Boston Red Sox World Series Trophy Visits Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence

Timothy and Anne Marie Samway, longtime volunteers and members of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence (BGCL) Board of Directors, received an invitation as Boston Red Sox season ticket holders to bring their family to Fenway Park for a tour and holiday photos in November 2013.

Samway quickly accepted, informing the organization that his family that day would consist of two club kids and two program staff members.

According to Samway, the boy’s and girl’s excitement was palpable as they toured the grounds, sat in the dugout, walked inside the Green Monster, and admired the team’s 2004, 2007, and 2013 World Series trophies. The seventh graders’ subsequent thank you letters reflected such sincere gratitude that Samway still becomes emotional when recalling the heartwarming messages.

“They wished that every kid at the club could see the World Series trophy,” Samway said. “That’s why we’re here today.”

As a result of Samway’s persistence and the Red Sox’s generosity in lending the 2013 World Series trophy to BGCL on February 20, hundreds of club kids posed for individual photos commemorating their close encounter with history. An added thrill was a visit by Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, a BGCL alum, who took time to talk with the kids and staff.

The Red Sox organization has an official tour schedule for its World Series trophies in an effort to share the hardware with fans throughout the world. BGCL members were unanimous in their appreciation that the most recent prize stopped at the place which many call their second home.

“It’s beautiful,” said 8-year-old Alondra. Genesis, 7, said he particularly likes the gold flags lining the perimeter. Nine-year-old Alexander said he had never seen the trophy before, even on television. “It’s awesome!” he exclaimed. “I can’t wait to show my picture to my mom.”

Samway said he is pleased that the kids enjoyed a first-hand look at the trophy, but believes the experience has larger significance.

“I want them to see that other people, such as the Red Sox organization, are very willing to go out of their way for them,” Samway said. “It’s not surprising that so many do. Once you see all the ways the BGCL helps kids, you want to get involved.” 

About the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence

The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence provides a safe, after-school haven for more than 3,400 youth (ages 7 to 18) to come for hot meals, homework help, fitness and nutrition programs, college and career planning, and lasting personal relationships. The club offers critical programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and community involvement at two locations: the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence at 136 Water St., and the Beacon Boys & Girls Club at 71 Duckett Ave. For more information, visit www.lawrencebgc.com.