I randomly met Jared Carrabis in Liverpool

I have listened to the Section 10 podcast since its earliest days. Since the ‘Pete’s mom’s basement days,’ for the OGs who know. If you are unfamiliar with the show, it is the world’s premier Red Sox podcast, fronted by baseball maniac Jared Carrabis, the living embodiment of Ben Wrightman. My sports fandom tends to be fluid, and I respect all teams, hence a decade-long enjoyment of this authentic, anarchic jewel.

Unfortunately, living in England, I have never had the opportunity to attend one of the famous Section 10 live shows. Nevertheless, I have followed Jared’s career from afar, marvelling at his unrivalled passion and meteoric rise to mainstream adoration. From humble beginnings as a Red Sox blogger, Jared has morphed into the most famous baseball content creator online, and it has been thrilling to watch his ascent.

So much so, when I heard on the latest episode that Jared was vacationing in Liverpool, just 10 miles from my home, I was naturally intrigued. Jared’s dad is a huge Beatles fan, apparently, and visiting their hometown to admire the landmarks was top of his bucket list. Jared accompanied him on the trip, watching Red Sox games in the depths of British night between dashes to assorted attractions.

All too aware of my baseball infatuation, and familiar with Jared from his YouTube videos playing on our living room TV, my wife, Patrycja, messaged him about a possible meetup while he was in town. We did not respect a response, in all honesty. After all, Jared must be inundated with such requests. However, when he replied inviting us to come by later that evening, we rushed across the Mersey excitedly.

I was actually gardening at the time, tackling a stubborn rosebush, but I had enough time to stuff a baseball – a gold Red Sox baseball bearing a Nomar Garciaparra emblem, no less – and Sharpie into Patrycja’s handbag. Opportunities to expand my signed ball collection are limited on this side of the pond, Mike Lowell aside, so I must grasp chances whenever they arise.

Patrycja and I spent some time in the iconic Cavern Club on Mathew Street, where the Beatles got their start, before arranging to meet Jared outside. I was admittedly starstruck – a common occurrence when I meet my baseball heroes in real life, beyond the customary pixels. But Jared was gracious with his time, and we spent 15 minutes talking baseball, right there on the storied cobbles.

We posed for a photo, and Jared signed my baseball, complimenting the Nomar touch. We spoke about the genesis of my baseball fandom; Jared’s receipt of a genuine 2018 World Series ring; my successful campaign to repatriate Boston’s ‘Reverse the Curse’ road sign; and much more. Patrycja even taught Jared the correct Polish pronunciation of Carl Yastrzemski, though the Hall of Fame is unlikely to listen.

I could have spent hours chatting to Jared, and sensed he was glad to finally meet a fellow fan in this baseball desert, but I did not want to take too much of his time. And so, we thanked the Carrabis family and bid them adieu. They went on to enjoy a concert in the Cavern, and I went home to update my baseball collection.

Once again, I just want to express my gratitude, and wish Jared the best of luck in the continued expansion of his empire.

Waddup! Waddup! Section 10 in the building!

Even the Beatles never said that.