The Big 50: Boston Red Sox: The Men and Moments that Made the Boston Red Sox by Evan Drellich circa ’04. This little hobby of mine, reading Friends works, often brings me to unfamiliar territory. I grew up with plenty of baseball around me because my brother loved baseball, and some of the names of legends of the sport are very familiar. But baseball wasn’t my interest. So it was a great and surprising pleasure to discover the drama, joy, personalities, and rivalries of this team about which I knew next to nothing. It all comes back to 2004. From 1918 until this magical year, the Red Sox had come close but never again won the World Series. In 2004, the curse of the Bambino was broken. Evan’s prose is infused with authority, enthusiasm, and light. We learn about the old greats like Ted Williams and Cy Young, the shameful racism that black players experienced, the team’s community pride after the Boston Marathon bombing, the role of money, and more statistics than I can possibly process. Oh and 2004. The 50 chapters introduce us to the charm, quirkiness, and courage of many great stars. Sports writers, broadcasters, and Fenway Park itself all have a moment in the sun. There were even a few touches for French teachers of the world (thanks, Evan) – how to pronounce “Henri” and the middle name of owner Cap Huston: L’Hommedieu. Oh, and one more thing. The Red Sox spring training takes place in Fort Myers, right across the river from me. This part of Florida likes to think we share a little in Boston’s pride of ownership.
