It's About Class
They called themselves the Idiots.
They were a team whose destiny began in loss and ended officially last night in surprising fashion. Along the way, they won the World Series that had alluded the franchise for over eight decades and became the only team in history to win a playoff series after being down three games to none.
History will always look upon the 2004 Red Sox as one of those loveable, exciting underdog teams, not unlike the 1955 Dodgers or the 1969 Mets. They were a team of misfits -- a team defined by their centerfielder.
He came out of Kansas City where he had one of those really good but unnoticed careers. After a short stint in Oakland, he went to Boston where he became a hero. His long locks and Jesus-like beard made him recognizeable to millions of homes throughout the country. His intense play and his knack for clutch hitting helped raise the team to new levels.
They were born when Aaron Boone's home run left Yankee Stadium to end game seven of the 2003 ALCS. They became one of the all-time teams the following year, led by Johnny Damon. His love affair with Boston was real.
Then, during last offseason, the Red Sox decided to play it tough against the free agent Johnny Damon. He left town and ended up a Yankee. And last night was his first game back at Fenway, back where he was instrumental in bringing home a long overdue championship.
And how was he received? With boos. With jeers. With fake money being thrown at him.
Red Sox Nation loves to call the Yankees the Evil Empire. George Steinbrenner is Darth Vader. We Yankee fans are fans of the Empire, rooting for an evil existence.
Yet, we find time, in the midst of our hedonistic ways, to recognize those who have won for us. When former Yankees return to the Stadium as opponents, they receive standing ovations. Just ask Tino Martinez, Joe Girardi, Orlando Hernandez or David Wells (who, by the way, returned in a Red Sox uniform and was still greeted with warmth and love).
None of those guys, even Tino, meant to the Yankees what Damon meant to the Red Sox. And still they booed him.
They say the Bronx is rough. Maybe. But it still has class.
I went to an Eagles-Giants game in Philly last year. Philly fans are known to be the worst and most horrible fans in sport. Yet they treated the Giants -- and their fans -- with more respect than Red Sox Nation treated Johnny Damon last night.
It's about class.
All these years, I had always hated the Red Sox. They were the Yankees' number one rival. It broke my heart that day in October when they fell apart and lost to the Sox.
But I realized last night that it isn't about the players. I mean, hating David Ortiz makes no sense. He's a good guy. He's just doing his job (and well, unfortunately).
No, it's not the Red Sox team that has no class, that warrant no respect. It is Red Sox Nation.
The Idiots were never on the field. They were in the stands.
They were a team whose destiny began in loss and ended officially last night in surprising fashion. Along the way, they won the World Series that had alluded the franchise for over eight decades and became the only team in history to win a playoff series after being down three games to none.
History will always look upon the 2004 Red Sox as one of those loveable, exciting underdog teams, not unlike the 1955 Dodgers or the 1969 Mets. They were a team of misfits -- a team defined by their centerfielder.
He came out of Kansas City where he had one of those really good but unnoticed careers. After a short stint in Oakland, he went to Boston where he became a hero. His long locks and Jesus-like beard made him recognizeable to millions of homes throughout the country. His intense play and his knack for clutch hitting helped raise the team to new levels.
They were born when Aaron Boone's home run left Yankee Stadium to end game seven of the 2003 ALCS. They became one of the all-time teams the following year, led by Johnny Damon. His love affair with Boston was real.
Then, during last offseason, the Red Sox decided to play it tough against the free agent Johnny Damon. He left town and ended up a Yankee. And last night was his first game back at Fenway, back where he was instrumental in bringing home a long overdue championship.
And how was he received? With boos. With jeers. With fake money being thrown at him.
Red Sox Nation loves to call the Yankees the Evil Empire. George Steinbrenner is Darth Vader. We Yankee fans are fans of the Empire, rooting for an evil existence.
Yet, we find time, in the midst of our hedonistic ways, to recognize those who have won for us. When former Yankees return to the Stadium as opponents, they receive standing ovations. Just ask Tino Martinez, Joe Girardi, Orlando Hernandez or David Wells (who, by the way, returned in a Red Sox uniform and was still greeted with warmth and love).
None of those guys, even Tino, meant to the Yankees what Damon meant to the Red Sox. And still they booed him.
They say the Bronx is rough. Maybe. But it still has class.
I went to an Eagles-Giants game in Philly last year. Philly fans are known to be the worst and most horrible fans in sport. Yet they treated the Giants -- and their fans -- with more respect than Red Sox Nation treated Johnny Damon last night.
It's about class.
All these years, I had always hated the Red Sox. They were the Yankees' number one rival. It broke my heart that day in October when they fell apart and lost to the Sox.
But I realized last night that it isn't about the players. I mean, hating David Ortiz makes no sense. He's a good guy. He's just doing his job (and well, unfortunately).
No, it's not the Red Sox team that has no class, that warrant no respect. It is Red Sox Nation.
The Idiots were never on the field. They were in the stands.
posted by E-Luv at 8:32 AM
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