Hello PawSox Fans!

As we all know Red Sox Nation is world-wide. Daily we meet people from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut who are PawSox fans that make several trips to McCoy during the season. There are companies that host their annual events with a BBQ, group outing or a hospitality suite. There are groups of relatives and friends who purchase the discounted group tickets and head out for a fun night with the PawSox. But what about our neighbors to the north?

Maine has the Portland Seadogs, the Double A team for Boston, but what about New Hampshire and Vermont? Through the years I have met fans at McCoy Stadium from New Hampshire and Vermont, but wondered just how it would be to jump in the PawsMobile and head there to see for myself. On Saturday before the sun was up I jumped in the PawsMobile and headed north. While everyone seems to be heading south for spring training, I chose the opposite direction.

Before long I enter New Hampshire. It’s a gorgeous day with the sun shining.

Being that I left before the sun came up, I feel those hunger pangs and in need of some vittles. Soon I find the ideal place. The Swanzey Diner located where else? Swanzey, N.H.

  I park the van and head in. As I was heading in I met this very nice couple who arrived at the same time, Ryan and Kay who are PawSox fans! Ryan told me he has been to McCoy and I knew he was on the level because he even explained how he liked the berm area. Once inside it was just as I expected, very friendly where everyone knew each other. I was met by Judy who told me to sit anywhere I’d like. After taking my order and being certain my coffee cup was always full, Judy returned with this fantastic omelet with home fries mixed with onions. It was one of the best I ever ate.

 I bid farewell to my new friends, Ryan, Kay and Judy and head out. It didn’t take long at all to find a few PawSox fans up north!

Now I have a few new friends and a full belly and enjoying the postcard type scenery. The mountains are tremendous, although I do enjoy the comfortable heat inside the van.

Not long after, I’m in Vermont.

I pass the Vermont Kissing Bridge, since I am solo this bridge does not affect me at all!

I see Bear Crossing signs and I hope to see one. With that said, I want to see one from a distance, not one making any attempt to gain entrance to the PawsMobile to share the heat and check if Paws was in the van.

All along the way I meet some fantastic people. A lot wearing Red Sox gear. At a Country Store I met Mike who was wearing a PawSox cap! Driving through a small town, an American Legion Hall is having a Chicken BBQ. Right on the side of the road they have this huge grill set up and one of the fellas doused the chicken with special sauce from a sprayer.

It’s right on the side of the road in a parking spot. Inside the hall everyone is enjoying the feast.

I stop by Okemo Mountain. My skiing career lasted one weekend a long time ago. While in high school I had a couple of friends who were members of the ski club. Against my better judgement I gave into peer pressure and decided to give it a try. I enjoyed water skiing very much and quite frankly did it very well. There can’t be that much of a difference can there? Indeed there is. After purchasing new boots, skis and poles I was ready. The bus ride and time with friends was a fun time. Skiing was not! I made the decision to skip any type of lessons or instructions and headed right to the slopes with my friends. Big mistake. My first time didn’t go very well at all. After going about 14 feet my skis crossed and I fell and tumbled a bit. The second time was even worse as I tumbled down the side of the mountain for what seemed like hours. Once I got all the snow out of my shirt, pants, ears, nose, mouth, etc…I took my skis off got the ski lift back to the top, and sold my skis and poles to some guy. My boots I gave to a friend a few days later. However, I do enjoy watching people swoosh down the mountain.

In Vermont with the PawsMobile where would one stay? The Answer….The Paw House!

The Paw House is a beautiful Bed & Breakfast that not only caters to their human guests but also your dog(s). The rooms have smaller doggie beds and during the summer months they even have outside movies for the dogs and the families. I have a great love for dogs, not only my own, but for all. I meet with the owner Mitch. He’s what you’d consider a very knowledgeable and dedicated Red Sox fan. He loves them! We spent time chatting a bit about the Sox and he explained how he would like to see Daniel Bard giving a chance as a starter. He admits that he has never been to McCoy and has heard nothing but great things about it. He promises to get there during the 2012 season. He also wants to give away a free night to his establishment to a lucky PawSox fan. Stay tuned as the details get worked out. More Sox fans were located up north with Mitch and his crew!

Its time to call it a day and get some rest. I do some reading, watch some TV and call it a night. I get a somewhat early start to head back home. I learn there is a snow and ice festival in Keene, N.H. so decide to swing by on the way back. In downtown Keene local business have ice sculptures outside their businesses.

They have activities for the kids that include a train ride and a small snow hill for them to go snow tubing.

Many people take photos standing alongside the PawsMobile. More Sox fans! It has been a fantastic trip up north. I learn there is a Saint Bernard day at Wachusett Mountain and want to check it. It’s right on the way home, so why not. As I watch people swooshing down the slopes I make my way over to the dogs. The New England Saint Bernard Club was there with their magnificent huge dogs! It was fun to make one last stop before heading back.

 

After getting back home today in the afternoon, I felt very thankful that we have such an awesome ballpark and team right in our own backyard! Although Red Sox Nation is world-wide, we are very fortunate to have them so close. Going to a PawSox game is always a fun experience. The excitement is building as we approach the homestretch for opening day. Looking very forward to seeing my new friends from up north during the 2012 season. They will also have a chance to see that we are………….”Here For You!”

