Softball Team Honored By BoSox Club During Thursday Luncheon

Sept. 21, 2006

QUINCY, Mass. -- For the second consecutive season, the UMass Softball team was honored by the BoSox Club at a luncheon held Thursday at the Quincy Marriott. The BoSox Club is the oldest official fan club in Major League Baseball and promotes the game at all levels while assisting the Boston Red Sox in community and charitable endeavors. On hand to receive their award were head coach Elaine Sortino (far left), Kristi Stefanoni, KJ Kelley and Athletic Director John McCutcheon (far right).

"The BoSox Club's recognition of the accomplishments of our softball program again this year is truly outstanding," said UMass Athletic Director John McCutcheon. "Acknowledging the phenomenal success that Coach Sortino and the team had in the NCAA tournament last season is certainly appropriate and we thank the BoSox Club for their efforts."

At each luncheon, club business is discussed, and guest speakers - including Red Sox (and visiting) players, management and staff - interact with the membership. A pre-luncheon cocktail gathering of members and guests starts at 11:30 am and lunch is served at 12:15 pm.

In 1967, Red Sox officials and fans organized the BoSox Club. Today, with over 800 members, it is the largest and oldest official fan club of its type in all of major league baseball. Former Red Sox player Dom DiMaggio was the Club's first president, while former broadcaster Ken Coleman is a charter member. The BoSox Club promotes baseball at all levels and assists the Boston Red Sox in community and charitable endeavors. They raise funds to support worthy causes, such as the Jimmy Fund. Recently the BoSox Board of Directors voted to donate $20,000 to the Red Sox Charitable Foundation. In addition, the BoSox Club provides financial assistance to 12 deserving athletes to attend a private baseball camp every summer.

"We are all honored to be recognized again this year by the Bo Sox Club," said UMass Head Coach Elaine Sortino. "The 2006 season at UMass was highlighted by outstanding team performances. We our proud to represent an outstanding New England Tradition!"

Other activities the Club sponsors include 10 luncheons a year at the Newton Marriott Hotel (guest speakers include Red Sox and visiting teams players and staff), three brunches at Fenway Park (Red Sox guest speakers interact with the membership before the games), Family Night (the park is opened up before the game for members and their children while Red Sox players conduct a clinic) and the annual BoSox Club Spring Training trip (100 BoSox Club members join the Red Sox in Fort Myers during Spring Training). In addition, the BoSox Challenger Fund purchases game tickets for underprivileged children.

Every September, the BoSox Club honors championship teams from various leagues at a luncheon. Winners receive trophies. Leagues being recognized include the Massachusetts American Legion, Massachusetts 13-15 year old Babe Ruth League, Cape Cod League, Division I College Baseball, Division 1 High School Baseball, Intercity League, Massachusetts Little League, Boston Park League and the Yawkey League. Starting this year, the Club will present awards to the winners of the Division I College Women's Softball and Division I High School Girls' Softball teams. Membership in the BoSox Club is $75 a year.

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