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Can-Am Brockton Rox

Grady Little OK's sale of his bobble-arm doll

July 11, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


BROCKTON – Grady Little has approved the sale of his bobble-arm doll by the Brockton Rox, with proceeds going to Little's designated charity, the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation (PBSF).

The Rox had originally planned to give the dolls to the first 1,000 fans through the gates of Campanelli Stadium on May 29. However, some negative feedback prompted the Rox to cancel the promotion.

"The Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation provides support to scouts who have fallen on hard times," said former Boston Red Sox manager Grady Little. "I'm happy, through the sale of my bobble-arm doll, to add my support to this worthy cause."

The PBSF debuted last year and to date has raised over $285,000. The Foundation assists scouts in need due to job loss, illness, retirement, or other financial setbacks. The PBSF was founded by Chicago White Sox executives Dennis Gilbert and Roland Hemond, and Major League Baseball scouts Dave Yoakum of the White Sox and Harry Minor of the New York Mets, all of whom felt compelled to establish PBSF, because, despite the fact that scouts primarily find the athletes that teams sign to lucrative deals, the average baseball scout's income is modest, often making healthcare and pensions nominal. Consequently, when hardships occur, scouts are extremely financially susceptible.

"We are so pleased that Grady has become a partner in this endeavor," said Rox president Jim Lucas.

This statue is unique among bobble dolls. Instead of its head bouncing, the Grady Little doll's left arm bobbles, simulating a manager's call to the bullpen. Inscriptions at the base of the statue note two of Little's defining deeds as manager of the Red Sox. The first reads "2002-03, 194 wins," noting regular-season and playoff victories during his two-year tenure with the Sox. The second inscription reads "10/16/03, 11:03 p.m.," the date and time of Little's controversial decision to not take pitcher Pedro Martinez out of Game 7 of the ALCS against the Yankees. The doll, which bears a remarkable resemblance to the former skipper, wears a white uniform with red piping and the words "Red Socks" across its chest. Its navy blue hat has a red "B" in the font of the Brockton Rox. The doll's right arm is tapping its left arm, as if signaling for a lefty from the bullpen.

The dolls will be offered at a cost of $38.36 each, plus shipping, with a nine-doll limit if purchased at the stadium gift shop or by phone, and a two-doll limit if ordered on the team's website. Half of the purchase price ($19.18) will be donated to the PBSF. Dolls can be purchased on-line starting Sunday, July 11, at www.brocktonrox.com by clicking on the Rox Shop icon, or by calling 508-559-7005 beginning Monday, July 12. The dolls can also be purchased directly at Brockton's Campanelli Stadium, beginning Monday, July 12.

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