Random Red Sox Post

OK. Let me start by saying that I am NOT a die-hard Red Sox fan. Out of the major sports (including hockey), baseball is number 4 in my heart. I am just a general sports fan who happens to live in the center of the baseball universe. You see, living in Boston has influenced me in several ways that I could not have imagined when I first moved from Toronto:

• seeing a 100 year-old creaking, slanted house with 2-pronged plugs and windows that don't 'work' as charming
  
• getting ready to call it a night around 1:15 so you can avoid the crowd when the club lets out at 2am
  
• using the word 'veer' when giving directions
  
• etc.
  

And finally, my inability to not watch the Red Sox and know almost everything that happens in Red Sox Nation. The Sox are like a virus that infect the entire city. You hear about Red Sox news through the process of osmosis. It's in the air, and it will enter your system (ask any Sloanie that has hopped onto the Red Sox bandwagon since moving to Boston).

So when I heard that Manny Ramirez had just been traded, it was a big deal. Not a shock, but the end of an era. This guy was great. The term, "Manny being Manny," is symbolic of the love affair that Boston sports fans had with Manny. He held a special place in people's hearts. Whether he was hitting the game-winning home run or missing an easy catch in the outfield because he was just chillin', it didn't matter. "Manny being Manny" could always put a smile on your face (especially as a casual fan who didn't get too upset when he f*cked up).

I haven't been in Boston for almost 2 months. I don't know what's been happening in Titletown (yes, we have last year's basketball and baseball world champs, and should have football's) but I know that every radio and TV station will be talking 'Manny' for the rest of the season. Every win will be a win in spite of 'Manny' and every loss will be a reflection on what we lost in 'Manny'. Regardless of whether we win or lose this year, Manny will be missed.