100 Things Red Sox Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die

by Nick Cafardo, Dave Roberts (Foreword)

With 100-plus years of Red Sox history, this lively, detailed book explores the personalities, events, and facts every Boston fan should know. It contains crucial information such as important dates, player nicknames, memorable moments, singular achievements, and signature calls. This guide to all things Red Sox covers the tradition of singing Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" at the stadium, the history of the Yawkey family, Wally the Green Monster, and the myth that lefties can't pitch at Fenway Park. Now updated through the 2013 World Series win, the book includes information about the signing of Shane Victorino and John Farrell taking over as manager.

Genres: Sports, Baseball, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE the Red Sox and enjoyed the stories, but the stats were a bit too much at times.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen, anyone over the age of probably four knows that 2020 will go down in the history books as One Strange Year. For me, that includes (but is obviously not limited to) the fact that I didn't participate in the abbreviated and adjusted MLB season, likely my first year without baseball since...ever? I watched half of the first inning of the first Red Sox game, and just...nope, couldn't do it. Hopeful that 2021 would bring something closer to normalcy (at least related to professional baseball), considering how the NFL season played out and the fact that a plan seemed to be in place by MLB for a full season of only slightly adjusted gameplay, I determined to get myself back in the mindset of my summertime companion with a baseball book. And not just any baseball book, but one focused on my favorite team. It also felt like a nice homage to the late Nick Cafardo who passed away during the last real Spring Training back in 2019. And so, I counted back fifty-one days from Opening Day 2021, with the plan of reading two entries per day, ending on the eve of the regular season.

What I liked about 100 Things Red Sox Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die:
A solid review - Really, there is very little left unmentioned. It's a fun walk through history and a good venture down memory lane (depending on whether or not the subject occurred during or before my lifetime). There is a healthy mix of old and new, common knowledge and obscure facts. I did really enjoy the wide variety.

What I didn't care for:
The title - Holy moly, that is a lot of words. By no means a deterrent from actually reading the book, but this is really just a personal gripe since I log my reading each day in my journal and writing out a twelve word title for fifty straight days got old by day three. Also, while we're on the topic of the title, it also felt creepy that I am reading a book with this title written by a Red Sox fan (as well as sportswriter) who is, well, dead.

I have to say, I was a bit surprised with the fact that the book simply ended with Thing Number One Hundred. No synopsis, no parting thoughts, nothing. Just...finished. But my mission was sufficiently accomplished: I am ready for the start of the baseball season tomorrow and I don't feel as far removed as I did before I started this book. A worthwhile book for Red Sox fans, but I would suggest it in small bites rather than just cover to cover.

[Ryland Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book told everything you ever wanted to know about the Boston Red Sox. It talked about the players and told about their nicknames and how they got them. It told the history of the Green Monster and facts about Fenway Park. It gave important dates such as when they won the World Series. It explained the reason why "Sweet Caroline" is sung during the seventh inning stretch. This is a great book for any Red Sox fan old or new.

[Ashley]

This was an enjoyable, fun book to read. I learned quite a bit that I didn't know before, and I loved the statistics. This is a great book for every Sox fan.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this guide on the Red Sox. I'm a really passionate ed Sox fan, and I really really REALLY hatehatehate!!!!!!! those Boasting, bad-tempered Yankees! I think that this guide really helped me in the knowledge of the Red Sox. Nice! Recommend to everyone.... because not only the Yankees the worst, but the Red Sox the BEST!!!

[Matt Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. I learned a lot of things that i did not know.I like the way how every chapter was a different fact and it indefinitely told you when where and why it happened. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the Red Sox or is looking to read a bout baseball.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning even more about the Red Sox. Being a lifelong fan, you think you know most of what there is to know, but I have enjoyed getting some unknown Red Sox history!

[Chris Gager · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rescue from the transfer station. In honor of the Bosox 2013 World Series triumph I'm now mining this for trivia questions.