We Know Where We Were

There are those dates in history where people will ask you where you were when it happened and you instantly know the answer without hesitation. Today is a day that all Red Sox fans know where they were and how they reacted.

This is a day that actually changed my existence as a baseball fan forever. I thought maybe it was temporary, but after two years I can honestly say that having the Red Sox actually win the World Series on October 27, 2004 really did change my life. I'm sure that may sound ridiculous for those that aren't diehard Red Sox fans but I'm sure some of you understand.

I had planned to have people over during the weekend to watch the World Series, as I never even considered the possibility that the Red Sox could actually sweep the series and it would be over by Wednesday. My husband and I were together in our living room in awe of what we were seeing. Not only was the moon outside now red but the Red Sox were about to finally win the World Series in our lifetime. As the final out was made I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and suddenly began to sob. I wasn't crying quietly I was uncontrollably sobbing. All I could think of was how happy my mother would have been to have experienced the joy of winning. I felt like she was somehow there with us, along with my father and his father. Generations of Red Sox fans alive and dead all sharing the moment of victory together.

I now can watch my Red Sox and not have that deprived feeling. I'm not desperate any longer when the season begins. I'm joyous that baseball is finally here again and hopeful for a good season.

I can just think about that moment in 2004 when the Red Sox finally became the World Champions and I feel happy and at peace. I cherish my memories of that very special team and I'm appreciative that I lived to see it.

I Like Mike

But do I really want him in the bullpen for another season?

That is the question on many Red Sox fans' lips following the announcement that the Red Sox have signed Mike Timlin to a one-year contract for 2007. To understand the reluctance, consider that Timlin's 2006 ERA was 4.36, significantly higher than his 3.55 career ERA; his strikeouts-to-walks ratio was down to 1.88 compared to 3.75 for his previous three years in a Red Sox uniform; and he blew almost half (8 of 17) of his save opportunities. It's hard to know if his sub-par season was more a function of his age (40) or the fact that he began the season not tuning up in spring training but rather playing full bore in the World Baseball Classic.

On the up side, Timlin is evidently a positive veteran influence on the younger pitchers coming up (and there are so very many of those young pitchers who need shepherding). He forever endeared himself to many fans back in 2003, when he was part of the postseason lights-out bullpen combo of Embree, Timlin, and Williamson.

Besides, I like his entrance music. I happen to know that Beazer harbors certain, um, thoughts about him from time to time. And he's a Texan, as our newest posting sistah, Tex, will tell you as often as she can.

So maybe it will work out after all.

A cell phone rings in Boston...

::stares at the phone:: Don't answer it. Don't answer it.
::stares at the phone:: Answer the phone, dude! Answer the phone!
(sighs as he answers the phone) What is it Bronson?
Dude! The season's over! We need to celebrate!
Celebrate? Bronson, the Sox finished third in the AL East. We finished behind the freaking BLUE JAYS. Papa Jack and Wally both got shitcanned because of how bad we played. What the hell do I have to celebrate?
Lenny, honey, who's on the phone?
Who the hell is THAT?
::groans::
Dude! Who's the chick??
Bronson, I can explain...
Len...you have a GIRLfriend?
It's not what you think...
(laughs) No kidding, dude!
I'm going shopping and I'm taking your credit card. See you later!
(sighs) God, I need a drink.
Dude! I can be on a plane and in Boston by midnight! I'm calling Millar! We're gonna PARTY, dude!!!
I gotta get some new friends.




Related Entries:
A cell phone rings in the middle of the night... (Part 1)
A cell phone rings in the middle of the night... (Part 2)
A cell phone rings late in the afternoon...
A cell phone rings in a lonely hotel room...
Somewhere in Kansas City, a cell phone rings...

With props (or apologies) to Surviving Grady and The Dugout.