The Chris Gonyea Project

No post yesterday, as Katie and I were catching up big time on chores around the condo (such as actually having food in the place to eat). We still have to vacuum, but things are looking better.

Comcast strikes again. Nothing but excellent luck with this company for my cable and internet service. It gets even better. Even though we were just moving, Comcast decided to offer me a free webcam for “signing up” for high-speed internet. Of course, I had already been signed up for three months…but hey, free is free right? So I received a Logitech Quickcam Messenger two days ago. Haven’t hooked it up yet, but if it takes decent pictures I plan to start using it while I blog.

I bought a Targus T-Lite Standard Backpack for my laptop, finally retiring a 4+ year old bag that I have lugged my laptop around in during college. The straps on the old bag are a little worn out to say the least. I’ll post a picture if the QuickCam ends up working well.

Tonight marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life as a Red Sox fan. I can’t believe I am going to be able to watch my first World Series (while I was alive in 1986, I was only 4 years old and only remember my dad being very mad the day after Game 6). This is going to be so great, I can’t find words to describe it.

Must catch up on sleep the next two nights before the final week of nerves, restless nights, and who knows what comes.

So I had a restless night of sleep, as I kept thinking about the greatest victory in Boston Red Sox history (so far) and the upcoming World Series against someone (either St. Louis or Houston).

I am willing to admit it. I had given up on this team after Game 3. I even wasn’t sure if I was going to bother watching Game 4. Am I glad I did watch that one. The turning point was that hit down the right-field line at Fenway during Game 4 that hopped into the stands for a ground-rule double. If that didn’t go into the stands, the series would be over. It did go in the stands though and we later came back to begin the first of two comebacks.

This team symbolizes what the Red Sox should really be thought of. Comebacks, courage, heart, never giving up…there are endless words to describe this team. Curses and all that junk should not describe them. Yes we have not won a world series since 1918…but we have had some pretty darn good teams during that time that made everyone proud. How about those great teams during the Ted Williams era? Yaz’s Impossible Dream team? The 1975 team, that came mere outs away from making Carlton Fisk’s home run even more legendary (if that is even possible). The 1986 team, who cameback against the Angels and was an out away from winning the biggest prize. The forgotten teams of 1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, and 1918 who actually won championships.

I have never been more proud of a team in my life. We are going places. I knew it when I watched Game 3 of the ALDS in person. I almost lost the feeling after Game 3 of the ALCS, but Game 4 brought it back in full force. Now we are four wins from finishing a long trip. I don’t care who we play (there is the third time vs. St. Louis factor and then there is the Roger Clemens/Jeff Bagwell factor with Houston).

I just pray we have a great World Series whoever we play. With a Red Sox win…of course.

My god. We won the pennant!

Next up, World Series!

A Tribute: This one is to…

All the former members of the Red Sox starting with those newcomers to the 1919 team till the present 2004 squad, who sometimes were dozens of wins away from even sniffing a world series or were within a heartbreaking out or pitch of breathing it. Hundreds, if not thousands, have walked onto the lush green grass of Fenway during that time period…none have done it as the ultimate victor…only 4 teams were even in the series to have a chance, all were a mere out or outs away from victory.

All the members of Red Sox Nation…living or dead, just born or just hanging on. Your inspiration, dedication, love, hate, and fear have held this franchise together over the years. Whether you were an original Royal Rooter to someone who saw the great #9 play to a brand new baby who looks curiously at grown men playing “just a game,”this one is for you.

To the forgotten members of the 5 World Champions we already own. One of them stands out, but all of them made it possible. May they guide us to the world series and beyond.

May the baseball gods guide that little round white ball to the proper gloves, to the proper gaps, to the proper seats.

May the best team win. The Nation is forever behind you. To become a champion, we must comfront the Yankees in Game 7 and never back down, never go down without a fight. We will win.

Godspeed Red Sox.