Sure, the Patriots are in first place, the Bruins are above .500 for the first time this year, and the Celtics won their season opener against Cleveland. But the World Series looms large over the sporting world tonight and Red Sox fans are crying a little on the inside as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the New York Yankees. But there is no need to fret, Sox Nation. You, too, can enjoy the Fall Classic, no matter how empty Fenway is. Here are five things to be excited about this week:
5) Lots of home runs! This year marks the first time since 1926 that the two teams with the most homers meet in the World Series. They combined for 12 dingers during their regular season matchup alone. With the new homer-friendly Yankee Stadium and hitters’ paradise Citizens Bank Park in Philly, that ball is going to have a hard time staying in play.
4) Rallies! The Fightin’ Phils led the NL with 43 comeback wins and have four already this postseason. New York had 51 of their own this regular season, including a remarkable 15 walk-off wins. With the squads facing off on baseball’s grandest stage, expect to see a few thrilling finishes and pies to the face.
3) Baseball’s best players! Rarely have so many superstars and award-winners shared the field in October (and this year, November). Regular-season MVPs Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and some Yankees thirdbaseman; World Series MVPs Cole Hamels, that Yankees closer guy, and a dude playing shortshop in pinstripes; and Cy Young winners Cliff Lee, that 290-pound kazillionaire and most importantly…
2) The return of Pedro Martinez! The former Sox favorite is slated to pitch Game 2 on Thursday night in New York. Ready to erase postseason memories of Grady Little and Dom Zimmer, Martinez pitched seven shutout innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers last round and is looking to improve his 4.72 ERA against the Yankees in the playoffs. At age 38, this may be Pedro’s last chance to show the Yankees who their daddy really is. But best of all?
1) Only four months until spring training!
great piece– impressive and entertaining, even for a Yanks fan. it’s nice to hear someone appreciating the game instead of hating on whoever’s left in the competition. thanks for your work.