Photos: Red Sox visit New Hampshire VA Hospital.

“Boston Red Sox mascot Wally The Green Monster is shown in front of a wall honoring New Hampshire residents who have died as a result of conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan Monday, May 14, 2012.”
“Boston Red Sox mascot Wally The Green Monster is shown in front of a wall honoring New Hampshire residents who have died as a result of conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan Monday, May 14, 2012.”

In honor of Fenway Park’s 100th Anniversary, the Boston Red Sox have put together a “100 Acts of Kindness” program with various non-profit organizations throughout the season. As part of that initiative, various Red Sox alumni, as well as the Red Sox mascot Wally, will be visiting various Veterans  hospitals throughout New England this week.

I rode along on yesterday’s visit to Manchester, New Hampshire.

This assignment was certainly different in tone than most of what we shoot, but an important reminder of the emotion, compassion, and excitement that professional sports can sometimes bring out in people. Lots of the patients were struggling, some of them terminally ill even, but it was incredible to see their spirits lift so quickly  at the sight of those two World Series trophies and the big, smiling, furry green guy. It’s days like these where I’m reminded of the bigger picture.

More to come this week as we continue our visits.

May 15, 2012