We All Know What's Coming

This is so weird.

I've been a Sox fan since the 6th grade. I was there in '93 for the now forgotten 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays in the ALCS. I stood by in disbelief and watched Kelly Wunsh give up a game tying single to the Mariners late in the first game of the 2000 Divisional Series. An event that seemed set the tone for the rest of that short lived series.

And so, as Sox fans, we've learned are place in baseball. We're here for the rest of the American League to beat up on.

Unlike Cubs fans, we've grown rather accustomed to this position. And so, every spring when the Cubs fans are chirping how this is "their year," we Sox fans sit by silently and wait for the inevitable. Defeat. Oh sure, we'll make the playoffs every 5 or 6 years, whether we need it or not. But early exits and, well, not so much as a single home victory since 1959 has taught us well to reserve our hopes. After all better to downplay any success than to get your hopes up only to have them crushed by reality. See 2000. See 1993. See 1994 for that matter. See 1983. The list goes on.

But then there is this. And this is bizarre.

This is two overly impressive wins against the World Series champs. This is a game one slaughter matched only three times in play off history. This is a game two come back when their "big game" pitcher was practically perfect through 5. Easily the most exciting home run in my life as a White Sox fan. This is looking at the face of the other teams big sticks and striking them out in key situations. This is capitalizing on other teams mistakes. This is clutch hitting when we need it, and shut down pitching and defense against the most potent offense in the AL.

This is gut wrenching. This is tense. This is thrilling. This is exciting. This is fun.

This is not White Sox baseball.

And so, I will continue to not believe. I will continue to expect defeat. After all, this is the White Sox, the doormat of the American League. And they're the Red Sox. Proven champions. Manny Ramirez. Big Poppy. All Stars. Cy Young winners. There's just no way to beat them, and even if they do, what's next? The Yankees? The Angels? Both World Series champs in the last 5 years.

Winners, as in the opposite of the White Sox.