From today’s New York Times
They had been reliable caretakers of a cosmic curse, feasting for decades on the gift that kept on giving: Babe Ruth, purchased from the Boston Red Sox in 1920, and all the championship karma he brought with him.
The rules were very simple. The Yankees won and their rivals lost, often painfully, eternal justice for the worst trade in baseball history. The Red Sox still have not won a World Series in 86 years. But they got there last night, playing the Babe’s game in the house that he built.
With a barrage of four home runs – all pulled into the right-field seats, where Ruth once took aim – the Red Sox eliminated the Yankees with a 10-3 victory in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium.
There’s this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach but my logical mind says it was bound to happen some time.
And you know, I’m OK with it if the Red Sox go to the World Series once every 18 years. Every team ought to get at least that (and it’s the Cubs’ turn when? Soon we hope.)
But really, here’s my question: Now that the Red Sox have finally beaten the Yankees at something it’s going to be because they are “a better baseball team.” Why is it, then, that when they lose to the Yanks it’s because of a “curse” and not just because they suck?
Either you got lucky or you’re better when you win, and when you lose it’s because of the “curse” or because you weren’t the better team.
Can’t have it both ways, boys.
If the Astros win tonight it’s nothing but Bull Durham for me until spring training. I loathe Roger Clemens but not enough to root for the Sox; I loathe the Sox, but not enough to hope that Roger gets another World Series ring. Catch-22 manifest.
Just remember, there is no crying in baseball.