The second day of Red Sox Fantasy Camp 2018 #redsox #redsoxfantasycamp

On Tuesday morning, the start of our second full day at camp, we woke up early (5:45 am!) and took a 6:15 shuttle to the ballpark, arriving a little after 6:30, when it opened. Amazingly the place was buzzing with excitement and guys were in the battling cages taking cracks at the plate preparing for the first games.

I ate breakfast with my dad and then went to see the trainers to get warmed up. Brandon had me try the Normatec machine, which basically is like putting your legs into a huge heart rate cuff boot that goes all of the way up to your hips. It sounds weird but felt AMAZING.

We went out to the outfield of JetBlue Park to take our all-camp photo with the original green monster scoreboard behind us. Stepping onto that field for the first time was pretty surreal.

We played our first game against the team coached by former Sox pitcher Lenny DiNardo. We won the game 3-1. I played in the right field from the 4th through the 6th inning and enjoyed it. The morning games have one of the team’s coaches pitch. We were very fortunate to have Tom “Flash” Gordon pitching to us and rather than trying to strike us out, he gave us pitches to encourage us to hit. During my first at-bat I grounded out, but had some fun. My second at-bat I hit a pop fly which was promptly caught.

Met two women who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), which the move “A league of their own” was based on. Maybelle Blair and Shirley Burkovich were enjoying the Florida sun and some baseball games, and my teammates and I had the chance to sit and chat with them. It was great to hear some of their stories from playing in the league.

I asked Maybell and Shirley one of their favorite things about baseball and they said it was the sound of baseball cleats on concrete going clack clack clack and its rhythmic beat.

Lunch was delicious and guys were going around getting autographs from some of the professional athletes.

After lunch, I went to the trainers and they told me to go in the ice tub for 10 minutes. I thought they were kidding, but after I tried it, it was chilly for the first 3 minutes but then I warmed up to it and it was amazing for my tight muscles.

I took the advice of taking it slow and watched our afternoon game and cheered on the team from the dugout. 

While some people went to a place to go bowling, I went to cigar night (even though i don’t smoke cigars) and talked with some of the players as well as professional sox alumni. I enjoyed getting to know some of the players and coaches on a more personal level. Lenny DiNardo is a great guy, down to earth and fun to hang out with. He’s also really great at playing the guitar.

NOTE: I won this experience as part of a contest held by JetBlue and the Red Sox. I was not asked to blog about this, cover this experience by anyone. I am solely writing about it out of my own excitement and thought that my readers would enjoy my journey of playing baseball and being coached by some amazing individuals. I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride! All opinions are my own.

First Day of Fantasy Camp

The first day started out arriving at JetBlue Park at 6:30 for breakfast, meeting the trainers and the morning meeting. I walked into the park through the Minor League Clubhouse entrance and went to find my locker which was in the home minor league clubhouse. I found out that my locker was across from my new friend Steve whom I met on the shuttle from the airport. lockers are scattered between players and professional alumni, so I happened to also have some former major league players around me which was pretty awesome.

Once I settled in, I went to eat breakfast and sat with another rookie camper, Scott, who quickly became a friend who I would see each day of camp. As we were chatting former Baltimore Oriole and current Red Sox coach Al Bumbry sat with us and joined the conversation with sage baseball advice and some pretty great stories and humor. 

We got changed to our game uniforms and went out for a group stretch then drills. I didn’t know what to expect because the last organized team I was in was a Tee ball team coached by my dad when I was 5. 

First group was out fielding where Trot Nixon and Brian Daubach gave us some pointers and then Brian hit balls for us to catch. They told us the most important thing was to have the ball stay in front of you.

We moved to infielding drills by John Valentin. I played at first base and learned quickly that I’m not an infielder. I was lucky if I successfully completed one drill.

We went to base running hosted by Al Bumbree and he told us to run and tag the base on the inside corner if we were turning or on the front edge so we don’t twist our foot as we land. 

I tried pitching and it wasn’t for me. Walking back I chatted with Bret Saberhagen who I followed in the 90s and was shocked that here I was having a casual conversation with him, he was such a nice guy. 

Lastly, went into the batting cages with a handful of pros giving us advice. At first I was popping up balls left and right but then I listened to their advice and starting hitting line drives. 

The entire time we were in drills different coaches were watching us and evaluating us to see who they would draft on their team. 

