One is Bobby Orr’s goal to win the 1970 Cup.
The other is Larry Bird and Dr. J with their hands around each other’s throats.
And the third is this one.
We’re nothing if not predictable.
But it was mostly the Red Sox going 0-fer in the Punic Wars.
That is, up until this moment.
And it became an instant classic.
A “Where were you when you first saw this?”
moment for the ages.
Because it captured the one point that made the then-best rivalry in all of sports so special.
Made it undeniable, in fact:
These teams fucking hated each other.
They despised one another with the white heat of a million black leather car seats.
True story: Over the weekend I was in a golf tournament.
At the 19th hole, I started talking to a good friend and two guys I’d never met.
With this fight as the second best moment, behind only the comeback in the ALCS that followed.
Which is why this is so blogworthy.
Such is the run this region has been on since 2001.
For this, I make an exception.
And appreciate the social media accounts that dedicate themselves to this kind of content.
From how the brawl started.
Bronson Arroyo drilling Rodriguez.
ARod screaming at him, “Throw that shit over the plate!”
Varitek responding with, “We don’t throw at .260 hitters.”
They beat New York the next day and won the game after that.
But proceeded to lost 5 of the next 8 games.
And in the middle of that stretch traded Nomar Garciaparra and revamped their infield defense.
Three weeks to be exact.
In mid-August they went on an absolute heater, winning 16-of-17 and 20-of-22.
They were 9.5 back in the AL East and out of the Wild Card when the game began.
“:
Good, good, good times.
Perhaps the best of times.
The kind that if you witnessed them, no explanation is necessary.
If you didn’t, none will suffice.
This is game-changer is most definitely one.
Thanks for accompanying me on this personal journey.
