93-year-old woman finds joy working at Red Sox team store

The annual tradition of spring training continues to draw people in, year after year. While most fans fill the stands to watch the games, one woman finds joy in working behind the scenes, despite her age.

Pat Evanoff, a dedicated employee at the Red Sox team store, has been working there for 26 years.

"I'm 93. Yes, I'm still working," said Evanoff. "And somebody will say, what are you still working for? I’m working because it keeps me going. It keeps me young. It keeps me happy. And it gives me something to do."

Evanoff's journey with the Red Sox began in 1999 during a visit to City of Palms Park.

"I went in there, got grandsons a couple of baseball shirts, which they loved, thank goodness," said Evanoff. "I’m standing there at the counter and I’m talking to Ed and he’s like, you know what, why don’t you give me your telephone number and let our manager who’s in Cape Cod give you a call. I did and 26 years later, here I am at the team store. But a bigger team store."

Her routine includes helping around the store and warehouse, but it was paused for an interview on WINK.

"Doreen is our manager. She called me from Cape Cod. She said, Pat, they're going to interview you on WINK-TV. I said, Doreen, why didn't you tell me in the morning? How am I going to sleep tonight?" said Evanoff.

For Evanoff, returning to work each year means a lot.

"It means a lot when you have a place that you can go," said Evanoff. "And every year, at Christmas, they'll say, Neenee, are you going to go back to work at the Red Sox in January? And I'll say, I'm not quite sure yet. Let me think about it. And guess what? I'm here."

The excitement of the games adds to her joy.

"All games are exciting because if we're playing the Orioles or if we're playing Pittsburgh, no matter who we play, you have people from the other side," said Evanoff. "You have the fans of that team. And it's just exciting."

For Evanoff, this job has been more than just a way to pass time.

"After my husband passed away, it was therapy for me to come back with all these people," said Evanoff. "My daughter passed away 5 and a half years ago, it was therapy. It's just I mean all the way around. It's helpful in everything you do and everything I do I should say just seeing everybody, talking to everybody, conversation, companionship. As a person, you need something to do for yourself and I enjoy doing this, Zach. I really, really do."

Evanoff's story is a testament to the impact of community and purpose, reminding us of the deeper connections that events like Spring Training can foster.