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TRIBUTE
PAGE
THANK
YOU, MARK BELLHORN
from Kelly
Whatever
happens, he's our Bell! And the site will keep going.. WE won't forget.
Comments
and Tributes
A very nice article
from the Herald - thank you to Rachel for sending it!
Hi Pam, I was honored
to see that you had put my little blurb I had written about Mark on your
website. I am Linda and I wrote that on Surviving Grady a while back. Your
website is wonderful. There is so much I could say about Mark, but the
simplest way to put it is I will always love and respect him. Thanks again
for including my comments on your website. Take care and keep your chin
up. He will only be there for the remaining of the season (hopefully)
and who knows what next year will bring for him? As Kelly and I have
said (I know her from the Remy board), this will take a little time to get
used to. But I hope he does well, despite being a Yankee. And he is
still gorgeous as ever! Linda - September 1
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First of all, I just want to thank
you for the website. I am down in Florida and had enough trouble seeing
the Sox and Mark on TV, and even more trouble keeping up with him in all
the mayhem. Thank you for helping to keep me informed.
I would also like to join the
people supporting Mark with his move to "that team." I was sad,
but I'm glad to get to see him playing again, and I love seeing guys in
pro sports who just want to play.
Keep up the great work and keep
posting pictures!
Rachel September 1
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Thank you for the
page on Mark Bellhorn. He was without a doubt the most dedicated
player on the Red Sox team.
Please keep the
site open so we may know what the future holds for this wonderful
person.
I have watched
him in awe as he did his job as 2nd baseman. He is so quick and accurate. He
was a joy to watch, and he will be greatly missed.
The Yankees do
not know it yet, but, they are very lucky to have such a talented
and respected infielder as Mark.
He won the World
Series for us....we shall NEVER forget him, and I wish him all the
happiness and success he is sure to have in the future.
Marilyn - August
31
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Someone else had a
question about getting the cable package so that we can follow Mark - I was
going to do this to follow Pedro and Orlando, etc, but never did - but I
think I may have to do it now! ALSO - you can subscribe to MLB.com TV
- it's $14.95 a month, and you can watch the games on the computer - I have
been doing that for a while so that I can watch the games at work sometimes!
I just heard about it, and I am
heartbroken. I REALLY REALLY hope you guys keep the site going. A lot of
people feel Mark has betrayed them, and I posted this on another site in
response....
I can't even believe what all of you
guys are saying in here. MARK is not the traitor. THEO betrayed him, what
does everyone expect him to do? All through regular season last year, Mark
put up with massive loads of crap. He stuck it out though, and he didn't complain
like the other guys. He didn't whine about pay raises, and he didn't
crave the limelight. He just wanted to play the game he loved. He played
with heart and integrity. He pulled through when we needed him the most. I
can't believe how soon some people are willing to forget. I like
the Yankees about as much as anyone else here, but Mark still deserves our
support. You won't find dedication like Mark's anywhere else, ever. He was
as loyal as he could be while he was in Boston. He is doing what he has to
do now. Being the good guy may not always win the games, but he did when it
mattered. In my book that counts for a lot. I hope he has success wherever
he may go, even if it is in stripes. He's given his all and he deserves it.
Keep smiling Mark, don't let the Yanks get ya down, and remember all the
people in Boston that still love you ! We will never forget! :-)
Of
course, nobody wanted to see him go to the "Evil Empire," but as a
supportive and dedicated fan, I'm trying to remember that even if it's with
the Yankees, he's at least getting to do what he loves, and that's the most
important thing. Hopefully other diehard Red Sox fans like myself will be
able to see it this way as well and continue to support him.
Brea August 30
A couple of previous comments that fit here too!
Don't
care who he plays for, Bellhorn is my favorite player and always will be!
Susan August
29
I think we
may all agree with that one!
He will hold his head high and continue to do what he
loves to do... which is to play baseball with heart and soul...and his fans
will be there right behind him. I'm so glad to hear that you are going
to keep the site alive, and to know we have a place on the Internet where we
can visit and follow the next chapter in his adventures. Kaz August
22,
I don't know where
all of you live, but I live in NH and love the Sox. I go to games occasionally.
In fact, I was at the game that Mark hurt his thumb.
