to, like Homer Bailey.  I just like the kid.


Ells with a successful slide into second.  It's hard to shoot anything else when he's on base!






Josh Beckett on the mound.


Mmmmmmm... Jason Varitek samples his batting gloves.


Coco Crisp with a biiiig swing...


... followed by a nice lope around the bases...


... and a helmet skritchie from Tek.


Not to be outdone is Jacoby...


... with a big swing and a lope of his own!


Tek in his Father's Day accented gear.  I'm sure you've noticed the ribbons and the blue eye "black."


Pedie has a big swing to end all big swings...




... but it won't be quite enough this time.


Josh Beckett at the plate.  I was hoping for a home run...


... but had to settle for Coco looking philosophical about being left on base.




More laughter!  And here a little sympathy for Julio Lugo, despite my love for Jed Lowrie.


I admire many things about Jacoby Ellsbury's game, but there just no point in denying that he's alarmingly photogenic, too.






David Aardsma.  Note that it gets a bit easier to shoot this angle when the fans thin out a bit.


A skip ahead to postgame; Manny attempts some unexpected therapeutic massage on Colon, with a baseball. 


Have I been busted?  Javy Lopez smirks, Gary Tuck smiles, Craig Hansen... well, hang in there, Craig, in six weeks you'll be safe from me!

Thursday, at the trade deadline, I could feel a whirlwind of emotions.  Relief that there was resolution.  Shock that there had really been a trade (my heart knew it had to happen, but my head thought the deal would never go through).  Apprehension at a team without Manny.  And anticipation to see what we had in Jason Bay.

I had a ticket for Friday night, and while I was a bit disappointed I hadn't had one for what turned out to be Manny's last game, I was very happy to have one for Jay Bay's first!

I was delighted to see that there were already T-shirts for sale--and already people wearing them!  Not to mention one young man in a Sox hat and a Bay Pirates jersey.

It had to be overwhelming for him, but he already seemed to take it in stride.



And I was very moved to be part of the first ovations for him.  I'd been a little anxious about the fan response, but it was a magnificent showing of the best that Boston has to offer.  And he himself looked both moved and a touch uncomfortable, in a very endearing way, to be receiving accolades before he'd even had a chance to show what he could do.


Accidentally shot with the shutter speed too slow, but I kinda liked the effect!




Oof!  Well, it's one way to get on base...


Of course, he went to score the first run--the one that looked like it might be enough, especially if we had good defense...


...like the kind he showed on a magnificent sliding catch, for which he's getting a pat from Lowrie here.  And it was at that moment that I realized I was smitten, in a baseball sense.
 


Perhaps it would have been the perfect capper if the ball he hit high off the Monster had cleared it, but as a longtime fan of Jed Lowrie, I guess I'm not sorry that they could both celebrate!





I couldn't be at the park for Saturday's heroics, though I did see Sean Casey that day and he was effusive in his praise of Jay Bay.  But I was back at the park Sunday, in my brand new Bay 44 shirt!


Youk pointing something out.  I'd like to think it's the hawk.  "And if you see that... just make sure it's not carrying its lunch.  Sometimes it likes to... share."


Pregame warming up.


I took a shot like this Friday but he looks much better here; it could be a better seat and better light, but I'd like to think it's my growing affection!






At the risk of undermining my baseball credibility, I have to note that Jay Bay's got a very nice, er, stance.


















Too late, Rob Bowen!

We're no strangers to embracing new players midyear in Boston, of course; 2004 is enduring testimony to that!  But I'm a little surprised myself by how happy I am to have Jay Bay in the fold.  No, I don't think we're going to win out the rest of the way, of course.  But it's funny how a solid, capable, down-to-earth guy has made my Sox-loving heart soar again.

now the radio stutters. snaps to life.
some sour song that sets it right.
and when London falls
he'd like to call
but the stars collide.
they're beautiful and much maligned.
in a universe where you see the worst,
and it's up to you to fix it.

I've written before of my mixed feelings about Manny Ramirez, but it certainly seemed to me that over the last few weeks the pendulum swung very, very far toward the "tired of Manny" end. And in the last days, I couldn't envision any scenario in which the Sox didn't trade Manny.  So I battened down the hatches, said my prayers over the players I least wanted to lose in the collateral damage (including you, Mr. Masterson, and you, Mr. Bowden), and held my breath.  As everyone knows, as the minutes ticked by it looked less and less likely that a deal would happen, but as with the Nomar trade in 2004, the word finally broke after the deadline, and Manny was gone.