While we ate lunch, the coaches all drafted the 150+ players into 12 teams. I ended up on a team coached by Bret Saberhagen and Tom “Flash” Gordon. 

We had our first team scrimmage where we tried playing different positions on the same fields the Red Sox minor league teams play. I played centerfield and outfield and realized that is the spot for me. I popped up a fly ball and the end result of the game was we lost our team scrimmage.

After the games, I went to see the trainers and Brandon, the head trainer, told me to go in the ice bath for 2 minutes and the hot tub for 2 minutes and alternate four times. I listened to him and man, was he right! It felt SO COLD at first but my muscles thanked me for it.

We left JetBlue Park and went back to the hotels for the team dinners at local restaurants. We ate at a local Japanese Hibachi place called DaRuMa which was fantastic and got a chance to bond as a team. We even celebrated our coach’s birthday!

We came back to the hotel and I was so tired and nervous i wouldn’t get up to catch the shuttle in time for 6:15 am. I promptly went back to the hotel room and got in bed and slept soundly. 

NOTE: I won this experience as part of a contest held by JetBlue and the Red Sox. I was not asked to blog about this, cover this experience by anyone. I am solely writing about it out of my own excitement and thought that my readers would enjoy my journey of playing baseball and being coached by some amazing individuals. I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride! All opinions are my own.

Red Sox Fantasy Camp Experience - Arriving in Ft Myers

I am at Red Sox Fantasy Camp and words simply cannot describe exactly what it is like, but I will try. How did I get here, you might ask? Back in the Summer of 2017, I entered a contest held by JetBlue and the Sox where you had to tweet a photo of yourself and why you were a "nonstopfan" for the chance to win a trip to Red Sox Fantasy Camp and I won.  If you've been reading this blog long enough you know I'm a lifelong Red Sox fan and love the PawSox and everything that the teams do for their fans! I couldn't believe it! I've never won something so extravagant, and I was super excited! I got to take a guest, so my dad came with me.

I thought I would start training for it in November and joined the local Y and decided to get a personal trainer to kick things into high gear for the last few weeks before camp started. Unfortunately, I caught a small virus the weekend before Christmas that sidelined my training (I hate viruses but that's for another blog post) and therefore put into question my ability to fully participate (because I'm certainly not athletically inclined). My doctor had said if I do participate to certainly take it slow and see the trainers if they were there.

Red Sox Fantasy Camp Director
Tom Kennedy addressing the Rookies.

I arrived at Fort Myers Southwest Florida International Airport on Sunday afternoon and met Carvel, one of the two shuttle drivers for camp, who was waiting for our flight. We picked up a few of the attendees and made our way to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for check-in and Rookie orientation.

The check-in was a breeze and the rookie orientation gave some sage advice from two veteran campers, John and Ray. The advice I listened to most was start of slow, and taper off throughout the week. It was an important piece of advice because we are all not professional athletes and don't want to injure ourselves. In order to attend camp you have to be at least 30 years old and at the upper end of 38, I was one of the youngest attendees by probably 10 years. More than a few campers described getting the camp experience as a "once in a lifetime" gift from their significant others for a variety of significant occasions, and had such a wonderful time that somehow they have been able to find their way back to camp each year.

Red Sox radio legend Joe Castiglione announcing
the professional player coaches.

After orientation, we had a cocktail hour and the Welcome Reception which was held in the hotel ballroom. We were introduced to all of the professional players who would be our coaches, by Red Sox radio legend Joe Castiglione and I was amazed at how approachable and personable they were! I swear if you closed your eyes, and just listened it sounded like you were hearing some of the same calls he would make for some legendary plays in Red Sox history. Most of the players were those who I had baseball cards of as a kid in the 80's and 90's, like Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd, Bob Stanley, Rich Gedman, Bret Saberhagen and others... The food was amazing and we then went to sleep because we were so tired!

NOTE: I won this experience as part of a contest held by JetBlue and the Red Sox. I was not asked to blog about this, cover this experience by anyone. I am solely writing about it out of my own excitement and thought that my readers would enjoy my journey of playing baseball and being coached by some amazing individuals. I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride! All opinions are my own.

Sam Adams has just been announced as “The Official Beer of the Boston Red Sox.”

