McDonald's wife picks up World Series ring at Fenway

HOUSTON -- John McDonald was originally expected to wait until the Angels play the Red Sox to receive his World Series ring, until he thought otherwise.

"I got traded four times last year," the veteran utility infielder said, "and the Angels don't play the Red Sox until August. You just never know how things are going to turn out in a baseball season. So I can say I'll wait until August, but who knows?"

Instead, McDonald's wife, Maura, corralled the couple's two kids and made the 45-minute trip from their home to Fenway Park, sitting in a luxury suite and getting presented with the ring from general manager Ben Cherington.

"My wife's from Boston, so it's pretty cool for her," McDonald said. "She grew up a Sox fan. It's kind of engrained in the fabric of New England."

McDonald already had pictures of the ring on his phone prior to the series opener against the Astros from Minute Maid Park. One side had "Boston Strong" on it, the other had an engraving of the World Series trophy.

McDonald started last year's regular season with the Pirates, was sent to the Indians on June 10, went to the Phillies on June 27 and was acquired by the Red Sox for Minor League pitcher Nefi Ogando on Aug. 31. The 39-year-old slick-fielder appeared in all of six games with the Red Sox and didn't make it onto any of their playoff rosters.

He wasn't too disappointed about missing the ring ceremony.

"If I was a part of it, that means I didn't make the team and nobody else picked me up," McDonald said. "So it would've been a whole different team. I still want to be playing baseball."