The MA Dept. of Public Health (DPH) was told by the Red
Sox to include VP/GM Dan Duquette in a "high profile" MA
anti-smoking campaign with P Pedro Martinez, which "played a
trifle clumsily," but is an example of the team looking to
"change the perception of the Sox as a parochial and insular
organization -- and help win support for a new stadium,"
according to Joan Vennochi of the BOSTON GLOBE. Red Sox
Community Relations Consultant Colette Phillips said that
the idea to include Duquette, whom she calls "a good role
model," in the campaign "was hers, not Sox management's."
The DPH couldn't use Red Sox 1B Mo Vaughn because he chews
tobacco. The DPH's Mark Leccese: "I don't think Dan would
be insulted if I said he is not as famous or as popular with
kids as Pedro Martinez." Vennochi writes that the Red Sox
"appear to be trying to demonstrate community outreach
beyond" its support of the Jimmy Fund for cancer research.
The team has won "praise" from the Fenway Community
Development Corp. for sponsoring and participating in
community activities. Vennochi: "For sure, this new concern
over image is partly tied to the Sox' effort to win support
for a Fenway Park replacement" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/16).