Would love to hear from you…

Yours in Baseball,

Rick Medeiros                        rickm@pawsox.com

      Hello PawSox Fans!

 

      It was Valentine’s Day PawSox style on Monday and Tuesday as Paws headed out to deliver roses, tickets and a new PawSox cap to the lucky recipients on this day of affection!

     I was the chauffeur, and Monday we headed to Acton, MA. to deliver 18 bundles of love to teachers. Paws spent a lot of time with the kids doing some dancing and giving them all a high-five. Needless to say, the teachers were all surprised seeing the Big Furry One head into their classroom and hand them all their goodies!

  

     It was surprise…

     After surprise….

 

      We headed to downtown Providence where Paws spread some more love and joy then took a stroll…

        Paws made a delivery to some young PawSox fans…

     We were treated to some great piano playing by the young girl who played very well! Paws did his best to help, but hit every sour note…

 

      Paws covered the young girls eyes with his huge paw and she continued on without missing a beat!

      Paws even delivered roses package to Durfee High School during half-time of the basketball game!

 

         He also posed for photos with the cheerleaders.

   

      Valentine’s Day is special for so many people. It’s also a very special day for the baseball fan who knows the equipment trucks are warming up to head south for spring training. Baseball is in the air!  You can feel it!

    Please check out the PawSox website at pawsox.com and check out all the pictures, videos and information. Be certain to check out the “45 Minutes to Fenway” blog from new radio broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith. It’s always a great read and I am a huge fan.

  So far it’s been a relatively mild winter and I dont mind it a bit and hope it continues. Opening night is approaching at a good clip so make sure you’re ready! Get tickets at the website, online or give us a call at 401-724-7300. We will help you in any way. As you well know…we are…”Here For You!”

  I would love to hear from you!

   Yours in Baseball,

   Rick Medeiros           rickm@pawsox.com

Hello PawSox Fans,

Just in case you havent heard, PawSox Team President Mike Tamburro was elected into the International League Hall of Fame at the end of last month. Mike joins former PawSox elites Wade Boggs, Joe Morgan, Jim Rice and the late PawSox owner Ben Mondor. For those who know Mike, you see the passion he has for the PawSox and the fans. During any game you can find Mike walking throughout the stadium meeting fans and taking the time to chat. For nearly 40 years he and Mr. Mondor pioneered what has become one of the best minor league franchises in the country. A record-breaking 5 time International League executive of the Year, the Hall of Fame honor was indeed earned and deserved. We all offer Mike T. Congrats!

As for the Patriots last evening, it was anything but a hall of fame game for the fans. Watching the game there were so many levels of emotions. On the first play Tom Brady drops back and flings a pass into nowhere land. After a brief conference, the ref tosses the yellow flag for a grounding penalty. Anxiety quickly sets in as they have to kick the ball away. Only those with the number 2 for the football pool have a bit of a consultation.

Before the half is over, the Pats march down the field and take the lead and the excitement of another championship suddenly seems likely! Super Bowl parties are always an awesome time. Mike and Mel hosted another Super party! A slew of great friends and a ton of fantastic food make the game enjoyable and takes the sting out just a bit of the painful loss. Almost everyone is wearing Pats gear. Mel welcomes everyone to the party by flashing her Bruschi shirt.

  Brenda sent a photo of Vegas and Fenway ready for the game!

 There are other furry friends who want to enjoy the Puppy Bowl..

  

 Every kind of food is available! Shrimp, dips, sweets and everything in between. For the appetizers there is home cooked real french fries and ribs.

   The Cheerleaders do their best to cheer on the Pats!

When Welker is unable to hold onto the pass, there is sadness amongst us

  Mike begins the process for the clam/little neck boil. First poured into the monster pot is some fresh water, olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper, abit of wine and beer. Once that starts to simmer in goes the ’taters and onions.

Time for the hot dogs 

Step by step it all comes together nicely!

     Can one ever have a clam boil without some Portuguese Chorico?  IMPOSSIBLE!

 

     The little necks have been soaked, cleaned and now ready to place atop all the items placed in the monster pot. 

     Once the game is over, we all indulge in some “Comfort Food.”  Being with such fine folks and fantastic food makes it a little easier as we all go back to the old New England adage, “Wait’ll Next Year!”  

    It was certainly an exciting season for the New England Patriots. Some so-called experts said the Pats would never make it through the first round. It was a close game. A bounce that goes their way, if Welker catches that pass, if they recover the fumble with only 11 guys on the field, it could have been a different outcome.

  One outcome you can always count on is having a great time at McCoy Stadium. On Friday evening I had dinner with some of the PawSox Season Ticket Holders. As always there are lots of laughs and fun stories!

    We are another day closer to opening day on April 5th, 2012. Visit pawsox.com right now for the schedule and some of the special events and promotions. Dont forget to grab some flex tickets for the 2012 season. If you have any questions, please call 401-724-7300 and a PawSox staff will be more than happy to assist you. Come see and chat with our season tickets holders and I bet they will all tell you we are………”Here For You!”

I would love to hear from you!

     Yours in Baseball,

      Rick Medeiros               rickm@pawsox.com