Thought you would all like to know that Sam Adams has just been announced as “The Official Beer of the Boston Red Sox.” In 2018, Fenway will have two Sam Adams experiential bar areas: the right field roof deck will now be known as the “Sam Deck,” and a bar area located beneath the third base stands will be known as “Sammy’s On Third.” In addition to crowd favorites like Boston Lager and Summer Ale, fans will be able to enjoy new brews launching in 2018 like the highly anticipated Sam ’76.

NOTE: We are providing this information as we are Red Sox Parents. No compensation was provided and all opinions are our own.

Red Sox Fans - Christmas at Fenway register now through Monday 12/11 at noon!

The Red Sox are hosting Christmas at Fenway on Saturday December 16. It is a family-friendly winter event at Fenway Park for fans to enjoy some holiday cheer and for the guaranteed opportunity to purchase Red Sox tickets for the 2018 season. In order to go, you have to register for the chance to attend is open now through Monday, December 11, at noon on redsox.com.

Christmas at Fenway will include photo opportunities with Wally, Tessie, Santa, and Red Sox alumni. The event starts at 8 a.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m. The festivities will be located in the Gate B area of Fenway Park with Wally and Tessie’s Winter Wonderland, a holiday bouncy house for kids, rides through the concourse on a trackless train, a yard sale, Frosty the Snowman, and photos with Santa in his workshop. Mastercard cardholders will have a special “fast pass” line for photos with Santa.

Fans not attending the December 16 Christmas at Fenway event can still purchase select 2018 single-game tickets for April, May, and September games, as well as the popular “Sox Pax.” Starting at 10 a.m., tickets will be available on redsox.com and by phone at 877-REDSOX9. Fans who require ADA accessible seating may call 877-REDSOX9. Hearing impaired fans may call the Red Sox TTY line at (617) 226-6644. Mastercard is the preferred payment of the Boston Red Sox.

“Sox Pax,” presented by Mastercard, are packs of three or four games with a variety of date and seat options, including Interleague games, summer weekend games, and matchups against the Yankees. A list of the 9 Sox Pax available for the 2018 season is attached.

Single-game tickets will include select April, May, and September home games, including matchups versus the Rays, April 7-8; Yankees, April 10-12; Orioles, April 13-15; Rays, April 27-29; Royals, April 30-May 2; Athletics, May 14-16; Orioles, May 18-20; Braves, May 25-27; Blue Jays, September 11-13; Mets, September 14-16; and the Orioles, September 24-26.

There will be a limit of three Sox Pax (up to four tickets each) per person, and 12 single game tickets per transaction.

The Red Sox will also reveal promotional giveaways taking place in 2018 on the Red Sox’ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts starting Monday, December 11. Games with giveaways will be available for purchase starting December 16.  

NOTE: We are providing this information since we are part of the Red Sox Parents program and know that you love the Sox as much as we do! No other compensation was provided and all opinions are our own.

“Baseball Winter Weekend” at Foxwoods Resort Casino to take place January 19-21

The Boston Red Sox will once again host a weekend getaway of hot stove fun for fans and families January 19-21. The fourth annual “Baseball Winter Weekend” at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, includes a Town Hall Meeting with Red Sox leaders, autographs and photos with Red Sox players, and round-table discussions on a variety of baseball topics. The weekend also includes a full baseball festival for fans of all ages and clinics for kids.

Weekend passes, which include the option for hotel accommodations, are on sale now on redsox.com/winterweekend.  Passes provide access for all three days and are $65 for adults and $20 for children 14 and under. Children two and under are free.  Red Sox Season Ticket Holder prices (for adults) are $55 and their children’s price is $15.

Mastercard is the preferred payment network of the Boston Red Sox and its cardholders will have special opportunities at Winter Weekend. The first 30 guests to purchase Winter Weekend tickets with a Mastercard will be invited to a private meet and greet with Red Sox players and uniformed personnel. In addition, guests who present their Mastercard upon arrival at Winter Weekend will be given priority access and a fast-pass to the autograph corral they have been assigned.

The entire Red Sox roster, including coaches, is invited to attend. Red Sox alumni, Wally the Green Monster and his sister Tessie will also be in attendance.  

The weekend will begin Friday night with the introduction of the participating players, followed by a fan-interactive Town Hall Meeting with Red Sox leadership on hand to answer questions from fans. The Town Hall event will be televised by NESN.  

Throughout the day on Saturday, fans will have an opportunity to get autographs and take photos with players, see the three World Series Trophies, and Red Sox artifacts such as Silver Bats, Gold Gloves, MVPs, and Cy Young Awards. A series of baseball clinics for kids conducted by Red Sox coaches and alumni will also take place throughout the day on Saturday.

