Sox should send players to Bangor

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Am I missing something? The Boston Red Sox victory caravan is coming to Maine this weekend to allow fans to view the World Series trophy.

However, it doesn’t appear as though any players are going to accompany the trophy beyond the Portland area, where there will be a public viewing and rolling rally/parade on Friday.

I’m sure there will be Red Sox players on hand in Portland because, after all, it is the home of their Double A Eastern League affiliate.

But the Saturday stops which will include the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle, the Bangor Auditorium, the Blaine House in Augusta and the Colisee in Lewiston will apparently be without players.

So why would we go stare at a trophy?

It’s not the Holy Grail!!

Our winters are long but we aren’t that bored.

We all know what trophies look like. We’ve been to bowling alleys or we’ve walked by our high school trophy case.

When the Patriots won their first Super Bowl in 2002, accompanying the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy to Bangor were players Lawyer Milloy, Adam Vinatieri and Bobby Hamilton along with team owner Bob Kraft.

And all three players had significant roles in the march to the Super Bowl.

Red Sox fans are understanding. After all, they waited 86 years for a World Series championship.

It wouldn’t bother them if the stars (i.e. Curt Schilling, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Keith Foulke) didn’t accompany the trophy as long as a couple of other players did.

Heck, they might even settle for one reserve player.

Maine Red Sox fans are diehards and are as loyal as they come. It’s a long drive to Boston from eastern and northern Maine and then you have to deal with the Massachusetts drivers and their favorite car part: the horn.

There is mind-boggling congestion. It’s like discovering a whole new world. Excuse me, we don’t pass in the breakdown lane in Maine.

Then there’s finding a parking space, another one of life’s joys.

Can you say “Rubik’s Cube on Wheels?”

Yes, believe it or not, the term “double parking” is in the dictionary but words you would want to say to someone who double parks aren’t.

Then, of course, you have the ridiculous price of the tickets, parking and concessions. Throw in souvenirs and that takes care of a week’s pay while helping to finance the exorbitant salaries.

For what you pay for a hot dog, you should be able to close your eyes and have a religious experience. Angels should sing “Kum Ba Ya” as the hot dog melts in your mouth.

Still, thousands of Mainers make the trip to Fenway Park every year.

They have always been an important part of the Red Sox family.

One of the Red Sox’s most celebrated fans, best-selling author Stephen King, is a Bangor resident.

He has also owned a small piece of the team and co-authored a recently released book with Stewart O’Nan about the life of Red Sox fans called “Faithful: Two Diehard Boston Red Sox Fans Chronicle the Historic 2004 Season.”

Could King have picked a better year? I think not.

Anyway, don’t send the trophy without a player or two.

It’s a slap in the face.

The Patriots were appreciative of our support.

Why aren’t you?

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, 1-800-310-8600 or by email at lmahoney@bangordailynews.net.