Can-Am Brockton Rox

"Oil Can" Finally Gets All-Star Nod

July 11, 2005 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Brockton Rox News Release


Brockton - Nineteen years after his notorious All-Star snub tirade, Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd finally will get his all-star recognition at age 45. The Brockton Rox right-hander was chosen to the Can-Am League All-Star team last Friday and will pitch in the July 19th showcase at Campanelli Stadium in Brockton.

"I'm surprised," said Boyd. "My win and loss record might not show it, but I feel like my effort must have shown in some kind of way. I really appreciate this."

Boyd had made six starts for the Brockton Rox at the time of his selection, and was 1-1 with a 2.90 ERA. His last start came in game two of a double-header Saturday night.

While pitching for the Red Sox in 1985, Boyd had 11 wins at the break but was left off the American League All-Star team. Clearly upset, the flamboyant right-hander was quoted as saying, "This'll be the last all-star game they don't invite Oil Can to."

But in 1986, again with 11 wins and a 3.71 ERA, Boyd was left off the team by manager American League manager Dick Howser. The 26-year old right-hander became enraged and stormed from the Fenway Park clubhouse before a game with California that night.

Said Boyd at the time, "I should have been on it (All-Star team) and I should have been on it last year. I want my reward and I want it now ... My credentials are there ... It was a heartbreaking situation. I just had to get home and get the hell away from the park ... I'm an angry young man."

Dick Howser only chose eight pitchers for his staff in 1986. And he understood Boyd's frustration.

"I think if you'd look at every year, and this is my 26th or 27th year at the major league level, there's always been disgruntled people," said Dick Howser. "I feel sorry for Oil Can Boyd, I really do, but we've got a job to do. We picked some extra people because I think we'll need some bats off the bench."

Nineteen years later and with a little more perspective, Boyd feels fortunate to have been selected to pitch for the Can Am League All-Stars.

"It's tough for a pitcher to get opportunities. There are a lot of guys doing the same thing, or even better," said Boyd. "It's like the Major League All-Stars. A lot of guys are there, and a lot of guys should be going. That happens throughout minor leagues, too."

"I appreciate being selected, and I hope I get an inning in."

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