December 17, 2007
All I want for Christmas: 10 Red Sox gifts under $30
2007 was a utopian experience for fans of the Boston Red Sox, one that any card-carrying member of the Nation won't want to forget. The memories of this year's local nine are vivid now, the celebration in Colorado still seems like only yesterday, however, memories fade. Since the Internet, and its thorough documentation, is probably just a fad its important to give that special someone in your life some World Series memorabilia this holiday season!
My family collectively exhaled when Boston finished victorious in the Fall Classic; some people have described me as "difficult" to buy for during this time of giving. However, in 2007, they knew it would be easy to fill a stocking or two with Red Sox propoganda. When asked for a list of ideas to distribute to the people who loved me most, I knew exactly what I wanted: 2008 season tickets.
Consequently, that idea (and it's $13,900 price tag) flew like a lead ballon, it was back to the proverbial drawing board. What follows is a list of ten great ideas, in no particular order, for yourself or others who would like to remember the 2007 Boston Red Sox. In case your inner circle resembles mine and isn't willing to pony up a few paychecks for you this holiday season, all gifts listed are less than $30.
2007 World Series Official Program (Yawkey Way Store - $15)
The most comprehensive collection of World Series information, this official game program contains over 270 pages. Contents include the entire rosters for the Colorado Rockies and the Boston Red Sox, the history of the World Series, and analysis and insight into some of the best players in the game today. This is one of those gifts you get, read once, and then store in an attic to show your kids one day; providing an opportunity to relive the stories of the Jon Lester's comeback, Josh Beckett's dominance and Mike Lowell's MVP that all factored into the Red Sox championship.
2007 World Series Trophy Ornament (Collectibles Today - $29.99)
This hand-painted, sculpted ornament is a 6.5" high replication of the World Series Trophy. It is decorated with a Red Sox logo and colors, and contains a home-plated shaped image of the team celebration in Game 4. The crossed bats and World Series logo finishes off the bottom of the ornament. What a better way to remember 2007 than hanging this from your tree or displaying as a decoration elsewhere during the holiday season?
2007 World Series DVD (MLB Shop - $14.99)
Nararrated by Matt Damon, the official 2007 World Series DVD will help you relive the greatest moments of the Fall Classic for years to come. This DVD contains the ALCS and ALDS clinching games, the final out and celebration of the World Series, and of course, the World Series Trophy presentation!
Fenway Park 2008 Wall Calendar (Calenders.com - $13.99)
This gift idea isn't 2007 specific, but if you are still spellbound by nostaglic Fenway Park, this one is for you. This 12"x12" wall calendar expands to 12"x24" when opened, and features 12 gorgeous shots of this national treasure. If you have been to Fenway, please accept the following challenge: click the link above, look at the images of Fenway used for this calendar, and then tell me you wouldn't want to unwrap it this December!
2007 World Series Champions Pilsner (Chowdaheadz - $12.99)
There isn't much to describe here, but think about this before you pass over this invaluable little item. What is the one thing in the world that could make an ice cold beer taste even better? Drinking it out of a Pilsner glass that is a constant reminder of the 2007 greatness that is the Boston Red Sox World Championship team. Trust me, go buy one.
Diary of a Red Sox Season - Johnny Pesky (Amazon - $13.57)
What better way to pass the time until pitchers and catchers report than reading a commentary of the 2007 season by none other than the great Johnny Pesky. The greatest living Red Sox player started taking notes with the signing of Daisuke Matsuzaka, and kept scribbling his thoughts and insider information about the team until the last out of the 2007 World Series. To top it off, the forward is written by Hall of Famer Peter Gammons.
2007 World Series Champions Santa Hat (MLB Shop - $19.99)
Need an idea for the fun-loving member of your gift list? This 2007 World Series Championship Santa Hat features a baseball stitch across the front, seperating the team colors of the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox and World Series logo is proudly displayed across the front of the hat. The Red Sox, in team font, is displayed across the white trim of the hat, with holly flanking either side.
Red Sox Championship Applique Banner (FanFare - $29.99)
A 44" x 28" 1-sided applique and embroidered banner with a pocket on the top that will fit most standard flag poles. A blue background made of weather resistant nylon, the Boston Red Sox logo is proudly displayed in the middle of the banner. "World Series Champions" is in bold, white letters with the respective years shown below it. There is no better way to show the history and success of the Boston organization.
MLB.TV 2007/2008 Off-season Package (MLB.TV - $14.95)
Personally, this writer loves MLB.TV; I have had subscriptions for parts of the past three years. The offseason package would be a great pickup for any Red Sox fan. MLB.TV allows you to watch any regular or post-season game in 2007 until the 2008 season begins! Imagine being able to watch Clay Buchholz's no hitter, 4 HRs against the Yankees, or Schilling's 1 hitter on demand, MLB.TV is a great value and an even better gift.
Boston Globe 2007 Red Sox Puzzle (Puzzle Me This - $15.95)
October 29th, 2007. The Boston Globe front page screamed "The Best!" You can have a piece of history forever in the form of a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle. The completed puzzle measures 24" x 18" and displays the entire front page, surrounded by minature versions of the front page. Once on the site, check out the 2007 Red Sox World Series edition of Monopoly that is also available. Unfortunately, it didn't make the under $30 cut to be officially included on this list.
