8 reasons to love the 2018 Boston Red Sox

Many agree the 2018 edition of the Boston Red Sox were the most like-able group of players in franchise history.  There are probably hundreds of reasons New England fell head over heels for their boys of summer, and spring, and fall.  Here are our top eight.

1. Alex Cora

In his first season as Red Sox manager, Alex Cora was the rock that kept this team winning, not whining.  He is a players manager and clearly respected by everyone around him- including the media and fans.  His comments after getting hit by a flying beer can during the parade are just another example what a class act Cora is.  Instead of lambasting the kid behind the foaming projectile, Cora once again took the high road.

“I know the kid didn’t mean to hurt anybody, Cora said. Obviously it’s dangerous, but it is what it is. I guess he apologized and I don’t know where he’s at right now but we’re fine, actually. I just got to be ready to make that play the next time. ”

2.  Mookie Betts

Mookie was amazing  throughout season and rightly deserves the AL MVP award for his on the field performance.  He also did something pretty outstanding off the field during the playoffs.  Betts and his cousin enjoyed a  late night post game meal after a Game 2 of the World Series.  It was nearly 2:00 in the morning when the pair decided to distribute trays of food to the homeless outside the Boston Public Library.  They did it quietly, and without pictures or fan fare.

“It’s pretty cool,” Betts said in the Dodger Stadium visitors’ dugout before Game 3. “I’ve been blessed with everything I have, and I might as well share it.”

3.  David Price

After being vilified  for most of the season for his inconsistency and poor playoff history,  Price went from chump to champ in a blink of an eye. Coming into the playoffs Price was 0 for 9 in his playoff starts.  This time around the Price was right. He started and won Game 2 of the World Series.  In Game 3 he came on in relief and got two outs. He offered his services to come out of the bullpen in Game 4.  And in Game 5, Price held  the Dodgers to three hits and one run over seven innings carrying the Red Sox to victory and the Championship trophy.

4.  Steve Pearce

This 35 year old journeyman came out of the woodwork to deliver key hits throughout the World Series to become the most improbable MVP in Red Sox history.  Pearce delivered clutch hit after clutch hit including two homers in the Game 5 clincher.  Pearce also won a sweet red truck.  Hopefully we will see him driving it to Fenway Park next season.  Pearce is a free agent and is hoping  “something good happens with the Red Sox.”

5.   New York, New York

Who ever thought the theme song of NYC would be a lightening rod for the Red Sox?  After a Yankees win in Game 2 of the ALDS, outfielder Aaron Judge thought it would be cute to carry his boombox out of building blasting the Frank Sinatra‘s famous ballad about the city that never sleeps.  The Red Sox went on the win the series and also had the last laugh when the team blasted the song in the victorious club house after eliminating the Yankees in four games.

6. Adam Benintendi

I never want to hear another word about baseball players not being all that athletic.  One look at the spectacular catch by Adam Benintendi in Game 2 of the World Series is all you need to see.  It has been compared to one of the most talented graceful and leapers of all time- Russian ballet great, Rudolf Nureyev.

7.  John Martin

If the Red Sox had an angel on their shoulder, his name is John Martin.  The longtime NESN photographer lost his battle to ALS in mid October.  John was right in the middle of many championship celebrations and the tributes were many from players, management, ownership and fellow media members.  John will always be remembered for his professionalism, friendliness and beautiful family.

8. Duck Boats

Boston knows how to do parades.  Since the year 2000 Boston has celebrated a total of 11 championships. The city is the GOAT when it comes to sports.  Count your blessings New England, and be grateful.  Rolling rallies, flying confetti, and raised trophies- they say it can’t last forever.  We’ll see about that.

Boston10/31/18 The Boston Red Sox World Series victory parade headed down Boylston Street as players and staff filled duckboats to cheering fans lining the streeet. Photo by John Tlumacki/Globe Staff(sports)