What's hard for me to understand is that no few media people reported that for the first part of this year, Manny was as happy as they'd ever seen him--and my photos seemed to bear that out.


Opening Day: why high five when you can touch fingertips? April 8, 2008.
 




Cavorting with Youk, pregame, April 13, 2008.
 



With the two teammates I think were best for him: Lugo and Papi.

 


Getting into it Manny-style with the Royals, May 22, 2008.
 




Home Run #500 in Baltimore, May 31, 2008.

 
June 3, 2008.
 
"What do you mean you got traded?" Cincinnati, June 14, 2008.


With Alex Gonzalez, Cincinnati, June 15, 2008.








After Youk's grand slam, making light of their supposed issues, July 12, 2008.

I can't help but think that Scott Boras had something to do with this relatively dramatic change. After all, Manny's new agent wouldn't have been in line for a payday if the Red Sox picked up Manny's option, and what better way to make sure Manny made sure he wasn't wanted than to make him think he was disrespected?

Regardless of why things broke down so irrevocably, it wasn't just Manny who experienced the consequences. Manny's off to Los Angeles, but two of my favorite youngsters are off to Pittsburgh. If you've checked out sittingstill.net in the past, you've probably noticed that Craig Hansen has been a favorite photo target of mine. I couldn't help it; I'm not sure I can think of another player where I think my snaps are so much better than anything out there from the pros!


September 25, 2005


March 15, 2006


With Paps, July 31, 2006.


March 3, 2007


May 30, 2008

July 9, 2008

I did shoot him pitching too, honest. But of course, he struggled a bit. He was probably brought up too fast in 2006, and it seemed to me that the resultant up-and-down year, plus some tweaking the Sox tried to do with his mechanics, left him not knowing which way was up. Spending all of 2007 in Pawtucket seemed to be the right plan, and he did pitch well, if inconsistently, for the Sox this year. My hope for him is that a fresh start and the National League work some Cla Meredith-like magic for him.

And we also lost Brandon Moss.


March 7, 2007.




Wreaking havoc with the Fenway scoreboard, September 2, 2007.


Defeating Mirabelli in rock-paper-scissors, September 11, 2007.




Collecting his World Series ring, April 19, 2008.


Evading man-monster Richie Sexson, June 8, 2008.

My hope for Mossy is that, like David Murphy, a new team will provide new opportunities, and he'll stick on the major league roster.  He's been one of the nicest players I've ever had a chance to chat with; Dan Hoard, one of the PawSox radio guys, named him with Sean Casey, David Murphy, and David Pauley as members of the all-time list of nicest professional athletes.  I know good character doesn't always translate to success in the big leagues, but I hope that in this case he looks back at today as a positive turning point in solid career.

Jason Bay... better put your best face on tomorrow night.  You've got a big role to fill, but I promise I'll always try to catch you in good light.


 

Throughout the history of sittingstill.net there have been players who have played major roles in my photography and in the site's character, though they'll likely never know it.  And as another July draws toward a trade deadline close, and I develop my yearly ulcer worrying about the names that get bandied about, I keep coming back to pitching prospect Michael Bowden.


March 9, 2007

The first time I saw Bowden pitch was my last day at Spring Training in 2007.  There was no Sox game the day we flew out, so we decided to hit the minor league complex before heading to the airport.  This was my first trip to the complex, and I had had no idea how much fun it would be.  Players of all levels, everywhere!  We watched some workouts, and then they called together a minigame where Clay Buchholz pitched against Michael Bowden.  And I knew, instantly, that this would be a day I'd never forget.



By this time I had a full week under my belt with the new Canon, and the only challenge I had was finding clear shots through the openings in the chain link fence!  Everything else was ideal--the bright sun, the chance to run around for different angles, the pitchers I'd read so much about and was dying to see.

