My husband is a HUGE Red Sox fan. The Red Sox happened to be playing in Baltimore ON Rob's birthday and the day after - so weeks ago, I bought tickets to the only game we could get to (when Rob wasn't working and we didn't have plans) on September 28th - the day after Rob's birthday.
Those of you who follow baseball (myself clearly NOT included) know that it's been a rough month for Boston. September 1st, they were 9.5 games ahead of any other team in line for the Wild Card spot in the playoffs. By this weekend, they were tied for the spot with Tampa Bay...
For Rob's birthday, the Red Sox beat the Orioles - maintaining the tie with the Rays for the Wild Card spot. So the game we were going to was THE game! The Red Sox had to win to either maintain the tie OR beat the Rays...depending on the Rays v. Yankees game going on at the same time.
Despite the 3 hour trip to Baltimore - we got there on time and took our seats - with LOADS of Red Sox fans, front row in the outfield just behind 3rd base. Front row!
We were ahead all game, stopped for a rain delay for over an hour - and picked back up at 11:00pm. Meanwhile, the Yanks were crushing the Rays. But, yes, it all turned around for the Rays (who caught up with 6 runs in one inning and tied it up, putting the game into major extra innings).
I told Rob as we drove (the LONG drive) home - in a year or two, I won't remember the winner or the loser - or the details of the game, but I will remember having gone out with him. Having sat among comrades routing for Boston, cheering together and watching the rain - with Rob. Because I love him.
In the words from Fever Pitch, "You love the Red Sox, but have they ever loved you back?"
I love you back, Robbie. Next year, will be the start of a fresh season... and we'll go to Boston and it'll be awesome. Until then, we'll know that we watched history happen and we'll remember that next year can't be worst!