“Swing and a ground ball, stabbed by Foulke. He has it. He underhands to first, and the Boston Red Sox are the world champions! For the first time in 86 years, the Red Sox have won baseball’s world championship! Can YOU believe it?”‘ – Joe Castiglione 

In my short time with the PawSox, I can already tell that they’re all about the community. From banquet dinners, to chamber events, to last night’s gathering in Providence put on by WEEI, my social life has boomed since arriving in Pawtucket (am I the first person to say that?).

No doubt the highlight for me last night, along with everyone else in attendance, was meeting the “Voice of the Red Sox,” Joe Castiglione.  I had the pleasure of meeting Joe in the booth at Fenway Park at the end of the 2010 season, but he was on the mic and I only had time to say a quick “hi” in-between innings.

There’s no doubting Joe’s dedication, knowledge, and passion.  Can you remember what you were doing professionally 30 years ago?  If you’re like me, you weren’t even alive 30 years ago.  Well, I can tell you what Joe was doing.  He was beginning his first year calling games on radio for the Boston Red Sox.  Before that, Joe called play-by-play for the Cleveland Indians on television and broadcast the Milwaukee Brewers on TV as well.

When talking with him last night I was surprised to learn that Boston was his first actual radio job.  I also found it interesting that Bobby Valentine will be the 10th Red Sox manager Joe has worked with while in Boston.  Can you name the other nine?

1. Ralph Houk (1981-84; 312-282)
2. John McNamara (1985-88; 297, 273)
3. Joe Morgan (1988-91; 301-262)
4. Butch Hobson (1992-94; 207-232)
5. Kevin Kennedy (1995-96; 171-135)
6. Jimy Williams (1997-2001; 414-352)
7. Joe Kerrigan (2001; 17-26)
8. Grady Little (2002-03; 188-136)
9. Terry Francona (2004-11; 375-273)

Joe was very gracious with his time, answered everyone’s questions, and posed for countless pictures (I wasn’t the only one).  My hope is to have more of a “sit-down” style interview with him at some point during Spring Training this year and will post that conversation on the blog.

Speaking of Spring Training, the Sox first game against major league competition is March 3 versus Minnesota.

36 days.

In the meantime, Joe’s second book, Can You Believe it?: 30 Years of Insider Stories with the Boston Red Sox, will soon be available at Amazon.com and at local retailers.  You an currently pre-order it through Barnes & Noble.  Should be a terrific read.

-AG