There was plenty of baseball to talk about at the latest BoSox Club luncheon—and plenty of reasons to feel good about the Red Sox.

The biggest news of the day came when Garrett Whitlock was named the BoSox Club’s 2026 Man of the Year.

Whitlock has become a trusted shutdown presence on the Red Sox pitching staff, but his contributions go well beyond the mound. For the fourth consecutive year, he is also serving as the Red Sox Jimmy Fund Captain, making an impact in the community as well as on the field.

That commitment to the Jimmy Fund was especially meaningful at the luncheon, where the BoSox Club made a $5,000 donation to the Jimmy Fund as part of the program.

Whitlock gave members a glimpse inside the Red Sox clubhouse and talked about the team’s changing fortunes this season. After a tough series against the Rockies, the players held a meeting and decided it was time to loosen up, have some fun and get back to enjoying the game.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t serious about winning.

Whitlock talked about how prepared the Red Sox are when they take the field. They work hard, play hard and believe that all the work they have put in throughout the season will help carry them through the postseason.

And if there was one theme running through the afternoon, it was confidence in this team.

Former Red Sox catcher Rich Gedman provided another dose of baseball history and perspective. Gedman, who caught for Boston from 1980 through 1990 and now works as a hitting coach in the organization’s minor leagues, reflected on the recent passing of former Red Sox manager Joe Morgan. Gedman called Morgan a “special soldier for the game” and someone baseball will miss.

He also brought members back to one of the most remarkable moments of his career: catching Roger Clemens’ legendary 20-strikeout game. Gedman described the experience as feeling like he and Clemens were simply playing the most incredible game of catch imaginable.

That’s the kind of baseball story you don’t hear every day.

Gedman wrapped up his remarks with a simple observation that seemed to capture the mood of the luncheon perfectly:

“We play for championships in Boston.”

Amen to that.

Whitlock and Gedman, along with luncheon emcee Peter Abraham, the Boston Globe’s major league columnist, began the program signing autographs, answering questions and, naturally, talking more baseball with BoSox Club members.

It was a great afternoon of Red Sox stories, memories and optimism—and a fitting way to recognize Garrett Whitlock as the BoSox Club’s 2026 Man of the Year, while also supporting the Jimmy Fund and its important work.

With the postseason ahead, there’s still plenty of baseball to be played.