Interview With James Keithley
Check out this interview with XSM client, James Keithley!
Nobody got a bigger thrill meeting Boston Red Sox great Johnny Pesky on Sunday then Vermont Lake Monster infielder James Keithley.
Keithley, who caught the ceremonial first pitch from Pesky before the minor league game with the Batavia Muckdogs, said he couldn’t wait to phone his dad.
“I grew up a huge Red Sox fan. Just having the honor of catching him and even warming up with him, my dad is going to have a fit about it when he hears about it,” the Vermont infielder said.
Keithley, who grew up in Texas, said he was assigned to the Red Sox in Little League and forever has followed the major league team.
It was a thrill for others — young and old — to meet “Mr. Red Sox,” who played, managed, coached and broadcast for the Red Sox. He signed more than 1,000 autographs on balls, pictures, baseball cards, caps and batting helmets. He also autographed the book “Mr. Red Sox” that details his life.
Pesky made the trip from Swampscott, Mass. on Sunday with his son Dave Pesky, who doubles as his personal manager, and his wife Alison.
When Pesky went onto Centennial Field, the former all-star caught a ball on the bounce like he was still fielding his infield position. The ceremonial first pitch was even called a strike by “Champ” the acting home plate umpire in pre-game activities.
“I wasn’t that good a player. I played on good teams and they carried me,” said Pesky.
The facts tell otherwise. Pesky had a career batting average of .307 in 1,270 games in 10 seasons. He had more than 200 hits in his first three seasons. He was the first American League player to score six runs in a nine-inning game.
He exchanged greetings with both Vermont manager Ramon Aviles and pitching coach Rusty Meacham, whose professional careers had crossed Pesky’s career.
Pesky told Aviles, “You look like you can still play.”
“I’m too old,” said Aviles, who is in his 38th year of professional baseball.
“You’re never too old,” Pesky said. He said he was happy to see Aviles still involved in baseball.
“He’s a good guy and a good baseball guy and I hope he has some success.”Before heading back to the autograph tent, Pesky walked over to the Vermont dugout and offered some advice to the wanna-be major leaguers.
“Play good. There’s a lot of room upstairs,” he said.
Contact Mike Donoghue at 660-1845 or mdonoghu@bfp.burlingtonfreepress