Monday, April 11, 2005
Opening Day: Red Sox Fans Are The Best
I watched the Opening Day ceremonies on NESN today, and it was wonderful.
It was great to see Yaz, Freddie Lynn, El Tiante, and, of course, Johnny Pesky among others. But the highlight for me was the introduction of the visiting team, the Fallen Evil Empire.
The fans booed everyone on the Yankees--even the batboys--with two exceptions. They gave Joe Torre a nice round of applause. They know a great manager when they see one. And they gave a load, roaring ovation to Mariano Rivera. Why Rivera, you ask? Becasue he has become an imbedded Red Sock in the Yankee bullpen. He has blown his last 4 save opportunities against the Red Sox (two in the ALCS and the first two chances this year). Rivera cracked up at the ovation, because he appreciated the knowledge and wit of Red Sox Nation.
Of course, Rivera is still great, and I always hate it when he walks in from the bullpen with a lead and a chance to close us out. But it is good to realize that the Sox may be inside his head a little;confidence is critical for a closer.
It was great to see Yaz, Freddie Lynn, El Tiante, and, of course, Johnny Pesky among others. But the highlight for me was the introduction of the visiting team, the Fallen Evil Empire.
The fans booed everyone on the Yankees--even the batboys--with two exceptions. They gave Joe Torre a nice round of applause. They know a great manager when they see one. And they gave a load, roaring ovation to Mariano Rivera. Why Rivera, you ask? Becasue he has become an imbedded Red Sock in the Yankee bullpen. He has blown his last 4 save opportunities against the Red Sox (two in the ALCS and the first two chances this year). Rivera cracked up at the ovation, because he appreciated the knowledge and wit of Red Sox Nation.
Of course, Rivera is still great, and I always hate it when he walks in from the bullpen with a lead and a chance to close us out. But it is good to realize that the Sox may be inside his head a little;confidence is critical for a closer.
