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Angels infielder John McDonald’s short stint in Boston has ring to it

Angels infielder John McDonald takes batting practice during a spring training workout.
(Matt York / Associated Press)
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HOUSTON -- John McDonald played all of six games for the Boston Red Sox last season, but the Angels utility infielder got quite a memento from his brief September stint -- a World Series ring that was presented to his wife and two kids by Boston General Manager Ben Cherington in a private ceremony Friday at Fenway Park.

“My wife is from Boston, and we live back there, so it was pretty cool for her,” said McDonald, 39. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with the ring yet. I want to see it first.”

McDonald had several pictures of the ring, which has the Boston Strong logo on one side and an engraving of the World Series trophy on the other, on his iPhone and was happy to share them with teammates and reporters.

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He was not disappointed he was unable to attend the Red Sox’s home opener and take part in Friday’s festivities commemorating Boston’s 2013 World Series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

“If I was a part of that,” McDonald said, “it would have meant I didn’t make the team here or that I didn’t catch on with someone else.”

When Red Sox officials first contacted McDonald about the ring, they suggested presenting it to McDonald when Boston travels to Anaheim for an early August series or when the Angels play in Fenway Park later that month.

“I told them I got traded four times last year, and you never know how things are going to work out,” McDonald said. “Can I wait until August?”

Angels third base coach Gary DiSarcina, who managed Boston’s triple-A team at Pawtucket, R.I., last season, was measured for a World Series ring during spring training.

“I’m not sure when or how I’m going to get it, but it will be nice to have,” DiSarcina said. “Johnny Mac showed me pictures of it. It’s gorgeous.”

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