Any hat color is okay if it has a "B" on it.

The Red Sox won the World Series and they had a parade-like thing in Boston today. The talk radio guys were scoffing at what they called the "pink hat" crowd. By that they are referring to women and also to those people who don't know the game of baseball as well as "real baseball folks".

A guy called in to say how much he appreciated the parade and the fact that the players were such good characters. In an attempt to engage the guys on the radio, the caller tried to ask a question about who the Red Sox might sign as a pitcher for next year. The question was obviously from a guy who wasn't an authority on the subject. He talked about a particular player from a particular team (Santana / Twins), except that he mentioned Sanatana and the Indians. Hey - maybe the caller just got nervous or maybe he misspoke, but as soon as he did - the talk radio guys noted his mistake, cut him off (hung up) and laughed at him. Then one of them said, "pink hatter for sure".

The Red Sox and "Red Sox Nation" as it is often called, has lots of women in it. Lots of kids, and lots of people who find themselves drawn to the team for many reasons. Ownership has done an outstanding job - not just fielding a winning team, but promoting its players, the old ball park (fixed up) and most of all, its brand. Pink Haters are great supporters and the newest fans. They are women (girls) and kids and new fans who don't know jack about subtle positioning issues or what changes when the pitcher gets ahead 2 and 0. These people watch the games, buy the souvenirs and get excited to see Jacoby Ellsbury. The get excited about Ellsbury because he's young, good looking and not at all a pretentious big money athlete. He is a big hit with all the fans, but in particular these pink hats are dizzy about him.

Six years ago, my daughter and I were at a game and I was explaining the basics. All of a sudden, she said, "Oh my god, it's just like kickball". She goes to college in Boston now. Since 2001, she has averaged about a dozen games a year, watches a lot more of them on TV, buys t-shirts, eats big fat Remdogs, has a crush on Jacoby Ellsbury, and yes - she owns a pink hat that we bought back in 2001. She has also heard the jabs and bought herself a blue one; a fitted one to boot. She went to the parade today and took pictures, and waved to the players, and she was happy. She swore Theo looked right at her and waved.

By talking down to an important - sincere group of fans the radio guys are insulting more than just the pink hats. The game, the experience and sports in general isn't just for the pundits and the loud mouths who think they know what they're talking about. Red Sox ownership knows this and they love the new group. No matter how in tune you are with the inside workings of the game or management's contract strategies, you can still enjoy baseball and if you want to - go ahead and get a pink hat.