Former Red Sox Pitcher Bronson Arroyo Returns to Boston
Former Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo was only in Boston for a few seasons. But he was here when it counted: in 2004.
The Sox claimed Arroyo off waivers before the 2003 season. He spent the balance of that season in the minors, pitching for the Pawtucket Red Sox. But he did join the big club for a half-dozen games, notching his first-ever career save. It was in 2004, though, when Bronson became a household name in Boston. Cracking the rotation as the fifth starter, he made both starts and relief appearances in the post-season en route to the Red Sox 2004 World Series Championship.
His most memorable moment? When A-Rod got handsy with him in Game 6 of the ALCS.
I was working at WBCN during the Sox 2004 World Series run, when every member of the roster became an instant celebrity in Boston. Bronson Arroyo was no exception. You might remember, Bronson was a regular at the Hot Stove, Cool Music benefit shows back in those days. He continues to contribute to this day, as Bronson is a man who isn’t shy when you put a guitar in his hands.
Story time! In 2005, Arroyo released an album of cover songs. It was titled, fittingly, Covering All The Bases. He came by the WBCN studios to promote the album, and I was tasked with hosting him for an interview and performance. Picture this: me and Bronson, in a production studio the size of a closet. He’s singing and strumming his version of Foofighters “Everlong.” And he’s literally two feet from my face. One of the most awkward experiences I’ve ever had in broadcasting.
Don’t get it twisted: Bronson was sweet and affable and authentic. It just felt like I was being serenaded. We had a good laugh afterwards. You can hear his take on the Foo tune below.
Former Red Sox Pitcher Bronson Arroyo Returns to Boston
I won’t be hosting Bronson in studio this time around when he plays The Burren on January 11. But he did chat with Peter Abraham from the Boston Globe, and you can get caught up on all things Arroyo here.