Thousands brave chill winds to see Sox foursome, trophy

PORTLAND – The idiots were late.

Four Boston Red Sox players who came to Maine on Friday to present a long-awaited World Series trophy kept about 8,000 of the state’s fans, some of whom waited all day, huddled in winter winds for a chance to share the team’s victory.

“I know you guys waited a long time for this, 86 years I guess. And it’s just a great feeling for me to bring this trophy to Red Sox fans everywhere,” said second baseman Mark Bellhorn. “Hopefully this is the first one of many.”

Bundled in Red Sox winter gear and listening to chants of “Yankees suck!” blasted over a public announcement system, fans began gathering around noon at Portland’s Monument Square for the opportunity to share firsthand a World Series victory with members of the team.

The rally followed a parade through downtown Portland that was billed as a “rolling rally” in honor of the Sox. Four players – Bellhorn, Doug Mirabelli, Kevin Youkilis and Lenny DiNardo – participated in the event.

The Red Sox, who adopted the “idiot” nickname, were originally scheduled to come to Portland on Nov. 3, but the visit was postponed because of a scheduling conflict. In the meantime, the Sox took the trophy to other New England states.

Putting the best face on the situation, Gov. John Baldacci insisted the Sox had “saved the best for last.” And fans were as forgiving of the players’ tardiness as they had been of the team’s long road to a championship.

“My dad told me long ago that they were going to make me cry many times,” said Debra Bradbury of Lewiston, who had a handpainted cardboard sign to wave at the rally. “But when they won the World Series, it was a good cry.”

For some fans, the players’ visit could not come soon enough.

“We waited 86 years. What’s another few hours?” said Matt McNutt, 28, of Sanford, who brought his 6-year-old son to the rally. “Beggars can’t be choosers.”

In a prelude to the parade and rally, the World Series trophy was on display for four hours at Hadlock Field, home to the Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Red Sox.

“I’m a diehard fan,” declared Danielle Carr of Raymond, who arrived at 6:20 a.m. to be first in line to see the trophy.

After the rally, the players planned to visit the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center.

The trophy will stay in Maine for another day with additional stops for public viewing in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, Lewiston and Bethel.

The Red Sox won the World Series in October with a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals. It was Boston’s first World Series title since 1918.

Sox trophy travel schedule

The World Series championship trophy makes its way to northern and central Maine on Saturday with free public viewings at the following locations:

. Presque Isle: Aroostook Centre Mall, 8-9:30 a.m.

. Bangor: Bangor Civic Center, 10:30 a.m. ceremony, with public viewing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

. Augusta, Blaine House, 2-3 p.m.

. Lewiston, The Colisee, 4-5:30 p.m.

. Bethel, Telstar Regional High School, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

. Newry, The Phoenix at Sunday River, 7:30-10:30 p.m.