Resigned to Defeat?

I had many discussions yesterday with Red Sox fans about the state of their team in the Division Series versus the White Sox. The predominant feeling was one of resignation that this team can’t win it this year. No one talked about winning the next 2 games and putting the pressure back on Chicago. Some people had even emotionally divested themselves from the series altogether. Granted, this team doesn’t have the pitching nor magic of last year’s team, but that didn’t stop some of the crazies around here pre-2004.

To me it seems that this is a new page in the emotional history of the Boston Red Sox. Last year’s World Series triumph has transformed Sox fans this year so that they seem able to accept defeat without the usual levels of frustration. It’s as if they are still basking in the glow of October 2004 and not even a first round exit is going to ruin that.

I guess this reaction is somewhat natural. In recent years, it seemed as if there was more focus than ever on the Red Sox and their World Series futility, and when it finally ended, the region had a collective sigh of relief. But how long will this satisfaction with one World Series title last? I’m very curious about that.

For me, the downside of this is it’s not as fun when the Red Sox lose because people don’t seem to be taking it to heart as much. Normally after a Sox loss, I can’t wait to see how Dan Shaughnessy will twist it, how sports radio callers will react and how co-workers will vent. It really is a sick sense of joy, but these days it’s muted. Shaughnessy is still doing his best to keep me entertained, but the fans are ruining my October. Here’s to hoping that Red Sox fans get back to their irrational selves very soon.