Red Circles And Red Sox

Predictions are an enjoyable pastime and that is especially evident to the hoi polloi baseball fandom. You have seen our own predictions posted on this site and have had the opportunity to nod in agreement or guffaw over our choices. I have one prediction that has been a constant for decades and it is a prediction that is now a tradition. Every year I draw either a blue (good) or a red (bad) circle on August 30th. That date is also the birthday of Ted Williams – another integral part of my prediction tradition. April 20, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Fans line up at gate B and surround the statues of former Red Sox players Ted Williams (not pictured), Bobby Doerr (not pictured), Johnny Pesky (not pictured), and Dom Dimaggio (not pictured) before the start of the 100th anniversary celebration and the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

On my baseball calendar for 2013 is the date of August 30th with a very bold red circle. The first red one I have had in years. That was to be the day of no hope. All has been lost. I am on the baseball Titanic with no life boat. On the 30th would be the day I realized that 2013 would be my moment of baseball clarity as I sit passively and observe far less worthy franchises get the golden ticket.

I would have to fend off a barrage of in your face emails from my Yankee associates and even a few O’s fans I communicate with. No snappy repartee from me since what can you say when they are right? I was prepared with full bunker mentality for the 2013 season.

So much for my prediction. This season will get me back in the blue on future predictions. The Sox have a shot at a serious playoff run. Win or lose this season has been a resounding success. The team has been revitalized. The farm system productive. The coffers have available cash. I have even purchased a stack of blue pencils.