We Are The Fortunate Ones
By Rick McNair
Good health. Fiscal stability. Family all doing well. These are situations that are fortunate. The same also applies to sports – especially for Red Sox fans – for we are fortunate ones.
I just returned from a trip to Texas that was scheduled because some idiot (Moi) assumed six months ago the Sox had no chance. So when my daughter managed to get tickets to game one and two of the ALCS I was at the Tortuga in Galveston watching my wife – the lovely Cynthia – sample the Margarita Du Jour, while I missed out on one of the greatest games in Red Sox history. I deserved it. Oct 13, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (in pile) is congratulated by teammates after a walk-off single against the Detroit Tigers in game two of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
As Red Sox fans we are quite fortunate. I am one of the dwindling numbers that remember “The Bad Days.” Those days when a third place finish was a surprise and a reason to celebrate. Since 1967 that has changed dramatically. My membership in “The Fellowship Of The Miserable” has now expired with this remarkable season.
This franchise has been highly competitive for over forty years. There have been some bumps, but for the most part recovery has been quick (think 2012/13), and each season brought the idea the Sox would be in the hunt, excluding, of course, my trip planning foolishness.
In Texas I was a Jack Brooks State Park for a run and ran with an Houston Astros fan. Now that was a depressing conversation. Good players shipped out especially for this huge Hunter Pence fan I ran with. A fan base that now has a collective yawn when discussing the future. Hope is maybe only losing ninety games.
The misery continued with a discussion with a Seattle Mariners fan who targeted me with my Sox jersey while awaiting a flight. Wished us well in the playoffs and was extremely jealous. Commented on the Sox being able to sign core players, fill in holes with trades, sign free agents and fans show up at the ballpark win or lose.
So as the Red Sox go forward it is easy for me to reflect back on the days when we were not the fortunate ones. Now we are.