In this week’s edition of “Small Talk,” the Boston Red Sox answered some big Father’s Day questions from little kids.
1. Do your kids run the show at home?
Pitcher Clay Buchholz: Actually, now that I think about it, the kids do. I’ve got a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, so they’re bouncing off the walls for the most part of the day. Whenever they do get what they want, most of the time they’ll settle down a little bit, so that helps me get a little bit of peace and quiet at home, but they definitely run the show.
2. Who’s the iciest on the Red Sox?
Buchholz: I know “Frozen” well. I’ve got two girls, so it’s “Let It Go,” that’s the song in our house. It has been since that show came out. So I could probably sing all the words to “Let It Go,” but I’m not going to do it because I’m not going to embarrass myself too much, but iciest on the team? I would say Hanley (Ramirez) with his hairdo, if you want to call that icy. That’s something I’ve never seen before.
3. What were you for Halloween?
Outfielder Daniel Nava: You were G.I. Joe? I wasn’t anything. I didn’t dress up at all. I guess you could say I just was myself. My daughter, she dressed up as a watermelon seed because we thought it’d be something cute for her. She’s 18 months (old), so it’s definitely more acceptable. But we just stayed home, and she dressed up and that was it.
4. What’s your favorite part about playing baseball and your least favorite part?
Outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr.: My favorite part about playing baseball is travelling, getting to see new places and new cities. Also, being able to meet new people. That’s always a big one because some of those people you might not get to ever see in your life again, so building those relationships. I would say the least favorite part about it is not being able to spend as much time with my family. We’re constantly on the road, and duty calls. When you’re at work, you’re at work. It’s a long season.
5. How old were you when your training wheels came off your bike?
Pitcher Joe Kelly: My dad was one of those strict dads, and I have video proof that my training wheels came off when I was 2, and that’s a true statement. He ripped them right off my bike and made me ride. I fell a bunch of times, but I eventually got it, so I think I was like 2 years old and maybe a month or a little over a month.
6. Do your kids like to play iPad games?
Designated hitter David Ortiz: My boy, D’Angelo, he loves being on the iPad. I cannot control that. I have him just playing on his iPad during the weekends so he focuses in school during the week.
7. Did you ever play football?
Outfielder Shane Victorino: Yes, I did play football. Obviously didn’t play as a young kid. I got to play in high school for the first time, organized football. It became the sport I thought I was going to play professionally. As you can see, I’m not a very big guy, so baseball became the sport I chose. My dad and I sat down and started going over options as an athlete and what would be my best option, one, for health purposes, and two, which career if you get there and you’re successful at it has the longest longevity. Baseball was the choice, but I definitely played football. Not organized as a kid, but playing out in the streets, a form of exercise that I think a lot of you kids should get out on the streets and do. Play football, play baseball, play soccer, whatever it is, but go outside and play and exercise with your friends.