Discussion
12 Comments on "All I want for Christmas: 10 Red Sox gifts under $30"
#3
Posted by Sean O, December 17, 2007 11:51 AM
(awww)
Off topic, kinda, but an excellent interview with John Farrell from BP. You'll probably need to be a subscriber, but if you're not a subscriber... what the hell's wrong with you? It's baseball freaking prospectus and they have a million great articles each year plus PECOTA.
#5
Posted by Ryne Crabb, December 17, 2007 2:40 PM
I guess this isn't exactly a comment-inspiring article ... sorry to disappoint everyone!
#6
Posted by Sean O, December 17, 2007 2:56 PM
Not disappointing at all. It's nice to have articles where we can have more of a free form discussion. Such as...
I'm looking through schedules for 2008, and (bear with me) I might have come up with a pretty nice little road trip. I've never been to Shea Stadium before, so I'd like to hit that, and it'd be nice to see Mordor when it's not a Sox/Yanks game. So, starting from Boston:
Sun. 6.15 - Shea Stadium, Mets vs. Rangers @ 1:05
Mon. 6.16 - CBP, Sox vs. Phils @ 7:05
Tues 6.17 - CBP, Sox vs. Phils @ 7:05
Wed 6.18 - CBP, Sox vs. Phils @ 1:05
Now, here's where it gets tricky. You can either hop in the car and drive over the GW to the Bronx for Yanks/Padres, or go the other way on 95 down to Baltimore for O's/Stros at Camden. With the game getting out around 4, you should have enough time to hit the 7:00 game at either park. Then, if you're particularly nuts, you can hit Yankee Stadium on the 19th on the way back to Boston, where you get Sox/Cards on 6/20 at Fenway.
So, you could conceivably catch 5 MLB games in 4 days at 3 different parks, or if you're really insane, 7 MLB games in 5 different parks in 6 days.
Road trip anyone? I'm really thinking about the 5 games in 4 days, maybe even hitting up Cooperstown on the way back.
#7
Posted by Shane, December 17, 2007 3:32 PM
Since we're going free form...
Sean O, I've been meaning to ask if you've ever been to Camden before. You seem to have an extensive knowledge of stadiums and did that nice write up of Fenway so I was wondering if you had any thoughts about Camden. (I vaguely recall a comment section discussion of the different parks a while back but my memory is fuzzy about it)
I went to a game this summer but had the $15 upper deck right field seats. For $15 I was pretty impressed and had a great time, but I'd like to find the best location for under $50. With the Sox not going to Atlanta in 2008 I'll most likely only get chances to see them in Baltimore.
#8
Posted by Ryne Crabb, December 17, 2007 3:37 PM
I'm always up for a trip to CBP, only 1.5 hours from Harrisburg
#9
Posted by Sean O, December 17, 2007 3:38 PM
Shane-
Love Camden. I have some serious problems with a bunch of the HOK retro parks, but nothing can stop that feeling I had in 1993 when I saw my first game there. At the time, Fenway was a dark, dank, nasty place, so the wide concourses and all around feel of Camden was like night and day.
I'm a big fan of the Baltimore waterfront, stretching from the stadiums down to the Aquarium (with the Chipotle helping a bit, of course). Camden's a beautiful park that unfortunately succeeded a bit too much; a lesser park might've tempered the retro craze that everyone will regret in a few years.
Camden, CBP and PNC are absolutely fine by me. CBP, despite being a quirky retro park slapped into a parking lot, is just a great place to watch a game. Having lived in Philly for a year certainly helped my thoughts on the place.
#10
Posted by Bob, December 17, 2007 11:08 PM
I have a personal affinity for Shea since I saw my first Major League game there as a pre-teen. I've seen more games there than any other stadium (a lot of my cousins are Mets fans). It's definitely worth a visit especially since it will be closing, but it really doesn't compare to some of the other parks I've been to, namely Fenway and Turner field (I live in Atlanta now and try to catch at least one Braves game a season, it's really a shame that they don't get an attendance proportional to the fan base). That said Shea is a great place to enjoy a game, have a good time.
#11
Posted by Anonymous, December 18, 2007 10:01 AM
Camden Yards is one of my absolute Favorite ballparks. If you get a chance before the game- you must make sure to stop at Pickles. Especially if you go for a game against the Yanks or Sox- its usually busting to the brim with fans who are all out to have a good time and drink a few beers.
Also, in terms of east coast stadiums- and don't laugh to hard at me- I had an absolute blast at Tropicana. Aside from all the fact that its the Rays and they have such a small fan base-it worked out nicely cause you could roam around the stadium as you wished. The pet tank was a blast, and they had DOLLAR beers, and they turned the upper deck into a "party" deck! So its painted like a street, there's a dj, and flourescent lights, and did I mention dollar beer? Anyway, it doesn't evoke that feeling of being connected to the greats the way other stadiums do-but it is nothing short of a good time.
#12
Posted by Shane, December 18, 2007 2:36 PM
I find it funny the Tama Bay games have low turn out, but the Durham Bulls always have good attendance. I realize their park hold much fewer people, but percentage of attendance wise your AAA team shouldn't be blowing you out of the water.
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