Just to let you
know incase you haven't heard yet, Mark may well be signing with Oakland
after Tuesdays deadline. At least he is going to a good team. We
will miss him tho.
Go Mark!!
Diane August 29
Don't
care who he plays for, Bellhorn is my favorite player and always will be!
Susan August
29
I think we
may all agree with that one!
Although I was on vacation, I
didn't enjoy myself too much. News of Bellhorn was such a downer for me.
I've been wearing his player shirt all week. Watching the games just isn't
the same without him. Today is my first day back to work and I can't
even bring myself to write on any message boards. I think I'm still in
denial.
On his birthday I wished him to
enjoy it, and had a glass of wine to celebrate. I
hope he's happy, that's all i can say to try and comfort myself.
 .
Crystal August 29
Thank
you for dedicating this fabulous website to my man Bellhorn. I
couldn’t agree more, Bellhorn was always my favorite player on the team.
I’ve been to a few games this season and have some pics for you to add to
the site… Keep
up the good work! Thank you!
Elyse August 26, 2005
and
Thank YOU, Elyse, for the pictures and the kind words!
These
2 are from a game against the Yankees
Hi,
I have a little grandson who was 4
last year when he discovered the Red Sox. We faithfully watched the playoffs
and the World Series from our home in Portland, Oregon. One Sunday
morning there was a picture on the front of our local paper
sports page (The Oregonian) of Mark hitting his famous home run during the
playoffs. I showed it to Austin enthusiastically. When we sat down at the TV
that evening to watch the game, he said,
"Where Bell Horn?" He
emphasized the bell and horn separately as if bell was his first name! It
was delightful. Whenever you ask him who his favorite Red Sox is he proudly
answers Mark Bellhorn, he can say it now!
Mark was an excellent second baseman
and it was a joy to watch him play his position, he will be surely missed by
us. He did so much for the Red Sox. We will remember fondly so many
"Mark Moments". We wish him the very warmest wishes as he
continues his fine career. He was an excellent role model for my grandson
Austin who is also shy, and on the quiet side.
Lezlie - Portland,
Oregon August 27,
2005
Late entry - August
23
I'm
not sure if you ever got my first email-I'm not too good at the computer. I
met you last August at a game. I just want to say this site has been great. I
miss Mark playing and I'm glad I saw him in Pawtucket. I've had a couple of
things signed by him and I'll cherish them always. I've even had a couple of
pictures with him and a really great one of him signing in Pawtucket-they'll
be framed. I want to wish him the best of luck wherever he goes-I'll still be
a Bellhorn crazie and follow his career. Happy Birthday Mark! I guess I
always liked the underdog and the quiet ones and he sure is an example. I
also met Megan at Pawtucket and I'd like to say that it was great talking to
her. It is also great to see so many Bellhorn supporters-I feel like
sometimes I'm the only one. Please keep the site going and thank you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!
Denise
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Just
a quick note from a huge Bellhorn fan -
Best wishes for a happy birthday! Best wishes for everything,
and one
huge THANK YOU!!!!
No one can ever forget what you did for our team -
We love you!!!
Holly - Camp Pendleton, CA
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To see a man like Mark, a man
with so much class on and off the field, be dropped from a career and a team he
so obviously loves is an utter travesty. His shy persona and gruffy looks
must tug at the heartstrings of many a fan, and as my tears drip on my
laptop I am also enraged at the fans and writers that made him seem like
such a downgrade. Though he no doubt has a heart of gold I'm sure that all
the jeers and boo's brought him down more than anything else. But at least
he has this great site to bring him up. Mark, if ever you read this, just
know that you're a great athlete, a great role model, and above all a great
guy, I just hope you find your niche somewhere close to home Mark and
thank you for all that you have given to this Red Sox Nation.
Maryam August 24, 2005
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Hi,
my name is John and I have been a Bellhorn fan since he came to the
Red Sox. The only two things that have kept me going since I heard the news
was looking at your website and remembering that Theo Epstein did say that if
no one wants him, we'll send him down to the minors or when the roster
expands we'll keep him. I've been very sad over the past few days because Mark
is the person I look up to, and he's my hero.
