Monday, October 25, 2004

It's Happening (Isn't It?)

Trying my best to temper my emotions. Although it was 18 years ago, the memories of the first two Sox wins, on the road no less, against the Mets in '86 are all of a sudden very much on my mind.

But you know what? In 1986 the we, players and fans alike, didn't have anything quite like this:

I just wish everybody on this planet could experience the day I just experienced I will never use the words 'unbelievable' and 'the Lord' in the same sentence. It was the most amazing day of my life (Herald).

I left my house, and I'm driving to the park, and anyone who knows where Medfield is, they know it's a pretty long haul.

There were signs every mile from my house to this ballpark on fire stations, on telephone poles, wishing me luck. I can't explain what it was like (Globe)."

No need to try and explain, Mr. Schilling. While we have no idea of the pain you were going through, on the emotional side, I suspect your feelings of amazement from the energy level and adoration of the fans is very similar to our standing aghast on your every pitch. Curt Schilling and Red Sox fans are in symbiosis. In all the years I've watched sports, I've never experienced anything like this.

From the moment Curt Schilling first logged on to SoSH to chat with Red Sox fans last November, we knew he was not your run of the mill ballplayer. When he spoke of thriving in the "win or else" environment of Boston, we knew he understood. When he wore the 1919 replica Sox jersey and told us he would "step up and help" the Red Sox win a World Series, we appreciated his intent.

But who knew, who knew just how much he meant it all?

How many times in your life have you come across someone who is exactly what they claim to be?

We live in a culture so awash in cliché, so full of professional athletes (and others) telling us about "playing through pain" and "putting the team first" but more often than not the sentiment if not being outright empty is considerably less than advertised.

Not so with number 38 of the Boston Red Sox.

I've never seen anything quite like it.

And the rest of the team inspires awe as well. Varitek, Cabrera, Bellhorn, two out hit after two out hit …

If this isn't the year, then I can't imagine what is.