Twas Red Sox night before Christmas, when all through Fenway Park
Not a feature was stirring, not even a tarp.
The red stockings were hung in the lockers with care,
In hopes that Big Papi soon would be there.
The players were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of championships danced in their heads.
And Cherington the Chief, and Farrell the Cap,
Had just settled their roster for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
They sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.
Away to the press box they flew like a flash,
Tore open the peanuts and clenched their teeth in a gnash.
The moon on the mound, covered with new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to the infield below.
When, what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But a Venezuelan panda, and three starting pitchers.
With a Dominican outfielder, so quick and lively,
They knew in a moment it must be Sir Hanley.
More rapid than Yankees his teammates they came,
And Cap whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Masterson! now, Miley! now, Porcello and Kelly!
On, Buchholz! On, Mujica! on, Varvaro and Koji!
To the top of the rubber! to the top of the inning!
Now pitch away! Hit away! Come away winning!”
As dry leaves that before the wild postseason flys,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the skies.
So up to the locker room the players they flew,
With the bags full of bats, and full of pine tar too.
And then, in a batting cage, they heard in the hall
The bashing and belting of each little ball.
As they drew in their heads, and were turning around,
Swinging the stick, Big Papi hit with a pound.
He was dressed all in red, from his head to his foot,
And his face was all smiles, and together his hands he put.
An excited Pedroia he had flung on his back,
And they looked like they won a game, just cashing in a Sac.
Mookie’s eyes-how they twinkled! “Oh, the talent Ben buys!”
Vazquez’ cheeks were like roses, “Oh, I get to catch these guys!”
Napoli’s grin was as big as Massachusetts Bay,
And his beard was as long as Gandalf the Grey.
Along came Hanigan, wearing a mask on his face,
And he asked the bullpen to come and embrace.
Nava and Holt noticed Sandoval’s round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
Farrell and Cherington smiled, right jolly old elves,
And Boegarts and Craig laughed, in spite of themselves!
A wink of Ramirez and a twist of his head,
Soon gave John Henry to know he had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And told all the stockholders, showing agents a perk.
And giving season ticket holders a striking pose,
He gave a nod, and up the winning odds they rose!
Boston sprang to their seats, to their team gave a whistle,
And away they all won, kisses falling like mistle.
And I heard Ortiz exclaim, as he broke out all giddy,
“Boston Strong to all, because this is our city!”