Empty promises & “full throttle” lies: Jon Wallach calls out Red Sox ownership
It won’t be the actual product on the field that keeps me away from Fenway Park this summer.
Why would I ever spend any money on Red Sox tickets, concessions, or parking when I’ve been lied to for 3 years? Ownership used Chaim Bloom like a human shield to hide from a decreasing payroll, the increasing cost of a trip down to “Friendly Fenway”, and a product that was flat out painful to watch last season. Then you tell me all is well? Ask Kevin Bacon how well that worked out for him at the end of Animal House.
Tom Werner never spoke to the media 20 years ago because there were actual baseball people to do that – Theo Epstein, Larry Lucchino, and the guy who, once upon a time, actually admitted to owning the franchise, John Henry. Now we have the executive producer of “Rosanne” and “That 70s Show” telling us about how the roster will look. The “Full Throttle” comment was regrettable, but the reasoning for it is the killer. Either he knew what was coming and lied, or had no idea and was talking out of his ass, which is just great if you’re in charge. When the smoke had cleared on a winter to forget, Werner attempted to make amends by laughably failing to connect with the majority of the people who purchase tickets. Do you really live your life “Full Throttle”, Tom? I’m thinking I could, too, if I had your money.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 17: A general view of Fenway during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros at Fenway Park on May 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
He added that, while the teams record may be the most important thing, the Fenway Experience is something that ownership feels strongly about. Really? Is it the impossible rush hour trip to get there? My travel in from the western suburbs at 5pm is always a good time. How about the outrageous prices to park within 6 blocks of your ballpark? The cost of beer? How about the seats in section 6 that still face the visitors bullpen? Tom Werner should never be a mouthpiece for this franchise. However, if John Henry is too busy negotiating Billion dollar deals with the PGA Tour, I suppose there’s no other choice.
Oct 9, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein in attendance before game one of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The positive is bringing back Theo Epstein. Or, it will be after he finishes finding another manager for Liverpool and checks in on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Red Sox have turned into one of those handheld video games from the 1980s. Ownership had a lot of fun with it for a while, but then got bored, lost track of it, and upgraded to other things. The Sox are collecting dust at the bottom of John Henry’s bedroom closet, beneath that umbrella he uses when it’s too sunny outside. I’m not sure he knows where it is any more.
As a result, Fenway Sports Group is using a franchise that won the World Series a little over 5 years ago to prop up all of their other interests. I don’t think that they collectively love baseball, either. I’m sure they liked it once, have appreciated all of the money it’s brought them, and are really happy about the doors it’s opened, but they don’t love it. If they did, they never would have let things get to this point and then attempt to gaslight their fans into believing that they have a plan.
Alex Cora sees all of this, too. He’s out of here on Monday morning, September 30th, the day after a 75-87 season comes to an end, and will be back managing a different team that makes the playoffs in 2025.
In the end, it’s the duplicity that’s bothering the crap out of me this spring. My fandom goes all the way back to a Ferguson Jenkins complete game 5-hit shutout of the Texas Rangers in the mid-1970s but I’m not giving any more money to a group of owners I don’t believe in. Have fun with the college kids and the tourists this year. It seems that those are the fans you care about anyway.
Jon Wallach is part of Toucher & Hardy, weekday mornings on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Follow him on X/Twitter: @KenGriffeyRules.
The full list of jersey numbers retired by the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in Major League Baseball history, boast a rich history. Founded in 1901 as one of the American League’s original eight teams, the Red Sox quickly established themselves as formidable contenders in the league.
The Red Sox achieved their first World Series victory in 1903, just two years after their inception, and went on to win four more championships in 1912, 1915, 1916, and 1918. During this period, the team featured several legendary players who have since been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Notable among them are Tris Speaker, Harry Hooper, and Babe Ruth, who began his career as a pitcher for the Red Sox before becoming a legendary slugger with the New York Yankees.
However, the Red Sox experienced a drought in World Series victories that lasted for 86 years, commonly known as “The Curse of the Bambino.” This supposed curse was attributed to the trade of Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1919. It wasn’t until 2004 that the Red Sox finally broke the curse and won their sixth World Series title, an iconic moment in baseball history.
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 23: The number of former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz #34 is retired during a ceremony before a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Fenway Park on June 23, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Red Sox retired numbers include ten players who are forever legends of Jersey Street. The list includes Ted Williams (#9), Joe Cronin (#4), Bobby Doerr (#1), Carl Yastrzemski (#8), Carlton Fisk (#27), Johnny Pesky (#6), Jim Rice (#14), Pedro Martinez (#45), Wade Boggs (#26), and David Ortiz (#34). These players made significant contributions to the team and etched their names in baseball history.