While Bowden was on the mound I went to the far end of the "dugout" on the third base line.  When he finished the inning, he and the pitching coach came right to where I was.  It's relatively rare that you get to see a pitcher up close right off the mound.  I've never been so aware of what work pitching is as seeing Bowden walk in, in the Florida heat, flushed and breathing heavily--and unhappy with himself.  The coach was telling him he was hitting his spots, but he was clearly not pleased with his results.  It was at that point that both Bowden and the coach seemed to realize I was there.  The coach shot me a look that said "I'm not sure you should be this close."  And Bowden shot me a look that said--well, "said" is the wrong word; you'd need a wordless visual, say, a volcano exploding in flaming lava.  It suddenly seemed like a really good idea to shoot from the first base line.  And perhaps to run to get there!



Terrified or no, I had a great day of shooting, and when I got home and posted photos, the minor league shots were so well received that I realized I had another calling.  I'd already found that the sorts of photos I enjoyed taking of the major leaguers were the candids, the offbeat shots, the ones not being published in most media--but there was hardly anything being published of the minor leaguers at all.  While I had fewer opportunities to see games in the minors, I tried harder to shoot when I went to Pawtucket, or when call-ups had their first looks at Fenway, either with the big club or at Futures at Fenway (where the starter for Portland in 2007 was none other than Michael Bowden!).
 





August 11, 2007

And this year at Spring Training I tried hard to document as many different players as I could--including young Mr. Bowden, of course!


With Kyle Snyder and Justin Masterson, March 2, 2008












March 3, 2008




With Justin Masterson, March 6, 2008






March 7, 2008




March 8, 2008

But over the offseason, I also had a few chances to encounter him in very different settings.  First was at New Stars for Young Stars, at which he could not have been more charming and gave me no impression at all that he might possibly kill me with a look alone.
 


Next, he was one of the players tapped for the Rookie Development Program, all of whom signed for the adoring masses who filled the Team Store.  And finally, he appeared at McCoy Stadium for the PawSox Hot Stove party, foreshadowing what we all supposed would be a midyear callup from Portland.




With Jed Lowrie, January 19, 2008
 
He put up terrific numbers with the Sea Dogs this year:  an ERA of 2.33, K/9 rate of 8.71, K/BB 4.21, WHIP of 0.92 with batters hitting .192 against him.  I suspect he was held in Portland until midseason in order to earn his All-Star selection and sort some things out with the PawSox roster.  But as I expected, he got his mid-July call.  His first start, sadly for me, was on the road (though we did get to see him in uniform on July 20). 











July 20, 2008

And it may not have been the debut he'd hoped for, giving up 3 runs in 4 innings--but I suspect he's glad to have it out of the way.

As I could have told you from my first encounter with him, Bowden's extremely intense on the mound, and it's hard to find a piece about him that doesn't refer both to his competitive fire and to his love of baseball.  The Sox sent him to API last offseason, and while I could never see where Clay Buchholz supposedly added those ten pounds, Bowden certainly looked more powerful this year.  And his early struggles in Portland this year, followed by the hard work and breakthrough that led to a dazzling string of games, encourage me that he'll make the adjustment to AAA and then to the majors.  Like Justin Masterson, he's a young pitcher I not only believe in but want to believe in.  For now, I'm looking forward to seeing--and shooting!--him in Pawtucket!

Remember this day, April 15, 2008: after getting called up last week, Jed Lowrie made his debut for the Boston Red Sox.

I'd read about him since he was drafted in 2005, but I first saw Jed in person in 2006, when I first went to Spring Training.

March 14, 2006


March 15, 2006:  I captioned this "Jed Lowrie would be with the Sox right through April 2. Mark my words, he'll be at Fenway in time!"


March 16, 2006


Seems we've seen that fellow to Jed's right, too!




April 1, 2006


April 2, 2006

Jed had a bit of a tough year in 2006 in Wilmington; injuries wiped out a chunk of his summer, and he never quite seemed on track that year. But spring 2007 brought a fresh start...

March 2, 2007








Whoops!


March 9, 2007

He moved up to Portland for 2007, but the great state of Maine couldn't hold him--by midsummer he'd been promoted to Pawtucket.  And not incidentally, I could finally see him play in games that counted!

Did I mention that Jed obliged me by hitting two home runs, each with Jacoby on base, at the first PawSox game where I saw him?

August 5, 2007

Jed went on to earn Minor League Offensive Player of the Year honors for 2007.


September 26, 2007

In 2008 we saw a lot of Jed during the Rookie Development Program. He participated in New Stars for Young Stars

January 12, 2008

and in the signing at the Team Store

January 16, 2008

before participating in the PawSox Hot Stove Party.

