Cherish
| Game 7: April 10, 2007 | |||
| Mariners | 3 | L: Jeff Weaver (0-1) | 2-2, 2 game losing streak 1-0-0 series record |
 Red Sox |
14 | W: Josh Beckett (2-0) | 4-3, 2 game winning streak 1-1-0 series record |
| Highlights: McGruff the Crime Dog prowled Lansdowne Street for miscreants. Harry Connick, Jr. sang “America the Beautiful” but not the national anthem. How dare! J.D. Drew hit his first home run of the season, a two-run blast over the center field wall in the second inning. | |||
My first home opening day game was somewhat disappointing. The Red Sox did not score in bottom of every inning; they actually put up goose eggs in the sixth and eighth. Beckett, although he pitched seven innings and struck out eight, did not throw a complete game shutout, let alone the no-hitter I was expecting.
The half-hearted attempt at a benches-clearing brawl in the eighth was hapless. Brendan Donnelly and Jose Guillen’s conflict has its roots in Guillen’s dismissal from the 2004 Angels playoff roster (in which Donnelly supposedly played a role) and Guillen’s subsequent outing of the relief pitcher’s use of pine tar. There is more embittered emotions between Tom and Jerry than these two minor players. But, it did get the Fenway crowd roused despite the blowout.
The opening day ceremony honored the 1967 American League Championship team. Carl Yastrzemski, Rico Petrocelli, Elston Howard, and many others emerged from the billowing flag draped over the left field wall. Some ambled, some jogged, some trotted but reverted to a stroll as they made their way to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch.
One of the things I most enjoyed was the video montage set to songs from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Club Hearts Band.” Images from all of the Red Sox past World Series flitted across the screen while the Beatles’ timeless music wafted across the field. The sound of frenzied crowds were mixed into the montage so that I couldn’t always tell the difference between what was actually happening and what was audio engineering, which I am told is the entire point of the 60s.
While the first symphonic crescendo in “A Day in the Life” played, Jason Varitek took the field and strode towards the bullpen. Beckett also exited the dugout made his way to Williamsburg, this time during the song’s final climax. Like their interplay during the game, their timing was impeccable.
The weather wasn’t ideal, but the game’s outcome left little to be desired. Just as Fenway Park has its flaws, its the imperfections that render it memorable.
Note: Pictures of the day’s events will be posted separately, probably after I attend tonight’s game.
