117 replies to this topic

[JimRiceHOFer]

http://www.examiner....sit-White-House


BoSox to visit White House
February 25, 1:41 AM
Cursed no more, the Boston Red Sox will make their second trip to the Executive Mansion in four years Wednesday, as they visit with President Bush.

After a morning workout, the team and coaches will fly to Washington from their spring training home in Fort Myers, Fla. They’ll be joined by owner John Henry and President Larry Lucchino.

After the visit with the president, the team will travel (with its World Series trophy) to Walter Reed Army Hospital, where it will meet with injured troops.

[TheYaz67]

Was there in 2004, and will be back for 2007. I'll post pics (assuming I have a good vantage point amongst my 1,000 or so closest friends attending). Hopefully the players will remember that february in DC is not february in Florida - I think I remember 2 or 3 players who were definately not appropriately dressed and were freezing their butts off with the rest of us....

[thrawnqq]

Any idea what time it is scheduled for?

[Hairps]

Any idea what time it is scheduled for?

2:30 PM

[BU1995Hockey]

After the visit with the president, the team will travel (with its World Series trophy) to Walter Reed Army Hospital, where it will meet with injured troops.

Now this I love. That is a wonderful thing and lets hope they really stick around to bring smiles to the faces of our best citizens.

Is Theo making the trip?

[pedro1918]

I have no idea if it will happen, but the last time the Sox went to the White House and Walter Reed, the trophy showed up at Stetson's on U Street that evening.

Stetson's neither confirmed nor denied anything when I called yesterday.

[mabrowndog]

I just checked C-SPAN's web site, but can't find anything indicating whether or not this will be carried live.

[8 and 9 in Left]

Anybody know how to get in to this? I tried the local congressman to no avail.

[Trautwein's Degree]

Anybody know how to get in to this? I tried the local congressman to no avail.

Just tell the Secret Service guy at the security gate that you are with Sons of Sam Horn - they'll let you through without asking any questions.

[TheYaz67]

Anybody know how to get in to this? I tried the local congressman to no avail.

You just have to be dumb lucky (like me) and have a friend in the White House - he knows I am a Sox fan, and e-mailed me an invite. I had to provide a bunch of info (SSN and the rest) and they will check my ID against a list at the gate. Its capped at about 1,000 attendees, and you had to RSVP by 5 pm on Tuesday....

[Wade Boggs Hair]

Anybody know how to get in to this? I tried the local congressman to no avail.

I received an email invitation from redsox.com, but I think anyone who could get on the phone with the White House Special Events people could RSVP.

EDIT: If I can get some good photos, I'll post them tomorrow afternoon.

Edited by Wade Boggs Hair, 26 February 2008 - 06:37 PM.

[amh03]

Some other info on the pending visit from this ESPN Article

The white Red Sox jersey with the name "Bush" and the number "07" on the back traveled around the clubhouse. One by one, the World Series champions signed it with a blue Sharpie.

It's a gift from Boston's players to President Bush, who will preside at the annual White House ceremony honoring baseball's best on Wednesday.

[amh03]

www.RedSox.com has another article this morning - Red Sox Expect Much from this Trip

This plane ride the Red Sox are taking on Wednesday following an abbreviated workout is not your average field trip. The defending World Series champions will be honored in unison for the first time since their championship parade when they go to the White House for a visit with President George W. Bush.

Then, there will be a perspective-filled journey to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which is also in Washington, D.C.

[Andrew]

Are the Red Sox and Patriots the only teams to have visited Bush more than once during his terms?

Did the Blue Jays visit the White House back when they won?

Edited by Andrew, 27 February 2008 - 12:46 PM.

[Marbleheader]

Spurs and Lakers.

...and Yankees. Oh wait, no.

[templeUsox]

J.D. Drew is ready to throw a hardball question at President Bush.

“Something like, ‘Do you think maybe you can lower gas prices a little bit, get some of that ethanol going more?’ ” said Drew, who was not sure if this will be his second or third visit to Pennsylvania Avenue, having met President Clinton already.

Drew is somewhat disappointed the team will mainly be on the South Lawn and not inside poking around.

“I want one of those all-access passes so I can roam around,” the right fielder said. “I want to get into the Oval Office and get underneath his desk and see if I can find any hidden compartments like they did in that ‘National Treasure’ movie.”

Link

[mabrowndog]

Here's a look back at their last visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on March 2, 2005:



link

Edited by mabrowndog, 27 February 2008 - 02:59 PM.

[AusTexSoxFan]

Spurs and Lakers.

