What is it like under the Green Monster at Fenway? Thanks to Red Sox PMC Day, you’re about to see actual pictures. So, last Friday night at Fenway Park, it was easy to forget the heat. As an assigned flag catcher, more important duties than staying cool were ahead.
What Is The Pan Mass Challenge?
The Pan Mass Challenge, or The PMC is a massive year round fundraising event that culminates each August with a monumental bicycle ride.
It’s goal: to raise MILLIONS for cancer patients at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, via the Jimmy Fund. The PMC was created in 1980 by founder Billy Starr after his mother died of cancer at the very young age of 49. Sadly Betty died of melanoma shortly after he graduated from college. Heartbroken, Billy found that after this profound loss, the only thing that soothed his soul was to attempt to make a change in the world, to help other families that were suffering from this disease. In the summer of 1980, Billy coordinated a two-day charity bike ride. The first year it had 36 cyclists, and raised $10,200. On the PMC website Billy says: “The first year, everything that could go wrong, did. We ran out of out food, and got lost!”
From those humble beginnings, the Pan Mass Challenge has grown to a multi-city event each year, with over 5000 bike riders, from all over the country joining each other in a dedicated effort. Reports say the total contribution so far to Dana Farber is $900,000 million. It reported to be the largest single athletic fund raiser in the country.
WROR Live In Sturbridge August 4!
Once again this year, I am honored to host my 2pm to 7pm show LIVE from the Sturbridge Host Hotel on August 4 for the PMC Kickoff. If you’d like to find out more and join the ride, click here.
Red Sox PMC Night
Last Friday night, my son Matt and I were invited to be flag catchers at Fenway before the Sox game! A GIANT American flag is draped over the Green Monster. Right after the national anthem, volunteers DROP the flag, to unveil the PMC logo on the Green Monster! As part of the flag catcher team, we catch the flag, and walk it off the field. It was a wonderful experience to be a part of this event. To be on actual field, like a player at Fenway was surreal. The Fenway team was very organized, prepping us for the flag catch. One funny moment happened when the Fenway team leader shared: “stay on the warning track, and DON’T TOUCH THE GRASS.” I obeyed.
It was a heartwarming moment, to watch the PMC bike riders come out and circle the field. This brave rider group was is labeled as Living Proof: riders that have survived cancer.
Last year during my Sturbridge Host broadcast, I met a rider who had just got out of hip replacement surgery and got RIGHT back on a bike! “I’m riding BECAUSE I CAN. People with cancer, can’t ride. I’m riding for them.”
That is just one of HUNDREDS of inspiring stories I hear each year. I hope this one inspired you to become part of the wonderful event. Need more inspiration?
Take a look at Red Sox PMC Day! Under The Green Monster
PMC Logo!
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 9: A new logo on the Green Monster is revealed during a pre-game ceremony for the Pan Mass Challenge before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago White Sox on June 9, 2018 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
This is the unveiled PMC logo on the Green Monster!
Living Proof Rider
BOSTON – JUNE 18: Cancer survivors ride bicycles into Fenway Park during a ceremony to mark Pan Mass Challenge Day at Fenway Park. The PMC bike ride raises money to fight cancer. The Boston Red Sox hosted the Seattle Mariners in a regular season MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, June 18, 2016. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
It was inspiring as the Living Proof riders rode around Fenway! Living Proof is a group of riders that have survived cancer.
(This pic from June 18, 2016, but I loved it so much I wanted to share!)
On The Field!
That’s my son Matt! It’s the first time he’s been on the field at Fenway!
Look at the size of the Green Monster!Official Flag Catchers: Assemble!
Me and my son Matt in front of the flag on the Green Monster, ready to catch the flag, unveiling the PMC Logo!
Carl Bean-Red Sox PA Announcer
The view of broadcast and operations for Fenway! When the great Carl Bean, former Red Sox PA announcer passed away, I became one of the 100 finalists to audition to replace Carl. I got to sit in his spot and AUDITION on the Fenway PA sound system. It was a tremendous honor.
Well I didn’t get the job. But for one moment in time, I got to be Carl Bean.
Bleacher Seats!
Last Friday, the Red Sox BEAT Oakland 7-3. This is our view from the bleacher seats. We saw a foul ball moment right in front of the bullpen. Two people bickered over who caught it! But they settled and security was not needed. I was ready to jump in and stop an angry mob from forming.
Living Proof
The Living Proof Team getting ready to circle Fenway! Living Proof are the PMC riders that have survived cancer. So inspiring to watch them circle Fenway!
Play Ball!
This is PMC Office Administrator Danielle Tata who performed the National Anthem perfectly! Right after she finished, it was our cue to catch the flag!
PMC Leadership Team and Partners
It’s a joy to interview PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr (pictured on right) each year! Also pictured, PMC of Stewardship and Liaison to DFCI, Meredith Beaton Starr, PMC President Jarret Collins, and M & T Bank Commercial Group Manager Rob Hazard.