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I
never met Mark; I wish that I had. From what I had seen in the games,
he seems to be a quiet, hard working and decent man who goes out in the
diamond and plays the game like it's supposed to be played.
I
first saw Mark play for the Cubs, because I have WGN out of Chicago, and I
instantly knew from the first game that I watched him play in, that he was
special, and that I loved his way of playing. He's very talented, and
a great guy.
It
has been 12-15 years since I had a favorite 2nd baseman that played for the
Red Sox, but Mark changed all that last year. He's an amazing guy who
doesn't or wouldn't bad-mouth anyone. I like that in a player; I like
a player that I can relate to.
I'll speak for myself, and I'm sure my fellow Mark Bellhorn fans can now
relate - I hate to see him go. I am taking it hard, very hard, as he
leaves.
I want to send my very best wishes to Mark, and you, Mark deserve the best
of everything. The best in the "game" of baseball, the best
in your private life, and the best in life in general. Please remember
that you will always be in the hearts of your true fans, including the ones
here in New England for such a brief time. Good luck in whatever you
do, and play great for the team that picks you up. We all know that
you did great things for the Sox, but play your heart out!
Here's
to the best 2nd baseman, in my opinion, that the Sox ever had. Here's
to the great things you did in the past, and the great things still to
come!! Good luck, best wishes, and have fun in everything you do!
If you ever want to come to Maine to go fishing, you are more than welcome!!
You are my hero, Mark!
Paula August 22, 2005
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Now that he's no
longer with the Red Sox, all the comments that I've received about me
wearing my # 12 for the past couple of days have been ones of
sympathy for Mark. Now, if only could they have been supportive of him
when he really needed the fans' support and encouragement...
Needless to say, I can't help myself feeling bitter towards these so called
Red Sox Fans... "Bellhorn's gone, huh? Too bad..." and
these are the very same people who would make rude comments upon
seeing me in # 12 jersey a few days ago... The thing is, Mark Bellhorn
doesn't need their sympathy. He was a HUGE part of a World Series
Champion ball club without whom last year's big come back would NEVER have
happened. He will hold his head high and continue to do what he
loves to do... which is to play baseball with heart and soul...and his fans
will be there right behind him. I'm so glad to hear that you are going
to keep the site alive, and to know we have a place on the Internet where we
can visit and follow the next chapter in his adventures. I thank you
again for that. I'd be honored if you chose to post my letter on your
site. Kaz August 22
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I just wanted to let you all know
that you have done a great job with this website. It is a truly great
tribute to the type of ballplayer and man that Mark Bellhorn is. I may not
know him personally, but I have become a fan of his during his time with the
Red Sox and he truly embodies the spirit of baseball and the Red Sox.
What made me a fan was his quiet,
unassuming ways, devoid of any showboating or scene-stealing; his dedication
to both the sport and the team; and the way he showed great joy when he and
the others did well, and great frustration and sadness when he didn't. Those
qualities, to me, are the true mark of a great athlete and a stellar role
model.
He was an underdog, just like the Red
Sox have been for so long. I can honestly say I have NEVER rooted for
another team before, but I will become a fan of whatever team is lucky
enough to pick Mark Bellhorn up. I wish him the best of luck and
I look forward to seeing him in the majors again.
Kristen, NH August
22, 2005
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I'm
a huge Red Sox fan and Mark Bellhorn is one of my favorite players. I had
been on vacation all last week and I missed the Sox games, so we had to buy
USA today and look at the scores, I read that Mark would likely be back up
soon. I was soooo excited to come home and see my Sox again who I
haven't seen in a week and even better see Mark whom I hadn't seen in even
longer. When I got home yesterday, I was bummed to know it was a off day. So
I went online to all of my usual websites, Boston Globe, Boston
Herald....There was nothing about Mark which was weird to me, because I
thought he would be back. When I went on google news and looked him up, I
couldn't believe it.....I immediately cried.
It makes me very upset to think of all of those hypocritical fans booing him,
when without him last year we probably wouldn't have won the World Series. I
thought that the Red Sox management would have more respect for a guy like
Mark, who always goes out and plays his hardest, for a guy who gave his heart
to the team and helped us win. I just wish that they would have given him a
chance, I mean everyone struggles at some point in the season and then they
become themselves again---all athletes go through adversity, Manny wasn't
himself in the beginning of the year and now look at him.....
