Beyond the Monster is an ongoing series where we take you back in time and look at moments in Red Sox history.
There is nothing better than a Red Sox World Series parade going down the streets of downtown Boston. Following the conclusion of the 2013 World Series, former Red Sox’ starter Jake Peavy not only took part in the parade but he also bought a duck boat.
The Red Sox acquired the former Cy Young winner as well as reliever Brayan Villarreal from the Tigers.
The White Sox landed Avisail García from Detroit, and Frankie Montas, J.B. Wendelken, and Cleuluis Rondón from Boston. Also, the Tigers acquired José Iglesias from the Red Sox.
Jake Peavy was much needed depth for the rotation
At the time of the trade, the Red Sox were battling back and forth with the Rays for the division lead.
General manager Ben Cherrington wanted to solidify his rotation for the stretch run. A neck strain injury to Clay Buchholz thinned out the rotation. Boston was not prepared to give Alfredo Aceves or even Allen Webster the ball every fifth day. The acquisition of Peavy gave the Red Sox much needed depth in their rotation.
Peavy helped the Red Sox get into the postseason. The veteran went 4-1 with a 4.04 ERA over 10 starts. In addition, Peavy had one complete game while striking out 45 batters in 64 2/3 innings.
Despite the success during the regular season, Peavy failed to pitch well during the postseason. The right-handed hurler went 0-1 in three starts with over 12 2/3 innings.
Peavy pitched well during the ALDS against the Rays. While he was not involved in the decision, he gave up five hits, yielding one earned run in 5 2/3 innings. He would follow up his ALDS performance by getting hammered for seven earned runs against the Tigers in his only ALCS start.
Peavy would pitch in the Fall Classic for the Sox. He would last four innings while surrendering six hits and giving up two runs.
After the Red Sox won the World Series in six games over the Cardinals, Peavy was ready to party in the streets of Boston.
Jonny Gomes gives Peavy the idea to buy a Duck Boat
During the regular season, Peavy’s teammate Jonny Gomes talked a lot about the eventually parade. Gomes would talk to Peavy about the duck boats the city of Boston uses for championship parades.
Peavy showed Gomes a picture of his ranch back at home. Gomes told Peavy that once the Sox win a World Series, he needs to buy one.
“When we win the World Series, you gotta get the duck boat you rode on and bring it home with you,” said Peavy to Steve Buckley when he was with the Boston Herald.
“Once I found out what they were, what they were all about, what they represented, I said I was going to get one,” Peavy said. “I looked at Jonny that day and said, ‘Absolutely.’”
Jake Peavy buys a Duck Boat
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Leading up to the championship parade, Peavy considered buying a duck boat. The day of the parade, he was on the same boat with Jon Lester. Each Sox player was given six tickets for people to join them on the parade route. Unfortunately, Peavy had a bigger party and needed more room.
After a discussion with the owner of the duck boat company, Peavy paid $75,000 for a duck boat.
Peavy would bring the duck boat back home to Alabama. The former Sox starter had it painted in Red Sox colors.
“It’s going to say ‘Boston Strong,’ and ‘Red Sox,’ and it’s going to have a painting of the World Series trophy,” he said. “We’re going to keep it forever. My grandchildren are going to be showing that duck boat to theirgrandchildren. Long after I’m gone, that duck boat is going to be in my family to remind them of one of the happiest days of my life. They’ll know about the highlight of my professional career.”
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