University of Massachusets Athletics
Softball To Be Honored By The BoSox Club
September 22, 2008 | Softball
Sept. 22, 2008
AMHERST, Mass. - For the fourth consecutive year, the UMass softball team will be honored by the BoSox Club, the official booster club of the Boston Red Sox. The Minutewomen will be guests at the club's annual Amateur Baseball Awards Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 26 at the Newton Marriott. The annual event serves as the club's opportunity to recognize and honor the top baseball and softball teams from New England's Division I schools, successful teams in youth and other amateur baseball leagues, and the BoSox Club Man of the Year.
"We are extremely proud that the BoSox Club has honored our softball program once again," UMass Athletic Director John McCutcheon said. "It is a testament to the level of excellence that Coach Sortino and her team have attained over the years. We thank the BoSox club for this recognition and their efforts on behalf of amateur sports at all levels."
Coach Elaine Sortino's Minutewomen were chosen as the top Division I softball team in the region after posting a 42-13 record in 2008 that included a second-best in the nation 30-game winning streak. UMass ran the table in Atlantic 10 play, going 20-0 before winning the team's 20th Atlantic 10 Championship. The Minutewomen then went on to their 14th-straight NCAA Tournament (18th overall) where they hosted a regional for the third-straight year (11th overall). The highlight of the season however, was on April 13 when Coach Sortino recorded the 1000th victory of her career, becoming just the eighth Division I coach to reach that impressive milestone.
"This is an incredible honor," head coach Elaine Sortino said. "It means a lot to our program to be chosen as the top Division I softball team in New England. We're very proud to be recognized and look forward to accepting the award."
The BoSox Club was formed in 1967 by Red Sox officials and fans to promote baseball at all levels and to assist the Boston Red Sox in community and charitable endeavors. 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.
Traditionally, the BoSox Club has raised funds both inside and outside its membership to support many worthy causes including the Red Sox Foundation, the Jimmy Fund and New England Little League organizations. The BoSox Club is also instrumental in providing seating for challenged fans at Fenway Park through the Challenger Program, and provides financial assistance to a select group of deserving athletes to attend a baseball camp each summer.
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 and Softball, Division 1 High School Baseball, Intercity League, Massachusetts Little League, Boston Park League and the Yawkey League. Membership in the BoSox Club is $90 a year.