January 19, 2008

And then it was off to Fort Myers again!
February 28, 2008, with Justin Masterson


March 5, 2008






March 6, 2008

I was sure Jed would get the call to Fenway this year, but didn't think it would be so soon. I took advantage of the opportunity to shoot, if not on the field...

April 11, 2008






With Javier Lopez, April 13, 2008

Jed finally made his debut in Cleveland, getting his first hit, not to mention 3RBI. It's only the very first step in what I'm sure will be a very exciting major league career. Can't wait to shoot Jed on the field at Fenway. But in the meantime, congratulations, Jed!

My life as a baseball photographer started on April 11, 2005, when I brought my little Olympus digital to Opening Day in hopes of getting a few shots of the ring ceremony.  It's amazing what changes--and what doesn't--in three years.

Tedy Bruschi was back



but this time he was followed by Curtis Leskanic, carrying the 2004 prize.



(Retirement seems to agree with him, doesn't it?)

One more of Tedy...



Doug Mirabelli made a cameo to accept his ring and the thanks of an adoring crowd...



... and I very much wished that Kyle Snyder had done the same.

I was asked during last season if I wanted the Red Sox to win in 2007 as much as I wanted them to win in 2004, and I answered that while 2004 was a once-in-a-lifetime event, I still wanted the 2007 team to win one for themselves, and that one thing I very much wanted to see was Clay Buchholz gazing at his World Series ring.



Looks like a good fit to me.



Mike Timlin might have a fistful, but he doesn't look any less delighted than Manny Delcarmen.



And it might be hard to tell who appreciates Jon Lester's achievement more: Lester, or Terry Francona.

The Red Sox of 2007, like the Red Sox of 2004, were made up of many faces, many  talents, many characters.  But at heart, they were all our Red Sox, past, present and future.

I loved being back at Fenway.  I loved the Fenway hawks showing that nature's flyovers are as impressive as those by fighter jets.  I loved the sun, the crowd, the banners, the baseball.  I love our Red Sox. 


(Tim Wakefield escorts Johnny Pesky back from the flag raising.)
More photos of mine from Opening Day can be found here.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

(Philippians 4:13)

On the way back from Fort Myers this spring, sitting at the airport waiting for our flight, my buddy and I started chatting with the couple at the next table.  The conversation turned to the unwillingness of some players to give autographs, and they were delighted to relate a story about a generous and polite player who stood signing patiently for everyone who asked.  And I knew from the instant they started the story that it was about Justin Masterson.

Masterson doesn't blend into a crowd; standing 6'6", shaved bald as a cue ball and sporting flashy high socks, he's hard to miss.  But more than that, he carries himself as a man with a much bigger responsibility than his employment in baseball.   In an age when many ballplayers indulge themselves in the trappings of fame and fortune, when others search out drugs and doctors to keep them ahead of the game, Masterson's devotion is clearly to God, before baseball, before any earthly pursuit.  And that devotion in turn clearly guides his actions here, from his work to improve himself and his game to his influence on his teammates.  Even as a fan, it's hard to miss the joy and good will that radiate from him--even if he didn't appear to be Mr. Clean incarnate, clean-scrubbed glowing aura and all.

Masterson's pitching style--his heavy sinker, slider and changeup--has earned him comparisons to Derek Lowe, at least on the mound.  Masterson was drafted by the Red Sox in 2006, pitching the rest of that summer in Lowell.  He started 2007 in the winds of Lancaster but earned his promotion to Portland.  It certainly seemed possible that Justin would start 2008 in Pawtucket, but for the moment he's landed back atop Portland's rotation.  In any case, I'm sure it won't be long before he finds himself on the mound at McCoy--and I hope it's in the cards for him to pitch at Fenway sooner rather than later!

I managed a photo or two of Justin pitching at Futures at Fenway in 2006

but only caught him in the lineup in 2007.

In January 2008, Justin was part of the New Stars for Young Stars Jimmy Fund benefit.

He started the game in Fort Myers against Northeastern on February 28.

(I think Jed Lowrie is warning him that he could hurt his hamstrings dashing off the mound!)

Guess that one didn't go where it was supposed to!

I'm thinking neither Justin nor Michael Bowden agrees with the call here...

On the railing with Craig Hansen.