The Red Sox also retired one number that holds significance beyond the team’s legacy. Jackie Robinson’s #42 was retired by the entire MLB in 1997 to honor the trailblazing player who broke the league’s color barrier in 1947. Robinson’s legacy symbolizes the fight against racial segregation in baseball and stands as a testament to the power of courage and determination in sports.
Fenway Park, the home of the Red Sox, serves as a living testament to the team’s history and legacy. The plaques displayed along the exterior walls and above the right field pay tribute to the great players who have graced the field and left an indelible mark on the franchise. As fans walk into Fenway Park, they are reminded of the team’s glorious past and the unforgettable moments that have shaped the history of the Boston Red Sox.
HERE’S THE FULL LIST OF JERSEY NUMBERS RETIRED BY THE BOSTON RED SOX:
Bobby Doerr: #1
COOPERSTOWN, NY – JULY 24: Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr is introduced at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 24, 2011 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
9-time All-Star Bobby Doerr is considered by many to be the best Red Sox second baseman of all time. Doerr was a key member of the mid-20th-century Red Sox squads, boasting an impressive .288 lifetime batting average.
Joe Cronin: #4
BOSTON – CIRCA 1955: (UNDATED FILE PHOTO) Baseball legend Ted Williams (1918 – 2002) of the Boston Red Sox (R) signs a baseball contract as Boston Manager Joe Cronin (1906 – 1984) looks on in 1958. The 83-year-old Williams, who was the last major league player to bat .400 when he hit .406 in 1941, died July 5, 2002 at Citrus County Memorial Hospital in Florida. He died of an apparent heart attack. (Photo by Getty Images)
A notable player-manager, Cronin was a winner both on the field and on the bench. He also accumulated 7 All-Star selections.
Johnny Pesky: #6
BOSTON – APRIL 08: David Ortiz (L) of the Boston Red Sox and Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky walk to center field to raise the 2007 World Series banner during pre-game ceremonies before the Red Sox MLB baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on April 8, 2008 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Red Sox players and coaches were presented their 2007 World Series rings during the pre-game ceremonies. (Photo by Brian Snyder-Pool/Getty Images)
Pesky, a superb outfielder for the Sox, was known as an on-base machine and superb bunter. He is also the namesake of Fenway Park’s iconic Pesky Pole.
Carl Yastrzemski: #8
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 23: Former Red Sox great and Hall-of-Famer Carl Yastrzemski throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game One of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park on October 23, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Aside from his legendary home runs, Yaz was an 18-time All-Star, 7-time Gold Glover, and 3-time AL batting champion.
Ted Williams: #9
13 Jul 1999: Ted Williams waves to the crowd as he is driven onto the field before the 1999 MLB All-Star Game against the National League Team and the American League Team at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. The American League Team defeated the National League Team 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport
One of the greatest hitters in MLB history, Ted Williams spent his entire 19-year career with the team. Williams was a 19-time All-Star and a two-time MVP, known for his remarkable .344 lifetime batting average.
Jim Rice: #14
BOSTON – JULY 28: Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice addresses the fans before the Red Sox game against the Oakland Athletics at Fenway Park July 28, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. Rice’s number was retired in a pre-game ceremony. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Jim Rice was arguably the best Red Sox player of the 70s and 80s, attaining 8 All-Star selections and an AL MVP in 1978.
Wade Boggs: #26
BOSTON, MA – MAY 26: Wade Boggs acknowledges the crowd during his uniform number 26 retirement ceremony prior to the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park on May 26, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Despite antagonizing the Red Sox faithful later in his career as a member of the New York Yankees, Boggs was a 5-time AL batting champion throughout his tenure with the Red Sox.
Carlton Fisk: #27
BOSTON, MA – MAY 26: Jarrod Saltalamacchia #39 of the Boston Red Sox shakes hands with Hall of Famer and former Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk, after Fisk threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on May 26, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Gail Oskin/Getty Images)
“Pudge” established himself as one of the MLB’s premier catchers in the 70s, winning Rookie of the Year in 1972 and attaining 11 All-Star selections over the course of his 19-year career.
David Ortiz: #34
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 19: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the Detroit Tigers during Game Six of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 19, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
When you have a street named after you, it’s safe to say that you’ve done some big things. “Big Papi” is an absolute legend in Boston, winning 3 World Series Championships en route to becoming one of the greatest power hitters of all time.
Pedro Martinez: #45
BOSTON, MA – JULY 28: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox hugs Pedro Martinez, a former member of the Boston Red Sox, during a ceremony to retire Martinez’s number 45 before a game with the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park on July 28, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Martinez had arguably the best peak of any pitcher from 1997-2000. He also won a championship on the curse-breaking 2004 team, establishing himself as one of the most beloved players in the history of Boston sports.
