While Thanksgiving is often tied to football, for obvious reasons, baseball may be the one major professional sport in the United States best suited to allow its workforce to enjoy the holiday.
The reason being is simple: baseball players are home. At least one month removed from the rigors of the season and a week or two before many of them typically begin to increase their offseason baseball activity, they can join their loved ones for a full feast without concern over what that extra gravy will do for their performance.
Despite falling short of the playoffs for just the second time in eight years, the Red Sox have found that opportunity to reflect on what they are most thankful for. Here are some of those thoughts:
Tim Wakefield: I’m thankful for my wife and my two beautiful kids and the blessings that have allowed me to play in Boston for this long.
Kevin Youkilis: I am most thankful for my family and good health. Even though I had a injury this year it was not career ending or life threatening. So I am thankful that I can play next year at 100 percent.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia: I am most thankful for my family, two wonderful kids that wake up and go to bed with a smile which helps me in knowing that no matter what is going on in the world they are what matter most. When I come home from a bad day or game, those smiles erase everything. I love them with all my heart and in each smile I see my beautiful wife and without her I wouldn’t be able to do what I love to do which is play ball! That’s what I’m most thankful for!
Ryan Kalish: I am most thankful for the opportunity to play baseball and my family.
Click here to see what Patriots players are thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Click here to see what Bruins players are thankful for this Thanksgiving.
Click here to see what Celtics players are thankful for this Thanksgiving.
