Red Sox scrap ‘inappropriate’ bobblehead promotion for Ortiz
The Boston Red Sox did not approve of the David Ortiz bobbleheads and canceled the promotion prior to Tuesday’s game against the rival New York Yankees at Fenway Park.
“The bobbleheads were unacceptable to the club and not appropriate for distribution,” the Red Sox said in a statement. “We will be issuing new David Ortiz bobbleheads to all ticketed fans at a later date. … We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.”
The team promised to distribute the bobbleheads to the first 15,000 fans, but Red Sox President Sam Kennedy elected to scrap the promotion after viewing the finished product.
“I thought the bobbleheads were an inaccurate portrayal of David,” Kennedy told ESPN. “To go further, I thought the facial features were racially insensitive.”
The Red Sox said in their statement that they would announce details after the game of when they plan distribute a new-look bobblehead of the retiring star.
Tebow to pursue pro baseball career
Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow is now pursuing a career in professional baseball and will hold a workout for major league teams later this month, according to agents Jimmy Sexton and Nick Khan.
Tebow, who turns 29 on Sunday, was a former all-state prep school baseball player in Florida. He last played baseball full time in 2004 as a high school junior.
Tebow won the 2007 Heisman Trophy at Florida and had a dynamic college football career. His NFL career wasn’t as productive and he played just three seasons — two with the Denver Broncos and also with the New York Jets in 2012. Tebow, who is currently a broadcaster for ESPN, has been preparing for a move to baseball for several months by working out in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Falmouth CC golfer takes State of Maine tourney lead
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — Falmouth Country Club’s Shawn Warren shot a 2-over-par 74 for a one-stroke lead in the first day of the State of Maine Championship Tuesday at the Sugarloaf Golf Club.
Hampden native John Hickson of Bob’s Sporting Goods, the 2014 State of Maine golf champ, was just one shot back in second place, while defending champion Bob Darling of Fox Ridge Golf Club in Auburn stood tied for 12th at 10-over.
Amateur Timothy Desmarais of the Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth carded the low-amateur round with 6-over-par 78, which left him in sole possession of third place, while Jeff Seavey of the Samoset Golf Course in Rockport was a stroke back in fourth.
Injury to force Fielder to stop playing
Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder is expected to announce on Wednesday that his playing career is over because of medical concerns, according to a report from Fox Sports.
Fielder, 32, recently underwent his second neck surgery in a span of 26-plus months. He was suffering from a herniated disk and underwent a cervical fusion.
Fielder was struggling before the season-ending injury, batting .212 with eight homers and 44 RBIs.
The Fox Sports report said Fielder won’t formally retire. Sources told the entity that Fielder is now considered medically disabled and doctors won’t clear him to play. He has four seasons remaining on a nine-year, $214 million deal.
Francona misses game with illness
WASHINGTON — Cleveland manager Terry Francona was not feeling well and did not manage the team during its game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night, according to an announcement by the Indians.
The Indians tweeted that Francona was examined by a ballpark EMT and was still at the Nationals Park.
Francona had indicated he was feeling some discomfort during his pregame meeting with the media.
Bench coach Brad Mills was managing the team.