[Kobi]

Originally Posted by Wolfsong

This is why I noted specifically a difference between a team that loses and a team that does not try. I'm blessed in my life to have seen a team that I love win the World Series and am aware of fans that cannot (most notably my neighbors to the north who have suffered through 100 years of dismal heartache.) I am also aware that this, for White Sox fans, may never happen again (during my lifetime). I've sat through games where it was literally sleeting and others so hot and the air still it was nearly unbearable and they LOST. That does not stop me from coming back.

What WOULD stop me is if I saw a bunch of guys on the field that didn't give a crap because win or lose they are still getting a paycheck, and/or an ownership or team management that did not care about the players or the fans. Ozzie was headed in this direction with the team and we are blessed to be rid of him.

Chicago experianced this firsthand during the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Charlie Comiskey was for underpaying his players for years. At that time, players either had to take the salary they were offered, or couldn't play in the majors. They were property of their original team, and no other team was allowed to sign them. He cheated them out of their bonuses and pay that they were due so they said the hell with it. (I am of the firm belief that neither Shoeless Joe Jackson or Buck Weaver had a part in this thing but were convicted nonetheless)

What I mean by pathetic and rabid is the fan that allows the team to take their money, treat them like shit, and keeps coming back. To quote the 2005 film Fever Pitch;

"You love the Red Sox, but have they ever loved you back?"

If the answer is no it's time to consider a break-up

Ahh ok. Am following your train of thought now.

One of the fun things about being a Red Sox fan, is the fans have no qualms about letting players know they are dissatisfied with their attitude and play. Josh Beckett got a taste of this last night. He hasnt pitched because of a strained arm ligament but he was found to be out golfing shortly after this injury. The media got wind of it. The fans booed him when he took the mound last night. Booed him even louder when he pitched horribly. And they will do it again.

IMO, we do have a primadonna problem which no one quite seems to know how to resolve. I am hoping someone will have the gonads to shake things up, make trades even if it means eating peoples salaries, shrink a few heads down to size, and get folks back on track. Until then, fans will be sure to register their disappointment in ways that work for them.

BTW, always hated that line from Fever Pitch LOL. Love is how you define it when it comes to sports and most other things. The Red Sox gave me a World Series while I was still young enough to enjoy and appreciate it. And, I got a cool hat out of the deal. And I have a collection of vintage autographed photos - a '67 Yaz is my favorite but I followed the late Ken Brett all over baseball and he obliged me with every new team he joined. And a collection of yearbooks going back to the 60's. I got to see, in person, the likes of Thurman Munson, Frank and Brooks Robinson, Dave Winfield, Carlton Fisk, Jim Palmer, Dave McNally, Alan Trammel, Denny McClain, George Brett, Johnny Bench, etc. They gave me memories that I simply treasure. That, to me, is the love the Red Sox gave back to me.