 The title refers to Grady Little, manager of the Red Sox from 2002-2003, and to Little's controversial decision not to replace pitcher Pedro Martínez in the eighth inning of Game Seven of the 2003 American League Championship Series.The Yankees tied the game on a hit from the very next batter, and went on to win, costing the Red Sox a chance at the World Series and causing great frustration and consternation among the Red Sox fan base.Surviving Grady, in essence, is a reflective journal of what it feels like to be a fan of the Red Sox.