With Coco Crisp and Joe Thurston, smiles all around!

Justin also pitched on March 7... in the sunlight this time, thanks!

By my last day in Florida, Justin had returned to the minor league camp, where I did get one last glimpse of him...

It's a privilege to be able to root for a player who's not only a talented pitcher but also a young man of great character.  Any article on Justin I've read, any interview I've heard, any time I've seen him play or even just be around his teammates, I've been struck by his smile and by the way goodness and honor surround him. During the January events, Justin signed a few photos for me, always citing Philippians 4:13.  But one can look a few verses earlier for a message equally appropriate:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

The first real win is in the books, and my login here finally works again!  Thought I'd celebrate by posting a few smiles I captured down in Fort Myers this spring...

Dave Pauley, cheerful even between laps.

Brandon Moss, one of today's heroes, shares a laugh with one of the college players.

Manny Delcarmen.

Even Mike Timlin smiles!

Javier Lopez, Kyle Snyder, and Bryan Corey make light work of shagging BP flies.

Jacoby Ellsbury.

Jason Varitek--not an easy smile to catch!

Julian Tavarez, whose inclinations toward on-field massage will have to be chronicled separately, and an amused Hideki Okajima.

Kyle Snyder, deserving of a second look!

Clay Buchholz, who was laughing as MDC teased the fans with a ball.

Jed Lowrie. (I can't put all my smiling photos of Jed here; I'd run out of room.)

Finding himself between two of the best smiles on the roster--Coco Crisp and Justin Masterson--I'm sure Joe Thurston had no chance at all to stay solemn.

You can just barely see Bobby Kielty's smile, I suspect it's a mirror of Ron Johnson's!

Jon Lester and Craig Hansen.

Justin Masterson, after a good pitch.

It seemed like a pretty good bet that Beckett wasn't hurt too badly, since he left a lot of smiles in his wake!

Nick Hagadone appreciates the fun of the parachute run!

While Hot Stove talk goes on from the end of the World Series to the start of Spring Training, it's nice to get a midwinter taste of the real thing; the boys of summer may not take the field, but here in Boston we've had a very full month of rookies, prospects and veterans alike!  Needless to say I've been snapping away... click thumbnails below for larger photos!

Sunday, January 6 marked not only the eve of the Red Sox Rookie Development Program but the annual Hot Stove concert at the Paradise.  In years past players have appeared, but this year we made do with some Sox brass

Theo Epstein.

Sox-connected commentators

Peter Gammons.

prominent Sox fans...

Bill Janovitz.

and one former player!

Bronson Arroyo.

On Saturday, January 12, the Jimmy Fund held their third annual New Stars for Young Stars fundraiser at Jillian's, right down the street from Fenway.  Gabe Kapler, now signed by the Brewers, appeared in something of an elder statesman's role, while Dustin Pedroia and Jon Lester represented the 2007 World Series Champions.  A selection of Sox prospects--Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden, Jed Lowrie, Bubba Bell, Ryan Kalish and Nick Hagadone--rounded out the bill.  It was a delight to meet Bowden and Masterson in particular, and Jed Lowrie's long been a favorite of mine. 

Justin Masterson.

Michael Bowden.

Bubba Bell.

Nick Hagadone and Ryan Kalish.

Jed Lowrie and me, photo by the Red Sox Chick. Thanks!

Next up was the benefit for the Red Sox Foundation at the Team Store on Yawkey Way, featuring the twelve players selected to take part in this year's Rookie Development Program.  Since last year's event I've suspected that while this is a treat for the fans and a nice fundraiser, it's also an illustration for the rookies of the invigorating but potentially oppressive lunacy of Red Sox Nation.  This year my suspicions were confirmed...

Meg Vaillancourt, executive director of the Red Sox Foundation, was happy to help the future stars try to get accustomed to the intensity that is Red Sox Nation.

"This teaches them what to expect when they get here, how to handle being bombarded by fans, sign autographs and how to deal with having a sore hand afterward."

Even Clay Buchholz and Jed Lowrie looked a little apprehensive as they walked in

but they seemed to relax a little as they figured out that none of us were actually dangerous.

Bubba Bell, Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson.

Hunter Jones.

Devern Hansack.

