Red Sox In The 67 Series Meant Better Treatment For Me In The Army

by Dick Mills on November 15, 2004

When the Red Sox were in the 1967 World Series, I had just finished my second half season of pro ball in Greenville, SC. And as soon as the baseball season was over I had to perform my six months active duty in the Army at Fort Dix New Jersey. Winter as an infantryman in the Northeast. But better than Iraq.

When the officers found out I played for the Red Sox, they played lots of games with me. Mostly fun.

My company commander made a bet with me. If the Red Sox won a certain game I could fly home to Boston for the weekend. If they lost I would get KP duty for the weekend instead.

They won…he kept his word and I was the only soldier to get a weekend pass. Thanks Jim Lonborg.

Jim was the Cy Young award winner that season in the American League and ended up being a dentist in Situate, MA where Ginny and I lived before moving to Phoenix.

As you remember that was also against the Cardinals. They won. And then in 1970 in Spring Training, Dick Williams gave me the start against Steve Calton up in St. Pete. That was the frist time we played them since the series.

I pitching three perfect innings and thought they might have to take me North. When Steve Carlton finished his three innings he sat with my sister in the stands.

Good memories.

I haven't pulled out any of my old stuff that is sitting in boxes in the garage for at least five years or so. I just might one of these days.