October 13, 2004
On being a Sox fan
Even fast-forwarding through the tough parts, last night's 7-10 loss was grueling to watch. Last night, Pat jokingly said that if the Red Sox make it to the World Series, I might have a heart attack, I might be dead before Game 7 rolls around. While there may be an inkling of truth to the statement, I say that if I'm going have that heart attack—or develop that ulcer—it's going to start here, in the ALCS.
Some sports reporter (from the Globe, no less) wrote a fairly poignant article that basically said, "Be careful what you wish for..." Many of us in Red Sox Nation have been wishing for exactly this: a rematch of last year's heartbreak, a chance for revenge for decades of second-places. Last night taught me that this revenge may not be so easy, and certainly isn't assured.
Still, would I want it any other way? I don't think so. I could probably go without all the drama, all the come-from-behind near misses, all the Game Six-must-wins and the Game Seven extra-innings. I wouldn't have been upset with a clean sweep, two in the Bronx, two in Fenway. But I don't think a World Series Championship would feel as satisfying had the most hated foes not been vanquished along the way. I guess I view this like I view the rest of my life: it's not really about the end results, the goals, the ultimate destinations... it's about the things that happen along the way, the heartbreaks, the heroism, the stories that are formed.
For that, then, I welcome all of this drama, even if I sometimes have to cover up my eyes, plug up my ears, and go to my happy place. I wouldn't want it any other way.
vivian at October 13, 2004 02:56 PM
yo, that's just how we do it IN THE BRONX! what a great game. i listened on the radio because it feels old-timey and my tv doesn't get reception.
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kenji at October 13, 2004 03:16 PM
ARGH!
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Ken at October 13, 2004 04:16 PM
I was all ready to leave the bar in the seventh after the perfect game was broken. My bar tab was all settled, I was standing, and then the Red Sox had to go and make the game all exciting and stuff, yet still lose and turn all the excitement into agony. I think I prefer being an Orioles fan, where one doesn't bother with silly things like hope.
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