Tuesday, January 27, 2009

The Anticipation Builds

For those of you who are curious about what exactly Red Sox Fantasy Camp is, here's what I know (though I have a feeling it can't possibly be what I expect):

First of all, the whole set up seems really cool. We're using the Red Sox spring training facility, including the clubhouse where the big leaguers go about their business each year. We'll each have our own locker, with home and away uniforms with our names on them. We'll get to use the same trainers that the pros use (can there possibly be enough trainers for all the out of shape guys who will show up at the camp?), and I'm pretty sure we'll be breaking in the post-game kegs for Big Papi and the like. Radio voice man Joe Castiglione will even call out our names over the PA during one of the games. We're staying at a nearby hotel and get bussed in each day for the games. I've always dreamed of being a professional ballplayer and now I'm going to get the opportunity to live a small microcosm of that life for a week. Unbelievable.

On Sunday afternoon, we congregate for a meet-and-greet with the staff, former ballplayers and other campers, followed by a Super Bowl watching party.

Monday is "drills and evaluation" day. If "drills" consists of anything other than lazy pop ups and weak grounders hit directly at me, I'm in trouble. Monday night is the "draft," in which the managers select players for their 10 teams. My brother and I are guaranteed to be on the same team, so that will be cool (we wouldn't go otherwise), but it's still kind of cool to imagine John Valentin and former Sox manager Butch Hobson arguing over which of them gets the Weiner Brothers. The fantasy has already begun, you see.

Tuesday through Friday is two 7-inning games a day, round robin style, culminating in a championship game Friday afternoon.

Saturday, each team gets to play one 3-inning game against a team of former pros. It will be an honor and a privilege to be struck out by Oil Can Boyd.

The list former pros who will be coaching isn't too shabby:

Bill "Spaceman" Lee
Luis Tiant
Rich Gedman
Lou Merloni
Bob Montgomery
Dick Drago
UL Washington

Then there's the list of greats who will be stopping by for appearances:

Dwight "Dewey" Evans
Jim Rice
Mike "Gator" Greenwell
Frankie "Sweet Music" Viola

Sadly, Yaz isn't well enough to attend this year. Would've been great to see him. He's taken the torch from Teddy Ballgame as the Greatest Living Red Sox player.

In between the games, there's sure to be great social events and excuses to drink beer and get to know all the guys. Should be great!

2 comments:

Michael Erbsen said...

I'm beyond jealous.

Don't forget that you will be subject to the Kangaroo Court -- so be on your best behavior!

Also, tell Dewey that your Yankee-fan-kinda-cousin thinks he should have gotten stronger consideration for the HOF when he was on the ballot. Can be argued that he had a better career than Rice.

p.s. Frank Viola?! That's a stretch...

Strong Buzz said...

I am trying to imagine what the female equivalent of fantasy camp might be and I am having a hard time. It might be a combination spa, yoga retreat, fitness center, writer's retreat, and wine bar and or margarita joint located on a serene beach somewhere far away under a canopy of swaying palm trees. Actually, come to think of it, I have been somewhere that comes close, it's Amansala in Tulum Mexico (sans burger joint and wine bar).

But I'd say there's no need for former fitness All Stars like Richard Simmons, Gilad, or Jane Fonda to be there.

Anyway, I am so excited for you and Adam to come home with signed Red Sox contracts.