Tom Antonellis and the other Tom Antonellis: Happy Father's Day

A few years ago I got a chance to enjoy a tour of Fenway Park with my dad, Tom Antonellis Sr.  He's the one in the hat (the guy on the left was our tour guide).

Due to the distance between us, it's been awhile since I've been able to share a Mother's Day with my Mom or a Father's Day with my Dad.  My sister and her fiancee have been able to create some nice celebrations with them though and I appreciate that.  But that still doesn't alleviate the sense of loss over those holidays or the sense of guilt I have over missing them.

I still remember the first time Dad and I went to Fenway.  Our recent tour demonstrated to us the many changes, facelifts, additions and improvements that'd been made over the years especially those made since the 2004 World Series win.  (The tour guide is showing his World Series win having worked there in 2004.)  That first game I saw had Jerry Remy playing 2nd base.  Now Jerry calls the game locally in Boston; his book on understanding baseball sits on Mom & Dad's end table. 

I never remember if the Sox win when I see their games in person.  And I pay more attention than ever because I fill out the scorecard in the program (using the technique Dad taught me during Little League).  But, still, I never remember.  I DO remember where I was.  That first time with Dad was on the third base line.  Box seats.  The most recent time with Dad:  in the bleachers.  I can never get enough of Fenway Park.  I truly hope my lifetime never sees its closure (like so many New York fans suffered when Yankee Stadium closed).

I'm grateful for the 2004 World Series win.  I think it revitalized Fenway and played a great role in securing its future.

On Father's Day, I am thinking back on those times and looking forward to more of them in the future.  I love you, Dad.  And Mom:  don't think I've forgotten -- all those Sox games were, in truth, gifts to me from both of you.