...and Yankees. Oh wait, no.

Too funny...

Say what you want about Bush and how much people in this country hate him, but the Yanks never won a WS with the guy in office. That makes him a Top 5er in my opinion.

Actually, once I think about it, the last time the Yanks won a WS with a Republican in office was under Eisenhower, correct?

[mabrowndog]

Jacoby, Paps & Papi head to the airport this morning:



Man, these guys look like they walked right off the set of Reservoir Dogs.

[BoSox Rule]

Bush welcoming Daisuke: "And we both have trouble answering questions in English"

And on Ortiz "I'm sorry his running mate Manny isn't here, I guess his grandmother died again"

Edited by BoSox Rule, 27 February 2008 - 03:12 PM.

[amh03]

Is Papi carrying a man purse in that picture?

Edit - the pic from the previous page:



Edit #2 - Schill looks like he's moving in:

Edited by amh03, 27 February 2008 - 03:15 PM.

[IU Sox Fan5]

Is Papi carrying a man purse in that picture?

Edit - the pic from the previous page:



Edit #2 - Schill looks like he's moving in:

The buttons on Papi's suit look like they are hanging on for dear life

[Bowlerman9]

Is Papi carrying a man purse in that picture?

No way man, it's his European carry all!

[mabrowndog]

Members of the 2007 World Series champion Red Sox gathered on the White House lawn this afternoon and were honored by President George W. Bush.

Among those missing from the proceedings was Manny Ramirez, whose absence was noted by Bush.

"Manny Ramirez isn’t here, I guess it’s because his grandmother died again," Bush joked.

Slugger David Ortiz, an odd sight wearing eyeglasses, carried the World Series trophy into the ceremony. Captain Jason Varitek presented Bush with a Red Sox jersey that read "Bush" on the back with the number "07".

link

A band was on hand to play Sweet Caroline. That's a bit of a reach, IMO...

[mabrowndog]

Tito looks dapper, Ellsbury & Beckett look like brothers, and Kielty looks like a pediatrician:




Youks is out of uniform, and Manny had better things to do today:

[amh03]

I love Papi:

[Hairps]

Just got back. Fun event. I'll try to post some pix later.

A few things folks might be interested in, which might not have been noticeable from whatever live feeds were available on TV or on-line...

- Bush, when recognizing Papelbon:

POTUS: "He dances as well as he pitches. Jonathan, thanks for adhering to the dress code. Thanks for wearing pants today."
PAPELBON: "No problem."

- The Marine Band playing "Sweet Caroline" was kind of awkward. At first it seemed folks thought it was a cool little hat-tip to the fans. Then, a few people started to sing along, then it seemed people just wanted it to stop.

- After Bush finished his comments and shook hands with all the players/coaches/owners, he started to walk off the stage. At which point, Lucchino grabbed him by the arm and said something to him. Bush then turned and walked over to Papi & the WS trophy to let folks take their picture.

I know Bush said in his comments that he and LL were "old friends," but I just got a chuckle out of Lucchino grabbing the Leader of the Free World and telling to go stand for a photo.

- After POTUS and Cheney left, the players almost immediately headed for the stairs leading back up to the White House. The crowd gave of a reaction of "Hey, where are you guys going?", so a few guys waved, and then Beckett stepped back up to the portico railing and spread out his arms to the crowd. Folks gave a big round of applause and he seemed to really soak it in. As he walked away, he nodded to Papi to do the same with the WS trophy. Even bigger round of applause.

Like I said, fun event. Hope to do it again next year. And the next...

[mabrowndog]

Boston.com has video here.

More photos:

Edited by mabrowndog, 27 February 2008 - 04:17 PM.

[mabrowndog]

Bush had a great line regarding Daisuke:

"His press corp's bigger than mine .... and we both have trouble answering questions in English."

[Yaz4Ever]

'dog, thanks for the video link. Looked like a lot of fun. I wish the audio was better, but at least we got to hear someone answer their cellphone

I couldn't make out what he said about Beckett. Was there a dig against Roger in there?

[Wade Boggs Hair]

I think Hairps and others described the event pretty well, so I don't have much to add on that front. I do, however, have some photos to share.

---

Heavy Security



Long Lines to Get In



Coffee and Hot Chocolate to Stay Warm



The Band



A Liberal Interpretation of "Business Dress"



A View in the Opposite Direction



Enormous Media Contingent, Including Lots of Japanese Journalists



Great Turnout, Highlighted Mainly by Administrative Appointees and Team Higher-Ups



Senator Leahy Loves the Crowd; Senators Kennedy, Kerry and Dodd also in Attendance



More pics in a second...

