Sox loyalty a family affair

The Boston Red Sox are a passion in my family.

My grandfather, Tom Hanley, was born in 1911 and was lucky enough to be around when the Sox won the Series (four times between 1912-18). He lived in Shelton, Conn., and trust me, the rivalry is long and strong there. Either you’re a Yankees fan or a Red Sox fan. There is no in between.

My father grew up loving the Sox and hating the Yankees. He was around in 1967 when the Cards beat us. In 1986 he vowed to quit smoking if the Sox lost to the Mets. Let’s just say he has been smoke-free for almost 20 years.

I have been a Red Sox fan from day one. I think I was born with a No. 9 tattooed on me somewhere. This passion has been passed on to my son, Finnegan. He had a Red Sox jersey and hat on him before he could walk. He will grow up with this passion as well.

I was not a rampant fan until the year my grandpa died on Nov. 3, 1999. I like to think he was hanging around to see if the Sox could make it to the Series. It made it an emotional (American League Championship Series against the Yankees). We did not advance. When he passed, I felt empty and alone, but our mutual love for the Sox was a connection. Somehow, rooting for the Sox made me feel like I was sitting next to him at Fenway on a warm spring day, just talking and having a beer.

I can still smell his aftershave and see him in his Blue satin BOSOX jacket with TJH written on the collar. Winning the World Series is more than just a championship for some of us. It has deeper roots, family roots.

There is a chat room on Sons of Sam Horn that expresses what it means to a lot of us. It is called “Win it for…” . For me, they need to win it for Thomas Hanley (1911- 1999). He taught me it takes character to root for an underdog and that perseverance and loyalty mean more than 26 championships.

God bless Tom Hanley, Finnegan Hanley, Jim Hanley Jr. and Sr., and go, Red Sox!

We are world champs. As the last out was made, all I could do was look to the sky and see my Grandpa smiling and finally being at peace.

Joe Hanley

Spokane