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‘Kevin Molar’ makes contribution to Sox

Here’s a story Red Sox Nation can appreciate. I’ve been a Red Sox fan since I was in second grade the year Yaz won the triple crown and led Boston to the 1967 World Series.

After the latest in a long line of heart-wrenching torments, the 19-8 debacle in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, I developed a toothache.

It got steadily worse over the week until finally, by Game 1 of the World Series, the pain was excruciating. Being a Sox fan all these years gave me lots of practice dealing with agony, but by Monday, Oct. 25, I could stand it no longer.

I went in to see my dentist and he informed me that I had split my right-rear molar No. 2 from one side to the other.

“What did you bite on to cause that,” his assistant asked. Nothing I ate recently stood out in my mind. Then I remembered my wife said that lately I had been grinding my teeth in my sleep and it was so loud one night that it woke her up (I guess a lot of tension can build up over 37 years).

My dentist arranged for me to have the hopelessly cracked tooth extracted the very next day. That was Tuesday, Oct. 26, the day the Sox turned a tenuous 2-0 World Series lead into a virtually insurmountable 3-0. That was also the date in 2001 when my stepfather, a diehard Red Sox fan, passed away at 89 (he was born the year they built Fenway Park).

You’ve heard of people saying they’d give their eye teeth to win a championship? Well, I gave up chomper No. 2. I’m not saying that was a factor in the Sox victory, but every little bit of superstitious sacrifice helps when you’re trying to overcome an 86-year-old curse.

Mere coincidence? Perhaps.

I’m just glad I could do my part. And this year there will be a World Series championship decorating a certain man’s grave.

Paul “Kevin Molar” Lamoreau

Presque Isle

Free agency could decimate Red Sox

So it finally happened. The dog chasing the car caught up with it.

What’s next? A series of American League Championships with an occasional World Series win? The team will certainly never be the same. Free agency will tear it apart before spring training begins in 2005.

Boston’s “Boys of Summer,” like a high school graduating class, will go their separate ways – for one reason only: more money.

How much is enough? Or too little? Does the “team” matter any more? Not if you believe Pedro Martinez, who announced his intention to leave even before the World Series began. Sure he pitched brilliantly in his last two games wearing “Red Sox” on his uniform. But are the Red Sox in his heart? Don’t think it for a minute.

And what about the others who can write their own ticket now? Jason Varitek, for example. Hard to imagine Sox general manager Theo Epstein will let him get away. But then, there’s the money: the root of all that has changed baseball since free agency was established.

Of course professional athletes have the right to make the best deal they can. And of course this particular Red Sox team had a sense of mission. Give them high marks for that. But now it’s over. Mission accomplished. Do I hear $15 million, $18 million, are you all done? Oh, there’s a gentleman who bids $20 million. Mr. Steinbrenner, no doubt.

As the 1950s pop song said: “Enjoy Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think.”

Hal Wheeler

Bangor

Wait till next year

So the Red Sox won the World Series? Big deal. It took them 86 years to do so.

It sure did not take the Yankees that long. The Yankees fell short this year, but they will be back – as sure as God made little green apples.

The Curse of the Bambino could return next year. Let’s hope so.

Go Yankees!

Everett Brooks

Brewer

Bay League could fill Lumberjacks void

In regard to Andrew Neff’s article about the uncertainty of the future of the Bangor Lumberjacks baseball team.

Should that become a fact [that the team does not return to Bangor], I would suggest the Bay League entries from the Bangor area fill the vacancy. The Bay League has gained strength with the addition of college players and strong local talent.

Proceeds could go to the amateur teams to pay for their travel and equipment expenses and donated to the Husson College baseball program.

Those attending would include relatives and friends of the local players rather than those from out of state.

Teams could play seven-inning doubleheaders which would draw from four different areas.

Rufus Candage

Blue Hill

Town is proud of Hampden soccer title

Last Saturday a vast number of people from Hampden drove two hours to Topsham to sit on metal bleachers in a cold, drizzly rain for three hours – and we loved it! The Hampden varsity boys soccer team won the Eastern Maine Class A championship after one of the most inspiring athletic contests most of us have ever witnessed.

We have no child of our own on this amazing team and are relatively new to Hampden, but we have been just as caught up in the enthusiasm for these guys as any native (except maybe their moms and dads). They play seamless, beautiful, team soccer the way it’s supposed to be played, as though they are one, highly-tuned machine. Many of them have played together for five years or more; it shows both in their play and in their support for each other, on and off the field. Watch them work together once, and you are hooked.

Though my predominant point in writing a letter was to sing the praises of the boys on Hampden’s soccer team, who have made their town so proud, we also must express our disappointment in the Bangor Daily News for its poor coverage of this team’s accomplishments. We looked in vain in the Friday and weekend papers for any preview of the Class A championship game that was to be played on Saturday. In Monday’s paper, on Page C7 of the sports section, mixed in with the general soccer report, was a brief tip of the hat to Hampden’s victory (and a nice team photo).

There were four 10-minute sudden-death overtimes!

Given that the Bangor Daily News is Hampden’s “hometown paper,” it was sad to see the lack of coverage and recognition for this nice group of kids. The Portland paper gave them much better press! Go figure.

Congratulations boys! We’re all proud of you!

Robin and Jonathan Wood

Hampden

Note to readers: The NEWS reserves the right to edit submissions for libel, taste, clarity, and to fit available space. Letters should include a signature, full name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters may be mailed to: P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402, or e-mailed: bdnsports@bangordailynews.net