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The Game of the Century
The title says it all. Sox vs. Yanks. Pedro vs. Roger. Hype vs. Reality.
The American League Championship Series moves into Fenway on this Saturday in October and the reality for the Faithful is that it's a must win situation. Again. Does this game deserve the hype? Do Pedro and Clemens care who pitches for the other team? Do I screw fellow fans and unload the extra tickets and pocket $3000? No, no, and no freakin' way. Since I'm in the unique position of being on assignment (don't forget, Chief covers the expenses), and more importantly because I'm a serious fan, dumping the tickets would be bad karma. Besides, I've been able to assemble a first class crew for this trip. Chuck's along to add another chapter to our big game history. Fal's back. I had questioned his intensity before the Cleveland series, but he proved his worth. Along for the first time this season is Mick. Mick is undoubtably one of the greatest Red Sox fans still alive. He does however carry some heavy duty baggage. You see Mick was in attendance at Game #163 in 1978, and still has flashbacks. He sometimes has to leave the room when the Sox are on TV and the game gets tight. 
The pre game feel in the bars is very upbeat. We all know that George would be popping the nitro if the Sox had gotten just a few tiny breaks in Games 1 & 2. We also know that we swept their ass in NY in September. And we almost insist that the trip to the promised land pass through these bums. I mention to Chuck that this being a big one we have to spot someone wearing a Yaz jersey. As soon as I get the words out, one appears. On Yawkey Way no one is selling and it seems like everyone is buying. Some guy offers me $1000 for a ticket but I blow him off. He doesn't recognize me. As we walk into Gate A folks are still begging for singles. There's a guy with a Pete Rose jersey on, I tell him if I had one he'd get it. (Assuming he's not a NY'er) Mick and I are on the roof in rightfield, Chuck and Fal down in the rightfield boxes. Chuck has a sign that reads "How's the View Cleveland?". Beautiful. In the bottom of the first Offerman leads off with a triple and then Valentin blasts one to left. Two is about all Pedro needs. The 'Rog-ger, Rog-ger' chants increase. Martinez strikes out the side in order in the second, and the Sox slap Clemens around for two more in the bottom half. In the third Stanley leads off with a single down the left field line, and Torre heads to the mound to rescue Rog. The place goes nuts as Clemens heads to the clubhouse. I tell Mick he'll complain about an injury, Mick says he just sucks. 
The chants change to 'Where is Roger?'. I love this shit. Pedro and the Sox cruise. There's some Yankee fans a couple of rows in front of us, and when Nomar hits it out in the seventh we lean into these guys and give them a couple "Derek Jeter, clap, clap, clap clap claps" just to tick them off.. New York takes a 13-1 ass whoopin on three hits. On the ride home we hit Lee Ho Fook's for dinner and cocktails. I haven't been able to talk anyone into going to New York to pick up the pennant. Looks like it'll be a solo trip. Somebody has to do it. What do I know? 
October 17, 1999 |