Sorry for babbling on. I ultimately wanted to say that I really have enjoyed
your site and it is good to know that others appreciate him like I do. I do
hope that you keep your site running and of course that Mark will find a good
home.
Hannah August 22, 2005
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My name is Omri and I'm writing you
from Tel-Aviv, Israel.
I'm a big Red Sox and Mark fan and
this is without a doubt one of the saddest days in my short life. I never, in
any sport, found myself attached to a player like I had with Bellhorn and I
fill so emptied right now knowing that there is a chance that he will
not play any more for us that it is frustrating me a lot.
Anyway, thank you for your lovely
site and I hope that you will continue to run it (and sorry for my poor English. I
hope you understand what I had to say.)
With love and appreciation
Omri August
21, 2005
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For whom the bell tolls softly,
You must know only this,
Always will I mourn the day
When you were torn from bliss.
In silence,
weeping, I reflect,
On what has taken place,
Counting the sins committed
Against your eternal grace.
Betrayed,
shamed and forsaken,
Mocked with lack of cause,
Reminded of false incompetence,
And of imagined flaws.
By those
supposed to cherish you
With unwavering dedication,
Heavy scorn appeared instead
By the now smug Red Sox Nation.
Evidently
success changed the people,
And they seem no longer content
With your unsurpassed effort,
And your always dignified intent.
In the now
ancient days of trailing
During the post season every year,
The fans would have lifted you up
From the hard times of your career.
But it seems
those days are over,
And through a shocking realization,
I know that for the first time ever
I’m ashamed to be part of Red Sox Nation.
I want only for him
to find the happiness that he deserves, wherever it may be. I don't know if
I will ever be able to forgive the organization and the majority of the fans
for their betrayal of Mark, but I know that I'll never be able to forget
what they've done to him. Madison August 21,
2005
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First of all, I'd like to thank you for this site. It's so comforting
to know that I'm one of many who are going through this tough time.
Sox can bring in any journeyman player with better numbers... but they will
NEVER be able to replace Mark Bellhorn in our hearts. He was a big
part of something that was truly magical, a rarity in today's
professional sports... A Team consisted of players who care about each
other. I know how corny and sappy that sounds, but how else did
they accomplish what they accomplished last year? I fully understand
that this is a done deal now and he is no longer with the team I love BUT
I'll continue to proudly wear my #12 shirt and tell whomever that comments
on it what Mark Bellhorn meant to this team. Best of luck to Mark!
I really hope you'll keep this site going.
Sincerely,
Kaz, a fan August 20, 2005
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What a great website.
From someone who knows Mark personally, you honor him here. Everytime
I hear how he is treated in Bean Town it just breaks my heart. He is really
a great guy and We all hope the best for him in the future.. thanks
- no name given August 19, 2005
When
"The Horn" Blows, Remember The Good
In
all likelihood, Mark Bellhorn will no longer be a member of the Red Sox by
next Monday. The woeful offensive numbers he put up this year coupled with
the refreshing play of newcomer Tony Graffanino have spelled doomed for
the soft-spoken second sacker. Few can argue that the time is right to end
the relationship. But let's not forget that—on balance—it was a great
relationship for both parties. As he leaves us, let's not forget four key
things. First, Bellhorn brought defensive stability to a position that had
been the baseball equivalent of the Black Hole of Calcutta for years.
Bellhorn has decent range and is very good at turning the double play. In
case you've forgotten how important that can be, I have two words for you:
Mike Lansing. Second, despite his hitting issues, Bellhorn had a pretty
consistently good on- base percentage—all you really needed with the
offensive juggernaut that followed him in the lineup. Third, please don't
forget his heroics in the 2004 ALCS—most particularly the three-run shot
off Leiber in Game 6 (in an eventual 4-2 win) and the clanging pole shot
in Game 7 that sent the front- running fans of the Evil Empire scurrying
onto the streets of the Bronx. Finally, please don't forget his
performance in Game 1 of the World Series. Remember how desperate we all
felt after blowing a 7-2 lead and sitting tied 9-9 in the 8th? Up stepped
Bellhorn, who clanged another one (this time a 2-run shot) off the Pesky
Pole and sent us to victory. I'm not saying he deserves a spot on the 2005
squad. I'm just saying let's part company with these good memories. Thank
you, Horn.
