LIFE as a BOSTON SPORTS FAN, the GOOD STUFF!!!

One of the first articles I wrote for Associated Content was about how much of a roller coaster ride it can be being a New England sports fan. Little did I know, at the time, was what would transpire over the next several weeks. As far as the roller coaster goes, we have reached the ultimate peak! If there is a better place for a fan to be, other than New England, please let me know, because you must be having a blast.

First, we have the Boston Red Sox. Red Sox Nation. There has been a lot of debate recently on the question of who is New England's most loved team, the Sox, or our New England Patriots. I say, who cares? They both have put together the best baseball and football teams I've ever seen as a true fan of both games. Having been a sox fan since 1966, I'm very much enjoying watching our beloved Sox wreak havoc in Major League Baseball. After rolling past the Angels in the first series, they certainly met their match with the Cleveland Indians. I truly enjoyed the jumping off the bandwagon of the average fans when they went down 3-1 in that series. I quickly reminded everyone who would listen that, just like in 2004, the opposing team had to win 4 games to take a series, not just 3, and was once again rewarded by our beloved Sox. That was a lot of fun, and I felt outnumbered by the naysayers, but if you know this team, you knew the outcome. Now, being up two games in the World Series is exciting. Win the blowout, win the close one. The only true fans that are surprised are the Colorado fans, but that's not their fault, that team does play in the National League, after all.

As for the New England Patriots, well, what can a true fan say, except why did it take so long to get our leader, Tom Bray, these weapons? He already has won 3 Super Bowls, or should I say the team as a whole has won 3 Super Bowls, sorry Bill, and now they look unstoppable. Will they go on to have a perfect season, who the heck cares? Not me. Just keep on being who you are, and doing what you do, and at the very least, it sure is going to be exciting. Do I think they'll win yet another Super Bowl? I don't know, we play Washington this week, Bill sure has made us fans focused, funny how that works. BY the way Bill, could you please be a little more supportive of your fellow coach Terry F.? I know it's not football, and you have a job to do, but it's OK to route for him you know.

I haven't mentioned the B.C. Eagles football team, ranked No. 2 in the entire Nation, but I must digress. I admit I have watched them here and there, and have routed for them when I do, but I'm not an expert on College Football. That's all I do know is they are very focused every week, they don't get caught up in any media hype, and they have a great Quarterback that has his favorite receiver, the open one, along with a great defense. Why does that all sound so familiar?

I have to also confess that I am not a major Basketball fan, but how good are the Boston Celtics this year? They have assembled a team that brings the long lost Celtic Pride back in Boston. And even the Boston Bruins are making noise in the NHL. I was once a major Bruins fan, but after the strike, and lowly performances by the black and gold, I truly lost interest. Please, Mr. Jacobs, I still have room in my heart for your team. Thanks for hiring Cam, it looks like a different team already.

And in case any of you might have missed this, how about the 13 year old from Texas, who after having a heart transplant, was able to be the guest of honor at Game 2 of the World Series, including throwing out the first pitch, and visiting with his heart surgeon, a Sox fan. I use stories like that to try to convince my wife that it truly isn't just about sports these days, it's also human interest. When she decides whether she is ever going to speak to me again, I'll let you know if she's buying that argument. For now, it's time to go watch Sportscenter. Does it get any better than this?