Grahm Thomas: Red Sox Fan

My nephew turns five in 2012, the same year Fenway Park turns 100, so plans are already being made to have him spend his birthday there, weather and schedule permitting.

My father is a Red Sox fan, but far more pessimistic and suspicious in his devotion than my brother and I.

Maybe it was growing up 3000 miles from Fenway, or never having to concern ourselves with an actual winter, or just being young and naturally optimistic, but we could always wait until next year.

But my father, aside from being a typical New Englander in demeanor and outlook, and though things have changed for the Sox, old habits don’t die quietly, and he was busy last October teaching my nephew the stages of being a Sox fan so that he’ll be ready mentally and spiritually for his big day at Fenway.

Stage One: Fear And Trembling

Stage Two: Anger

Stage Three: Denial

Stage Four: Grief

Stage Five: Acceptance

For most Sox fans, those were the five stages of watching the team in October.

But Grahmy has an additional stage.

He won't grow up hearing about waiting til next year, or about Bob Gibson and Bucky Dent and Mookie Wilson.

No, Grahmy will hear about Daivd Ortiz and Josh Beckett, and he'll always be waiting for the final out, to take part in the sixth and latest phase of Red Sox fandom:

Elation!

I Will Comment Further, Later

Hall Of Fame results are in:

Rickey Henderson - 94.8%

Jim Rice - 76.4%

Rickey's totals are a bit low, but otherwise it sounds right to me.

I've long been a supporter of Rice's case for the Hall, but by no means do I fancy him an upper-echelon member of Cooperstown. He's not on the same floor as Musial or Williams, but I see no problem placing his plaque next to Lou Brock or Joe Medwick.

Congrats to Rice and Rickey, who did spend some time (however briefly) playing for the Olde Towne Team.