Family-friendly activities include wiffle ball on the indoor field, a virtual reality experience, batting and pitching cages, the chance to meet Wally and Tessie, and a special screening of the 1993 movie ‘The Sandlot’ on Saturday night at the Fox Theater. Panel discussions with current and former players will also take place throughout the day on Saturday with the return of popular favorites like the kids-only press conference and a game show presentation with members of the 2018 team. In an effort to accommodate more fans, this year’s panel discussions will all take place in the Fox Theater.

NESN will broadcast live from Baseball Winter Weekend on Saturday with interviews with Red Sox players and leadership. Winter Weekend attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the network’s broadcasters and to participate in a casting call for NESN Clubhouse, the award-winning, commercial-free, pre-game show for kids that airs 90-minutes before Red Sox games on Sundays.

Winter Weekend concludes on Sunday with Breakfast with Wally and Tessie, a mascot-themed breakfast for children and families. Tickets for the breakfast are available at redsox.com/winterweekend. 

Fans are encouraged to check redsox.com/winterweekend periodically for updates on participants and activities. 

NOTE: We are providing this information to our fans as we are Red Sox Parents. No other compensation was provided.

Free Red Sox #PopUpSox Playoff Gear Shop today 10/4 now until 6 pm 328 Newbury St

Hey everyone! The Red Sox have set up shop today only, Wednesday, October 4th at 328 Newbury Street downtown to help Red Sox Nation gear up for the playoffs! Visit the shop between now and 6 pm to get a free t-shirt, an awesome #WinAdvanceRepeat poster and a bobblehead for your collection while supplies last.

They also have the 3 World Series trophies from 2004, 2007 and 2014 along with bean bag toss, photo opportunities to share your best Win Dance Repeat dance,  Virtual Reality Home Run challenge and VR tours of Fenway! :)

Let's cheer on our home team and look forward to #WinAdvanceRepeat

A fun 1st birthday party with Wally, the Red Sox Mascot

Our son turned 1 this summer and we were really excited to host a Red Sox themed party for his first birthday. We were initially going to keep it to a small family gathering but then decided to invite our larger group of friends and family and have a backyard barbecue with fun and games.

We had been planning this for a while and looking forward to having a special guest come for a little while at the beginning. Wally, one of the Red Sox mascots, started the party off in style. The Mascot Team at the Red Sox ensured that we were kept informed at every step of the way. Their communication was top notch. First, we worked with them to schedule a date and time and as the time got closer we even worked with them to get some Wally artwork that we could use designed for the party. The guy who was in costume as Wally himself, called us the night before to discuss any final details and requests that we had. He only asked that we have a space available for him to change into costume and we asked if he could first meet our kids so they would understand that there was a person inside of the Wally costume.

Wally was absolutely fantastic. I don’t know who was more excited to have him there, me or my daughter, because he took the time to play with the kids, started our piñata game with the kids (even taking a few swings) at a Wally themed piñata, took pictures with everybody, laughed, pretended to cook on the barbecue, gave autographs and even kissed the kids! Everyone was smiling and genuinely enjoyed Wally’s company.

We served up hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, salad and wings. The best idea we had was to use The 3 Meal Muffins’ Port Muffins (portuguese sweet muffins) as a substitute for hamburger buns. We threw them on the griddle and people thought they were so good and so smooth.

We had soda, juice and Bai drinks for people to enjoy as well as lots of other snacks to munch on. The Bai drinks are great because they are loaded with anti-oxidant nutrients found from the outer part of the coffeefruit and sweetened with a proprietary blend of stevia extract and erythritol. The nice part is that the entire drink is only 5 calories per serving.

For dessert we enjoyed Vice Cream, an indulgent, premium ice cream with decadent flavors. Our friends and family really enjoyed the Minted flavor, mint-chocolate coins and cookie crumbles decadently mixed with creamy mint ice cream and Afternoon Delight, which ha ultra-creamy vanilla ice cream with chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough, salted caramel truffles, and thick swirls of chocolate fudge and caramel.

NOTE: We were provided with some of the products in exchange for facilitating this review: Vice Cream and Bai Drinks. We are Red Sox Parents and Vice Cream Creamy Crew. As part of Red Sox Parents, we share the Red Sox family friendly initiatives with you!