White Sox game addendum

The game wasn't going so well when I entered my previous post, and when I couldn't stand the Sox' inability to push a run across the plate in the 8th inning, I furiously turned off the TV, and let's just say I had a heart-to-heart talk with God. When I came back, the Sox won ["http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20051012&content_id=1247698&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws"] after a called third strike (that would've sent the game into extra innings) was controversially ruled as hitting the ground when it reached the catcher's glove. The Sox hitter took off for first base, reached safely, and after the pinch runner stole second, the next batter hit the game-winning double.

I just hope I didn't jinx it by writing about it in this post. But I still am thankful for that divine assist.

Playoff baseball musings

I'm sitting here watching the White Sox-Angels game (Game 2 of the ALCS), mostly because I don't really have any homework to speak of. Already I'm having some strange flashbacks to the Cubs' amazing playoff run that fell short just two years ago. This year's White Sox seem destined to win it all, and why not? Like the Cubs, they haven't won a World Series in over 80 years, won a pennant in almost as long a time, and have been IN the playoffs only a precious few times.

The Cubs' 2003 run was pretty miraculous in itself; they had a pretty miserable record the previous season, and they changed many of the personnel during the previous winter. They had a new manager, a new general manager, and several new players, and they were aiming for a .500 season, despite the new manager's so-called inspirational quote: "Why not us?" So their season ended on a 3-game losing streak in Game 7 of the NLCS against the Marlins, after defeating the Braves in the first round in 5 games. And, well we know what hasn't happened with the Cubs since that day they watched the Marlins celebrate at Wrigley Field en route to the World Series.

But what about the Sox? They haven't been in the playoffs since 2000, and they were out in 3 quick games as they were swept in the first round by the Mariners. This year, they did just the opposite, sweeping the other Sox out of the playoffs in 3 quick games. But now they are where the Cubs were two years ago, in the League Championship Series, with home field advantage, and the city of Chicago (the South Side anyway) going nuts, salivating over the chance to see one of its teams go to the World Series since 1959. Nineteen-fifty-nine. That's a pretty dang long time; approximately when my parents were born. Which means I'm a couple generations removed from the last time anyone's seen (and remembered) a Chicago team winning a league pennant.

I've been reserved about my excitement level (both internally and externally) this season. I kept hoping and believing that it would indeed be the Cubs' year, especially after the Red Sox won the World Series trophy for the first time in 86 years last year. After showing much excitement for the Cubs' possibilities both in '03 and '04, only to be sorely disappointed at the end, it hit me that it wouldn't be worth it to get my expectations up whenever any Chicago team actually makes the playoffs. The last time a Chicago team won anything significant (and as the Wolves are minor league, they don't exactly count) was the Bulls in 1998, clinched by Michael Jordan's famous "last shot." So while I feel optimistic about the White Sox' chance of going all the way, I am more adjusted to the fact that the Angels could defeat them in the ALCS. Or, even if the Sox make it to the World Series, they will undoubtedly face a tough opponent, who could make a strong case for taking the World Series championship.

Musings aside, I'm watching the game. Go (White) Sox!!

[Even though I'll always be a Cubs fan.]

***

I can't wait for the weekend. I will join roughly 25 other FCA friends (and people I don't know yet) on a trip to suburban Milwaukee for a short mission trip. The biggest perk is I'll be able to relax and hang out with people at the same time.