Exciting news for baseball fans! Lids has teamed up with New Era to release the “Reverse the Curse” collection, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Boston Red Sox’s legendary ALCS comeback against the New York Yankees. This limited-edition collection, set to release on October 12, 2024, commemorates one of sports’ most iconic moments—when the Red Sox shattered the “Curse of the Bambino” and made history.
The collection includes four fitted hat styles priced at $49.99, featuring special side patches and premium interior details like sublimated sweatbands and satin linings, giving fans a stylish tribute to the team’s epic postseason run.
The launch event will take place at Lids’ South Shore Plaza in Braintree, MA, at 10:00 AM on October 12, with a live DJ and fresh popcorn to celebrate. Get ready to snag yours online at LHD.com starting October 17. Don’t miss out—this is a must-have for any true Red Sox fan!
The baseball world is saddened after confirming the news of the passing of pitching icon Luis Tiant, who was known for his signature, almost turnaround windup, passed away today at his home in Maine according to a statement from Tiant’s former team, the Boston Red Sox.
“Luis had the kind of unforgettable presence that made you feel like you were part of his world,” said Red Sox principal owner John Henry in a statement. “He was a pitcher with incredible talent, accomplishing so much with a style uniquely his own. But what truly set Luis apart was his zest for life, embracing every moment with an infectious spirit, even in the face of his many challenges. He channeled everything into his love for the game and the people around him. He was magnetic and had a smile that could light up Fenway Park. Luis was truly one of a kind and all of us at the Red Sox will miss him.”
The Cuban-born hurler spent 19 seasons in the majors, finishing with a career record of 229-172 with a 3.30 ERA, pitching for Cleveland (1964-69), Minnesota (’70), Boston (’71-78), the Yankees (’79-80), Pittsburgh (’81) and the Angels (’82). The three-time All Star never made it to Cooperstown, but the son of Negro Leagues legend Luis Tiant Sr. only had one goal while growing up as a child in Cuba; to follow in his father’s footsteps. Because of the political climate of Cuba and professional sports being prohibited by Castro in 1959, the senior Tiant warned his son in a letter he wrote to him during his time as a burgeoning pitcher in Mexico City.
“Don’t come home. Castro is not going to allow any more professional sports here — no baseball or boxing. If you do come home, I don’t think you’ll be able to get out again. They are not letting many people leave the island, especially young men of military age.”
In 1964, Tiant got his major league break when Cleveland requested a starter for a July 19 game at Yankee Stadium against a team that was in the middle of a dynasty. Tiant pitched a four-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts while outhurling the legendary Whitey Ford.
“I was not nervous, but had a little tension,” Tiant said in a 2009 documentary about his life, “Lost Son of Havana. You’re pitching against best team in baseball, you’re a rookie. That day was my day. They let me do what my father couldn’t do.”
“Luis had a style of pitching that was as memorable as it was effective, but to me, the rarer gift was his ability to lift you up with just a smile,” said Red Sox president & CEO Sam Kennedy in a statement. “When you were with him, you were reminded of what really matters. Whether you were a teammate, a fan, or just someone fortunate enough to share a conversation, Luis had a way of making you feel special, like you were a close friend.”
“His legacy on the mound is undeniable, but all of us today are mourning the man, the friend, the mentor who connected generations of fans and players. I am gutted by the news of his passing and will miss him more than words can express. Spring Training won’t be the same without Luis’s infectious energy spreading throughout camp.”
Bosox outfielder Jarren Duran is in some really hot water after yelling an anti-gay slur at a heckling fan at yesterday’s game at Fenway Park against the Houston Astros.
In the bottom of the sixth inning with runners on the corners and the Sox being shutout by the Astros, Duran was being heckled by a fan after fanning a strike from ‘Stros pitcher Hunter Brown. Duran turned his head to behind the plate to someone who could be heard screaming from the crowd. Duran, who was already 0-2 for the game, fired back after a few seconds, calling the heckler a “f*****g f****t”, which was picked up by a live mic on the field.
Duran issued a statement following the game apologizing to the Red Sox organization as well as the LGBTQ community.
Also, Duran’s salary from the suspension will be donated to PFLAG (Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), the largest organization in the country dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for the LGBTQ community.
News reports have confirmed that ex-Red Sox pitcher Ausitn Maddox was arrested in a anti-child predator sting operation in Jacksonville, Florida last month and now Maddox is facing several felony charges.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department said that they arrested 27 men on Monday who believed that they were communicating with underage girls online, but they were actually speaking to detectives on their five-day “Operation Valiant Knights” bust.
Maddox, 33, was arrested on April 28 and charged with traveling to meet after using a computer to seduce/solicit/lure a child, solicitation of a child via computer to engage in sexual conduct, unlawful use of two-way communication device, and produce/promote performance which includes sexual performance by a child. Maddox’s bond was set at a little more than $300K.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters made a statement about the arrest, stating, “Austin Maddox, a former Red Sox MLB player, traveled with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old child.”
Law enforcement video footage hows Maddox’s arrest, with him exiting a red pickup truck and walk into a home as he encounters several Jacksonville Sheriff’s deputies. The former Red Sox pitcher is due in court next week.
Maddox only pitched one season in MLB after being called up from the Florida Gators as a third round draft pick in 2017.
