Editor’s note: Michael Narracci is the coordinating director of Red Sox broadcasts on NESN and has spent 14 seasons with the network. This is the 12th installment of his “Director’s Cut,” a behind-the-scenes look at NESN’s Red Sox game coverage.
In addition to the light at the end of the tunnel getting brighter, the last road trip of the year means it is time for the time-honored tradition in the major leagues of rookie dress-up day.
On the final leg of their last road trip of the season, the rookies dress up in funny costumes for the travel to the next city. This year, the entertainment came after the Red Sox wrapped up their series with the Baltimore Orioles and headed back to Boston. In addition to being dressed up, the rookies also help the flight crew with serving refreshments during the flight. I can still remember Hanley Ramirez of the Los Angeles Dodgers in a Madonna-type bustier serving drinks. Or David Murphy of the Cleveland Indians dressed as “Raggedy Ann” handing out snacks. The priceless images are countless.
The veterans usually schedule this so there is as much public viewing as possible. One year the rookies were dropped off a few blocks short of our hotel in Times Square, and they had to walk down 8th Avenue among “the people” to the team hotel. Funny thing was, they just blended into the circus that is New York City! It is all in good fun and the rookies seem to enjoy it.
I hope you enjoy the sneak peek. Watch your eyes…
