The Gilded In-Field

For he’s the jolly-good fellow! “Little Hands” Pedroia, also known amongst wags as “El Caballito,” has been recognized for prowess on the diamond!

Pedroia now hoists a glittering golden glove on his tiny hand, a symbolic acknowledgment that even the hottest smash or sharpest grasser can’t escape his entrapment. He joins “Yukon” Youkilis, himself a gold-glove first-sacker, in creating a gilded in-field.

When the Florida sun again shines on the dirt of the base-paths during spring training, expect the reflection from the right side to be blinding!

A Beard for the Ages!

His appearance is that of prospector who stumbled out of the Yukon country and onto the diamond. But his tool for seeking precious metal is a leather glove, not a pick-axe or shovel.

Last year, that glove was declared golden by the sporting men of the base-ball realm, who witnessed splendid displays of athleticism that routinely denied even the top speed artists the first stage in their circuit ‘round the base-paths.

Now, our resolute first base-man with the fearsome chin beard has collected another honor: He has achieved the record for consecutive matches without a boner at the bag!

Yes, our Youkilis has performed flawlessly in 194 tilts, surpassing the previous mark of perfection set by Steve “Pretty Boy” Garvey. Yet that Iron Man never had to deal with the likes of “High-Pockets” Lugo, whose deliveries of the pill across the infield often stretch Youk’s stocky frame to the extreme. Without such a steady receiver, there’s no telling how many muffs the scorers would mark against the erratic short-stop.

Rooters, raise your snifters to the king of the first corner!