I WAS ON THE RED SOX ONCE...ONCE!

As a young kid in little league, you really have no choice what team you’re picked for.  Back in the early 80’s, I had a season for the ages. Not only did my coach teach me the basics that would eventually become a signature in my little league career, but it was also slightly disappointing…wait until you hear this tale.

You see,  I was drafted to play for the Red Sox. For those of you that don't know, there are drafts in little league, it's just wasn't talked about as much then as it is now.  I remember getting the call at age 11 that I was drafted to the “majors”, that’s what they called the 11 year old team in our Little League in 1982.  I remember my tryout was horrendous the weekend before. I think I fouled off 1 ball and didn’t hit a thing.  My fielding was worse. I remember it was pouring rain outside that day so we had indoor tryouts and the ball was bouncing all over the gym.  I couldn’t even snag it. I was like Rocky chasing the chicken, except…I wasn’t catching a thing. I knew I didn’t make it.

Kentucky Fried Idiot
Rocky 2 — MOVIECLIPS.com

When I got the call, I was so excited. I swore I would practice every day and improve. Then I heard some disturbing news… our team was the Red Sox.  I was crushed.  To make it worse, We were literally "Red and Gray" Red Sox, just like the Pros. The only difference was instead of the “B”, we had an “S” on our caps. But  damn…  I couldn’t even mask it, I was sunk.

That season became a blessing in disguise.  Not only did my coach teach me how to get on base ( I couldn’t hit a lick), he let me play the position I always wanted to play…shortstop…as a lefty mind you and I did it!  But it was getting on base that really got me interested in baseball.  I was taught a basic exercise that I used my entire, short baseball career… the bunt.  My coach knew I could run so when he taught me how to get on base, he let me steal around to third.  Not only was I on a baseball high, we were manufacturing runs every game. Suddenly being a Red Sock was irrelevant, I was a baseball player…finally.

I used that tool until I stopped playing baseball in high school.  Speed was my friend and everyone knew it.  Maybe that’s why I admire guys like Rickey Henderson, Tim Raines and Brett Gardner so much.  Getting on base was my comfort zone.  If I got there, I knew I was invincible.   But it was that season I was with the Red Sox…never my first choice, but I definitely had fond memories of 1982…a time I’ll never forget.

 

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