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caption:
Former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois, right, enjoyed spending time with his Pawtucket Red Sox Manager Joe Morgan on Red Sox Alumni Day.
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Local Red Sox rooters on the sacred turf of Fenway pose with Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (2nd R). From left: Kevin Merchant, Ron Coderre, Roger LaFrancois, Walker, and Moe Coderre.
Trio enjoys a day
among the stars
at Fenway Park
The invitation came via e-mail from former Boston Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois. He shared that the Red Sox were hosting a day for former players as guests of the team to watch the 2023 edition of the BoSox in action against the Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 6. Would I be interested in joining for the day? The answer was a no-brainer! Certainly yes! The icing on the invitation was that LaFrancois was entitled to three guests for the event.
Joining him for the “Alumni Day” along with me Ron Coderre was my brother Moe and former Jewett City Savings Bank President Kevin Merchant. The trio was so excited that Moe Coderre said, “it was like being a kid getting up on Christmas morning.”
In addition to being treated like royalty, in a suite located high above third base and with an entourage of Red Sox legends was beyond all expectations. The group also received another surprise. Upon arrival at Fenway Park, they were escorted on to the field prior to the game and spent time with Pete Walker of Waterford, the pitching coach of the Blue Jays.
The congenial Walker, who runs the annual World Baseball Coaches Clinic with LaFrancois at Mohegan Sun Casino, was gracious and generous with his time. After spending time with Walker, the group moved to the suite reserved for former players and guests.
As the players trickled in, it was like a ‘who’s who’ of Red Sox stars from the past five decades. The list included the likes of Mike Remlinger, Skip Lockwood, Gary DeSarcina of NESN fame, Bob Montgomery, Chico Walker, Gary Wasilewski, Bob ‘Steamer’ Stanley, ex-Sox manager Joe Morgan and Luis ‘El Tiante’ Tiant.
LaFrancois was much sought after by many of his former teammates. He especially enjoyed reuniting with his Pawtucket Red Sox manager Joe Morgan of ‘Morgan Magic’ notoriety. In 1988, Morgan assumed the manager’s position from John McNamara. Under Morgan, the Sox won 12 straight and 19 of 20. The team went on to win the American League East pennant but unfortunately were swept by the Oakland A’s in the playoffs.
The 93-year-old Morgan was his same gregarious and humorous self. He openly answered all questions and posed for photos with everyone. It appeared he was enjoying himself as much as the guests who approached him.
LaFrancois also had the opportunity to reconnect with his former battery mate Bob Stanley. Stanley reminisced of their days in Pawtucket and of his many visits to Day Kimball Hospital’s Annual Sports Auction at the former J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant. He noted how he always appreciated the hospitality of the people of Putnam.
Shaking hands with Luis Tiant and meeting his wife and daughter was a treat for everyone. Merchant, who had secured a baseball from Walker earlier, rued the fact that he didn’t ask Tiant to sign it. Nevertheless, he talked about meeting Tiant until the group finally arrived in Putnam.
At the conclusion of the game there were many handshakes and hugs as players who hadn’t seen each other in years said their goodbyes. For the LaFrancois group, they left with mixed emotions. The Sox were manhandled 13-3 by the Blue Jays. They were happy for their friend Pete Walker but on the other hand were saddened by the play of the boys from Beantown. All agreed the memories will linger for years to come.
By Ronald P. Coderre
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