Edited by Wade Boggs Hair, 27 February 2008 - 04:54 PM.

[amh03]

Edit: Source - wire services

Edited by amh03, 27 February 2008 - 05:26 PM.

[Hairps]

I couldn't make out what he said about Beckett. Was there a dig against Roger in there?

IIRC, in his prepared remarks Bush talked about Beckett striking out 9/game in the post-season and being a big-game pitcher. In his somewhat off-mike back & forth, if that's what you mean, it was just about Beckett being from Spring, TX.

[templeUsox]

IIRC, in his prepared remarks Bush talked about Beckett striking out 9/game in the post-season and being a big-game pitcher. In his somewhat off-mike back & forth, if that's what you mean, it was just about Beckett being from Spring, TX.

Thanks for all the info Hairpes! Great job.

Edited by templeUsox, 27 February 2008 - 04:51 PM.

[Wade Boggs Hair]

Sorry for the quality on some of these - I had to use digital zoom...

---





















Papelbon Credited for Wearing Pants



The President Poses for SoSH



Youkilis Gives SoSH the Thumbs Up!



Enjoy.

Edited by Wade Boggs Hair, 27 February 2008 - 04:58 PM.

[amh03]

Thanks so much for the insider views, Hairps & WBH! What fun that must have been!!

I love those pictures you posted, WBH - really fun perspective to see. I especially like that one of Leahy!

Hairps - this must be the Beckett moment you were describing - he does look like he's eating it up:

Edit: Source - Boston.com

Edited by amh03, 27 February 2008 - 05:27 PM.

[Wade Boggs Hair]

Thanks so much for the insider views, Hairps & WBH! What fun that must have been!!

I love those pictures you posted, WBH - really fun perspective to see. I especially like that one of Leahy!

Hairps - this must be the Beckett moment you were describing - he does look like he's eating it up:

The Beckett moment was great. I couldn't get the camera turned on in time, but he held that pose for a while. "Soaking it in" indeed.

[rembrat]

Reaction shot of Bush making the Manny joke.

[amh03]

So what are they cracking up about here - was it the Manny comment or Papelbon wearing pants?

Anyone else think Julio Lugo and Youks could be Secret Service guys?

[amh03]

Edit - oops...how'd that double post happen?

Edited by amh03, 27 February 2008 - 05:04 PM.

[mabrowndog]

Some photos from Reuters:

Papi, Kevin Cash & Daisuke


Anxious young fans


Bush plays grab-ass with Papi while Daisuke, Curt & Tito look on


Team photo


There's just something very natural about this one

Edited by mabrowndog, 27 February 2008 - 05:14 PM.

[Wade Boggs Hair]

So what are they cracking up about here - was it the Manny comment or Papelbon wearing pants?

I think that shot was actually during the "Daisuke and I both have trouble answering questions in English" line.

[Hairps]

There's just something very natural about this one

'dog, that was a great moment. If you can picture where he was standing from the photo preceding that one, it was in the exact middle of the South facade of the White House, after the podium and risers below him had been emptied, and most of the rest of the team had already gone back inside. Very cool.

Edited by Hairps, 27 February 2008 - 05:16 PM.

[Wade Boggs Hair]

Thanks for posting the newswire photos as well. I'll have some more once my friend loads them off his camera.

On a number of occasions, someone in the crowd tried to start a "Let's Go Red Sox!" chant, which got one or two participants but quickly died out. I think a lot of guests weren't sure how to act (i.e., like a White House guest or like a baseball fan).

Edited by Wade Boggs Hair, 27 February 2008 - 05:20 PM.

[JohntheBaptist]

Something about Youkilis giving that politico-thumbs-up on the steps of the White House is really cracking me up. Phenomenal shot.

[RSN Diaspora]

I was there, and it was awesome. This is one of my favorite shots, albeit a little blurry. As the team was heading back up the stairs, into the WH, Beckett decided to strike a pose. I'll have more later, once I get them uploaded:

[RSN Diaspora]

The POTUS getting the jersey (as you can see, we had some pretty good seats):



EDIT: Reduced size

Edited by RSN Diaspora, 27 February 2008 - 05:44 PM.

[amh03]

The POTUS getting the jersey (as you can see, we had some pretty good seats):



EDIT: Reduced size

I'll say you had good seats! That's awesome. What else did ya get?

[RSN Diaspora]

Paps, after being mentioned by the POTUS:

[RSN Diaspora]

POTUS greeting Bobby Kielty. I love Alex Cora's suit: