I like to think that if Josh Beckett ever heard the nickname I’ve christened him with — Commander Kick Ass of the F@#k Yeah Brigade — he’d probably smile and nod before punching me square in the onions. I mention this because we received an e-mail yesterday from Ryan, an SG reader who developed a nickname for Mikey Lowell, and then had the rare opportunity to meet Lowell in person at a recent book-signing and inform him of the nickname. We’ll let the e-mail tell the story:
My roommate actually suggested I write to you guys in regards to a nickname I came up with for Mike Lowell sometime early last season–sweet pepper (or “peppah” if you want that Boston touch). Obviously after his success last season, it’s pretty easy to see that this man has captured the hearts of every Red Sox fan, so he deserves a memorable nickname. Some people don’t quite understand why I’ve labeled him this. It’s basically because of the gray flecks of hair on his and beard. He hasn’t folded and given in to the Keith Hernandez craze of “no play for Mr.Gray”–not Mike Lowell. Hell, Tim Wakefield uses Just for Men, and I think we can all agree that he’s awesomeness in a can. Not Mike Lowell though. He rocks his gray with pride.
I went to the Mike Lowell book signing at the Pru and asked him if he could write “aka Sweet Pepper” under his signature. I just figured I’d give it a shot. In response, he looked at me with a confused expression and said, “Well, that’s my first ‘sweet pepper.'” I didn’t know how to explain myself to our World Series MVP except to say, “Thank you. I’m a big fan.” As I walked away, I heard him say, “I don’t know why he calls me ‘sweet pepper.'” It was at this point I felt I had to explain myself. I turned around and said “It’s the hair man. It’s the hair.” This prompted both Rob Bradford and the security guard to start laughing. I’m not sure he appreciated it. Therefore, the next words out of my mouth were, “I’m sorry.” I then promptly walked out of the bookstore, wondering what the h*ll Mike Lowell actually thought of the name.
Maybe he liked it. I don’t know. Maybe it gave him a story to tell after he left the book signing. Who knows?
Good stuff, Ryan. And I have to believe that the next time you try to enter Fenway, Mikey’s people will be on your ass like white on rice.