Thursday night brought the biggest event: the Boston Baseball Writers Association of America awards dinner at the Westin Waterfront.  Judging by audience reaction Mike Lowell reigned as king for the evening, though his court included Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Theo Epstein, Dave Magadan, and John Farrell at the head table while the rookie development pups sat at tables right up front.

John Farrell and Theo Epstein.

Dustin Pedroia and Clay Buchholz gaze as Jon Lester points out something in the yearbook.

(Whatever it was, it must have been pretty good!)

Mike Lowell.

Dave Magadan, Mike Lowell, Dustin Pedroia.

Jon's about had it with his tux, I think!

Saturday, January 19 it was time to celebrate the minor leagues, as the PawSox held their Hot Stove party in the inner sanctums of McCoy Stadium.  Showing no signs of flagging enthusiasm, Justin Masterson, Michael Bowden, Jed Lowrie, Dusty Brown and Jonathan Van Every joined PawSox manager Ron Johnson in greeting fans and signing autographs!

Jonathan Van Every.

RJ and Justin Masterson.

Jed Lowrie and Michael Bowden.

Dusty Brown.

What I enjoyed most about this series of events, aside from spending time with baseball friends and acquaintances, was getting a chance to meet the young men on their way up in the Sox organization.  I often cite Theo's statement that to become Red Sox GM he had to give up being a fan, and I know that in some ways my belief that the Sox should hang on to Lester, Masterson, Lowrie, Bowden et al. is indeed that of a fan.  But this is a remarkable group of prospects, in talent and in character, and I have to say that if I had a vote, I'd hang on to every last one of them.

Photos above are just a sample of what I took; please see full photo pages linked below.
Hot Stove Cool Music
New Stars for Young Stars III
Team Store Signing
BBWAA Dinner
PawSox Hot Stove Party

 

I came into September with tickets for three of the six games on the final homestand for the Sox, and realized about mid-month that that wasn't going to do.  Hit ebay and Stubhub, and managed to cover all six games.  Tuesday I brought my friend Cindy to see Curt Schilling.  Wednesday I had a loge box single from which I hoped to see Clay Buchholz pitch in relief of Jon Lester, but 'twas not to be.  Thursday we drove toward a possible clinch of the AL East... but again, not in the cards that night.

Friday I had a loge single way out in left field--quite a challenge even to get into the section!  It was quite a good game--good pitching from Daisuke, quality offense, and a satisfying win.  Not to mention a quick one!  I'd spared a few glances at the scoreboard, enough to see that the Yankees had a pretty good lead on the O's.  But I was still delighted when, a few bars into "Dirty Water," the PA cut out and the Yankees/O's game was suddenly on the scoreboard.

About two weeks earlier I'd had a thoroughly wonderful evening at Fenway... on an off day.  The Red Sox Chick had invited me to a benefit for the Angel Fund, a charity supported by Mike and Dawn Timlin.  The benefit was terrific; getting winked at by Mike was even better.  But perhaps best was going on a brief tour of a dark Fenway and sneaking off to the far end of the Monster to gaze over the mysteriously unlit park, and later eating dinner perched in the Pavilion over home plate, again, gazing into a familiar home seen literally in a ddifferent light.

So I thought of all that as the fans sitting around me left and I settled in to watch the televised game.  The Orioles threatened in the bottom of the eighth, but failed.  Many of the fans who did stick around headed out.  I looked in toward home, and seeing that many who were left had clustered around the Sox dugout, I moved down to the first row between the visitors' dugout and home.

The O's held the Yankees in the ninth, and then the fun really started.  I hadn't dreamed I'd hear an enthusiastic "Lets go Orioles!" chant at Fenway--let alone that I'd be participating!  Jay Payton came through with the stunning tying triple, and I started to think that maybe this could happen after all.  In the tenth, we screamed our hearts out for Millah, but it was Melvin Mora who came through with the bunt and sealed the clinch for the Red Sox.

I hadn't allowed myself to think about it, but I got out the camera...

Kevin Youkilis.

Coco Crisp.

Mike Timlin with his new tee!

Josh Beckett.

Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Beckett watches Dustin Pedroia.

Jon Lester on the receiving end of a cold beer down the spine.

Clay Buchholz.

Jason Varitek, who had left the park, returned after the clinch, and received an extra-thorough dousing as a result!

Mike Lowell.

Jonathan Papelbon points to Alex Cora up in the PA booth.

Lots more photos on this page. Enjoy!