Bat boy, now 100, gets birthday gift from Red Sox

boston.com ^ | April 24, 2009 | Alan Schwartz

[JoeProBono]

"Hi ya, young fella."Babe Ruth greeted Arthur Giddon as he did most 13-year-olds, even those in uniform. Giddon chatted with the Babe for a moment but tore himself away because he had a job to do. It was 1922, and as the Boston Braves bat boy, Giddon had to break out the bats, polish some spikes and otherwise outfit his players for that afternoon's game at Braves Field. Eighty-seven years later, on Saturday, Giddon will reprise his role for his now-beloved Red Sox -- as a special 100th birthday present, he will serve as the team's honorary bat boy prior to the game against the rival Yankees. The same hands that delivered bats to Billy Southworth and softened Rube Marquard's glove will do the same for Kevin Youkilis and Jon Lester. Now bat boying for the Red Sox: No. 100, Big Pappy.

[JoeProBono]

Arthur Giddon was a bat boy for the Boston Braves in 1922. Now, for his 100th birthday, the Red Sox are making him an honorary bat boy for Saturday's game.

[DuncanWaring]

So this has nothing to do with the National Enquirer?

[goodwithagun]

Hahahahaha!

Seriously, this article is great. It almost made me cry.

[JoeProBono]

NOoooooo

[VanDeKoik]

Both of them do look somewhat similar.

[JoeProBono]

[smith288]

Been there, done that.

Being a batboy (albeit for a AAA team) was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I met Jeter, Posada, Rivera, Pettite and Reggie Jackson (name that affiliate) and a few other who going through the minors at the time... It was a great learning experience and fun.

There were some jerks who thought it was their role to treat BBs as less than human but there were others who took the time out of their pre game rituals to talk to a batboy on technique and stuff. They really were trying to continue the game on to younger generations.

I scored on so many player bats, baseballs, free gloves and batting gloves. Truly a fun time.

I can only imagine the stories this guy could tell.

[TheThinker]

He looks really good for his age!

[Revolting cat!]

[Billthedrill]

That’s what I was thinking too. Hope I look that good at the century point. (I’ll probably still be waiting for the M’s to win a world series, too...) :-)

[lewisglad]

[a fool in paradise]

Fenway Fan!

[Dr. Sivana]

I met Jeter, Posada, Rivera, Pettite and Reggie Jackson (name that affiliate)

The Columbus Clippers? AAA affiliate of the evil Yankees? How did Reggie Jackson get into the mix? Did he show up for a promotion or something?

[Slings and Arrows]

I'm glad he's found another gig since the Weekly World News folded.

[llevrok]

The Yankees Suck

But I digress....

[smith288]

The Columbus Clippers? AAA affiliate of the evil Yankees? How did Reggie Jackson get into the mix? Did he show up for a promotion or something?

Yep. He was there to help instruct some guys. He was all ego though. Kind of a dick.

Clipper are now an Indians affiliate *yuck* and have moved out of the old Cooper Stadium this year.

Most friendly guys were probably Andy Pettite and a guy named Jalaal Leach. He gave me his brand new mit at the end of the season because he was left handed too. I stay in touch with him because he runs a clinic out of Southern California and like to track his success with new talent.

[TheThinker]

Or the Cubs...

[fhayek]

Yankess/Red Sox in one half hour. The Red Sox can pound salt for all I care. Go Yanks!