I hosted a party tonight, at Cashman Field, the home of the Las Vegas 51's, the triple A affiliate of the L.A. Dodgers. My evening started when I showed up in full Red Sox swag - my 2004 World series cap, and my personalized Sox away jersey, with #57 emblazoned on the back - and some smart-ass said "WRONG TEAM!". I replied "Nope! Right team, wrong park!" He shut up.
Anyway, when the pre-game party was winding down, we headed down to our seats - second row, first base side, 20 feet from home plate. The visiting team was the Tucson Sidewinders, the triple A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The game started, and this would be no pitchers duel, as the first six Tucson batters reached safely. I was talking with my friend Joel, when I heard the announcer say "Now batting, number 33, right fielder, Trot Nixon.
I was stunned! There he was - the man himself! The original Dirt Dog! The everyman who helped bring home the 2004 World Series Championship to our beloved Sox! He was back in the minors. And, I felt sad.
Trot is 34, now. He can still play. And, I admired him for being out there, and hustling, and contributing, and being a part of the team...
...and, somewhere in his mind, hoping for another shot at the bigs.
I yelled to him, when he was close enough, but he never looked up, probably not knowing whether i was a heckler, or not. I watched him in the field, and up at bat - that familiar stance, and the grimiest cap in the league. Some things never change. It brought back memories of a magical year, a magical team - some of which have left for other cities, other teams.
I have tickets for Sunday's game, and I'm going to get there early. I'll have a new baseball, and a pen in hand. If nothing else, I just want the chance to thank him for being an integral part of the greatest year in the history of the Boston Red Sox.
this was bittersweet to read, i cant for the life of me understand why someone with as much to give as Trot couldnt find his way onto a Big League roster.. the sweet part is the dirt dog still loves it enough to keep digging for another season in the sun ! GO TROT we all love yea! 9:24 AM
