On September 5, 2003, a crowd variously estimated by sponsors as "beyond count" and by impartial observers as "perhaps eighty" convened at the highly convivial Seventh Regiment mess (conveniently located at Park Avenue and 67th St. in Manhattan's stylish upper east side) to nourish themselves and encourage their champions prior to a cataclysmic three game tilt against the Evil Empire.

Festivities commenced promptly at 11:30 with a cocktail reception which was the occasion of much good natured banter and catching-up. With the Sox only a handful of games behind the hated Gothamites, the room was abuzz with anticipation of the upcoming series.

So animated was the conversation that it was only with great difficulty that the assemblage was ushered into the Armory's capacious dining room at noon for lunch. As always, the facility's staff outdid itself with the provisions, offering a repast which included, among other things, both meat and potatoes.

The program commenced with opening remarks from Blohard President-for-Life Jim Powers. Powers commented at length, and with great appreciation, on the wonderful journey which the Sox and their fans had enjoyed during 2003, and on his hopes that that journey would continue well into October. The sentiment was endorsed by acclamation.

Joining Powers at the head table were, among others, Red Sox VP and former acting- general manager Mike Port, Talking Baseball's Ed Randall, film critic Jeffrey Lyons and Red Sox radio announcer Joe Castiglione. Notable for his absence was Red Sox historian and Vice President for publications Dick Bresciani, a longtime Blohard favorite.

Randall and Lyons each also spoke to the group. Randall, noting that his highly- regarded "Talking Baseball" program on WFAN stood to be bumped by the commencement of the football season, described having asked whether they couldn't "play their little games on Tuesday night or something." He was told that this would not be possible. Lyons entertained the crowd with baseball trivia tidbits culled from his two books which he co-authored with his also-present brother Douglas.

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the affair came with the laying to rest of the unlamented Joe Castiglioni, Joe Castiglione's evil doppelganger. His departure will not be mourned. For his part, Castiglione spoke candidly and humorously about the team, answering many questions in the process.

Their hunger for emotional and physical sustenance having been sated, the Blohards gaveled the meeting closed at 2:30PM.

Respectfully submitted.