 | |  THANK YOU.
Dear Loyal Fans,
Baseball, like anything worth loving, can frustrate, surprise, excite, and inspire you. Since taking over ownership of the team in 2002, we have been through some incredible highs and devastating lows together. Through it all, you have stood with us. Our ownership, front office staff, and especially our coaching staff and players have never forgotten that, never taken it for granted.
So as our 2009 campaign came to a bitter close Sunday afternoon, we were understandably upset -- the heartbreak of a season, ended before we'd like, never gets any easier. It gives us great pride however, to know that you were with us every step of the way this season -- filling Fenway Park, inspiring our team at home, and filling opposing ballparks with Red Sox cheers and colors.
You were there on Opening Day of this year as Jim Rice, who had just been elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, caught the game's Ceremonial First Pitch from Senator Edward M. Kennedy, on what would ultimately be his final trip to Fenway Park. You were there, when Jim was honored again -- his number 14 officially retired by the team, joining those of some of baseball's greats on the Fenway Park right field façade.
In late April, you were there when Jacoby Ellsbury provided the "did you see that" moment of the year, with his steal of home against the Yankees -- his tenth theft in a record-breaking season of 70 stolen bases. You were there as a determined David Ortiz persevered and set a new Major League record for most home runs by a designated hitter, when Jonathan Papelbon became the Red Sox all-time leader in saves, and when Terry Francona jumped to second on the club's managerial wins list, behind only Hall of Famer, Joe Cronin. For 95 wins, you were there with us, leading the charge. When Tim Wakefield was announced as an All-Star for the first time in his 17 years in the big leagues, you stood and cheered. And boy did he appreciate it.
Throughout the years, whether sitting in the stands or tuning in at home to NESN and WEEI, you are the rock on which we build this team. Despite falling short of our ultimate goal, there was much to celebrate this season -- none of which would have been possible or nearly as enjoyable without you. So as we begin to prepare for 2010, we celebrate you, thank you, and promise to continue to field a team that is worthy of your support. Spring Training, and the warmth and rebirth it brings, will be here before you know it. Pitchers and catchers report in 126 days.
Thank you again and sincerely,
John W. Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank You for your comment. We value all of your comments.