Ernie
Paicopolos, Editor-In-Chief August 19, 2005
email:
fenwaynation@comcast.net
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From Megan
August 19, 2005
I learned of Bellhorn's DFA by the Red
Sox at Pawtucket tonight. I was sitting with a friend at a table having a
drink when a guy who worked at McCoy must have seen my signed Bellhorn
jersey, came up to me and said "You know hun, he's been Designated
For Assignment and recalled to be cut by the Sox". I practically
choked on my beer and gave him a look similar to a deer in headlights. How
could someone muster up the words to even say that?
I obviously knew something was going
on when I looked at the lineup and didn't
see Mark's name at 2B or DH...or did you not see the beer in my hand? Why
force out such harsh words! Yeah I knew it was coming, but it still didn't
make it any easier to hear.
So I started thinking...
Why am I here?
As a teacher, I truly
feel that happiness is the most important aspect of life. That is what we
ultimately strive for everyday! I expend so much time and energy in making
other people feel happy that little things in life make me happy. Baseball
and Football for example. I discovered MB after my father, a true Red Sox
fan passed away. I grew up visiting Fenway, 3rd baseline season tickets.
After he passed I could not watch the Sox anymore. I became a Cubs fan and
along came Mark. Mark, to me is an underdog...he always has been. Quiet and
Reserved, a true hero without the need for commotion, 'days off', all the
whining, moaning, and complaining...He was my favorite player then and still
is now. (Red Sox player or not)
At the game tonight, I wanted so much for Mark to see the happiness he
brought to his fans as he received a standing O as he took the field. I
wanted him to hear the stadium drowned with applause and cheering for him. I
basically just wanted Mark to know that he has support and that he is
appreciated.
As for the standing O and cheers---I
am sorry to say that did not happen tonight.
Listening to The Red Sox tonight as I
watch them on the West Coast, they keep talking about the quiet hero. The
words of respect, compassion, and caring from them is unbelievable...it is
clear that the team and club is not happy.
Someone said that's
a reason for Mark to chose to go to Pawtucket and be recalled Sept. 1. I
disagree.
Please Mark, do what makes you happy.
You are a Major League player and you must chose your own destiny. As D
Lowe use to gesture to ...Chin Up! Mark is an amazing, dedicated athlete
with heart and soul whether he
chooses to play for the Red Sox organization or not.
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I
was at the game last night in Pawtucket. Mark showed up at 6:20 pm... forty
minutes prior to the game. He is a class act. Even with the
uncertainty of his future and the fact that he was in a hurry, he still
stopped for an autograph and a picture. Kim C. August 20,
2005
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From Cindy August 20, 2005
Hope you keep your site up and
going, wherever Mark ends up. Thanks for doing such a nice job.
This was in the Herald News today, with a nice quote from Pawtucket
manager Ron Johnson --
When the game was
over, Johnson also reflected on the news surrounding Mark Bellhorn, who
earlier in the day had been designated for assignment. The second baseman
was not in uniform - or the lineup - Friday.
"He's one of the classiest people I've ever been associated
with," he stated. "It's unfortunate when things like that
happen, but he'll be the first one to tell you, he just didn't put the
numbers up ..The bottom line is that it was a pleasure to be around him.
He had a big year last season and had some key hits with the big club (in
Boston). I hope he has success wherever he ends up.
"He's a class act, and a great guy," he added.
Hopefully, Mark
will be one of the nice guys that does not finish last!
Cindy
And
from me - Thank you Ron - YOU are a class act also..
and thank you Cindy, for sending that..
From Kelly:
THANK
YOU, MARK BELLHORN
March 16, 2005
Don't know
you guys at all:
My good friend played college ball with Bellhorn at Auburn, Mark
Weeks. Bellhorn came to tailgate at Auburn/GA football game, he is
one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. You guys are lucky
to have such a great guy on your side. Jason
mailto:Elokuu93@aol.com
mailto:LinDzE617@yahoo.com
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