SANFORD — Sanford author Carl Johnson recently released his fifth and newest book titled “Big Papi and the Kids.”
The book chronicles the 2016 Boston Red Sox, and takes a look at the formation of the team, as well as the development of its young roster.
“It’s about last season, starting when (the Red Sox) picked up (Craig) Kimbrel and David Price and goes all the way through the postseason, every game,” said Johnson. “My opinion — this is the most exciting team the Red Sox have ever put on the field … not the best team, but the most exciting team.”
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the club was the youthful spirit of the prospects, who gave the organization a breath of fresh air both on and off the field.
“Where do you see kids having the fun that they were having? The whole season was so much fun for them and it made it fun to watch. You couldn’t help but like that team,” said Johnson.
Johnson, who’s past work focuses on some of baseball’s most historical teams and games, enjoyed the change of pace in writing this book, as he chronicled the season on a daily basis.
“People have told me that this book and my last books are a great source of information … I love the research, I love statistics, that is what inspired me to also write the ‘Baseball Buff’s Bathroom’ books,” said Johnson. “There wasn’t a lot of research to do with this one since I wrote it day by day. I started writing it toward the end of the previous year then I wrote the rest of it as I went along.”
As the 2017 MLB season approaches, Johnson believes that the young Red Sox have a chance to build on last year’s success and be a powerhouse for years to come.
“It’s more based on the building of a dynasty — they have the potential to win three of the next four World Series,” said Johnson.
Johnson will be appearing for book signings in the coming months, including stops at the Westbrook Library, the Dover Library and Conway, New Hampshire, as well as other locations in southern New England.
For more information, contact Johnson at baseballworldbjt@yahoo.com or visit his blog at baseballworldbjt.com
— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.
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