Red Sox World Series Trophy
To Spend a Day in Yankee Bar

On April 2, opening day of the 2007 Major League baseball season, the Red Sox 2004 World Series trophy will spend the day in Montpelier.

From 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. it will be on display at McGillicuddy’s Irish Pub on Langdon Street. At 3:30 a procession will form at McGillicuddy’s and the trophy will be carried to the Vermont State House where it will be on public display until 4:30 p.m.

The trophy’s trip to Montpelier was prompted by a recent conversation between WDEV radio station owner, Ken Squier, and Red Sox promoters. WDEV has been broadcasting Red Sox games since 1943, the longest of any radio station in the northeast.  

"The heart of the Red Sox Nation is in Central Vermont," Squier said. "We waited long enough to win the trophy and its visit here (Montpelier) is long overdue."

To make things even more interesting, Squier decided the best place to show off the trophy is at McGillicuddy’s Irish Pub, not because it’s Montpelier’s only sports bar, but because it is owned by Dave Nelson, a life-long Yankees fan.

"Over the years a lot of Red Sox fans have complained that the pub is filled with Yankees paraphernalia., Squier explained. "Bringing the trophy here shows I’m all for equal opportunity—at least for the day," he intoned.

The trophy will be on public display free of charge at the State House, but there will be a charge to attend the McGilliduddy's showing, some of which will be a donation to the Jimmy Fund. Tickets are only available at McGillicuddy’s.

Technically known as "The Commissioner's Trophy," the award was first presented in 1967 when the Cardinals defeated the Red Sox in seven games. Prior to that year, there was no official World Series trophy. Championship teams would commonly award their players and coaching staff with a ring. Unlike the Stanley Cup, which is passed down year to year to the champions of the National Hockey League, a new World Series trophy is created each year.

Designed by Tiffany & Company, its estimated value is $15,000.

Ken Squier, of course, will broadcast the goings-on live from McGillicuddy’s.