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More than a game :)
October 4, 2007
Last nights game in a word: Magic! Yes, magic!! Not just because of the outcome, not just because Beckett prooved once again he is the 2007 Cy Young winner throwing a 4 hit complete game shutout, and not just because Papi and Youk have found their groove. No, there was more to that, and that my friends is memories. We all have them, and for us fortunate enough, one of those memories is our very first Red Sox game, which is why this game meant so much even before Jerry Remy threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
John Burkett vs. John Lackey, you think about it, and most people would agree that on any given day, the Angels would almost be assured the win, however; on May 18th 2003 that would not be the case. My friend Vikki, her *now ex* boyfriend Chris and I got tickets to that game. It was the day before my senior finals but I didn't care, I had tickets to the greatest place in the world!! It was an afternoon game, and the weather was perfect, it could have been raining cats and dogs and it still would have been perfect!! When we got into Boston we walked about a half a mile to the ballpark, and I have to admit at first I didn't even know I was near Fenway. The first thing I saw was the John Hancock sign that glows so pretty at night. The smell of beer, hotdogs, sausage, and other fried food items filled the air, and it's the best smell in the world (only at Fenway, anywhere else smells gross) We got our tickets punched in and I was like a little kid at Christmas time, I was so excited, and i honestly wish I had enjoyed the moment more, but I ran to find out how to get to the field. As I walked up the ramp and saw the green monster, seriously I started to cry, it was just the confirmation that I was where I had always wanted to go, and I don't think I have ever felt as happy as I was in that moment ever in my life. Burkett pitched a very good game, and as luck would have it, we won!!!
John Burkett was the last pitcher to wear 19 for the Boston Red Sox before Josh Beckett, both have the same initials and both played a key part in making my 19th birthday one of the best I have ever had. So when Beckett towed the rubber last night in Game one of the 2007 American League Division Series I got a little sentimental, and was hoping for the same outcome, and wouldn't you know I got one up'ed on that wish. One of my customers said that the voters of the Cy Young unfortunately take post-season into consideration, and if that is true Beckett has set the bar high, very high, retiring 19 batters in a row, 4 hits complete game shutout, and not just that but running his post season innings scoreless streak to 18 innings isnt too shabby for a 27 year old.
I know in the end its a win, but what a win, and what an awesome day for baseball it was :)
-Erica Orangepants
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