For Love of the Game

           Why do people read books or watch movies? What is it that they find intriguing? It’s the story. If it’s a great story that you are looking for than you need only look to professional sports.

           I am a sports enthusiast. For years my wife has nagged me about how silly they are, and while they more than likely contribute to my overall stress level, I cannot resist the urge. Why do I think sports are so great? That’s easy! It’s everything. It’s the competition, the rivalry, the challenge, colors, sounds, action, suspense, and victory! There is a great story told in sporting events. Sometimes it’s just more obvious than others.

           Think back to January 3, 1993. This date will live forever to many fans. The Houston Oilers traveled to Buffalo to take on the Bills in the 1992 AFC Wildcard Game. None of the fans had an idea of what they were about to witness. Houston came out blazing going up 28-3 at halftime. The mood among the fans in the stadium was complete shock. The Bills, losers in the previous two Super Bowls, were now facing elimination once more. Many of the fans had left the game in disgust, while the Oilers were looking ahead to the divisional game the upcoming week.

           The second half started like a repeat of the first. The Oilers scored and took an even more commanding lead 35-3. All hope seemed lost. Then, as if it were meant to be, the Bills showed signs of life. Touchdown! And then another. Suddenly the Bills were only down 35-17. They rallied behind the arm of backup quarterback Frank Reich and with just under five minutes left in the game, took the lead 38-35. The fans were back in the game cheering their beloved Bills to victory. It would have to wait. Oilers’ quarterback Warren Moon marched the Oilers down the field and they tied the game on a field goal.

           In overtime, Moon threw a costly interception in Oilers territory and the Bills set up for the game winning field goal try. Could this really be happening? Down 32 points with less than half a game to play, the Bills now rested their hopes on the leg of kicker Steve Christie. Christie stepped into position, and called for the ball. Here comes the snap, it’s down, and the kick is up. Its high enough, it’s far enough, it’s good! Bills Win! Bills Win! Bills Win!

           Amazing, it is simply amazing. The Bills proved that no matter how the game is going, or what the score is, it is never over until it is over. They rallied together as a team and completed the greatest comeback in NFL history. They did what no one thought could be done. No matter what the odds, or the obstacle, anything is possible.

           Anyone remember the “Curse of the Bambino”? Another great story of overcoming adversity, and succeeding against, what seem to be insurmountable odds.

           After baseball legend,  Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees in 1919, the Boston Red Sox never won another World Series. The Yankees won 26. Many believed it was a curse placed on the team by some almighty power since Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sold the “Bambino” to finance his Broadway ventures. It wasn’t the fact that the Red Sox would lose, but the way they would lose. Almost as if someone or something was toying with them.  

           In 1978 the Red Sox were in first place in the American League East Division. They were ahead of the Yankees by 14 games. But the Yankees went on a winning streak and by September 16^th had a 3.5 game lead over the Red Sox. Boston won 12 of their last 14 games and forced one game playoff against the Yankees on October 2^nd. In the seventh inning, with the Red Sox leading 2-0, Bucky Dent hit a 3-run homerun and gave the Yankees the lead 3-2. They would hold on and win 5-4. The Red sox were six outs away from winning the pennant, and the worst possible thing that could have happened did.

           In 1986 the Red Sox made it to the World Series against the New York Mets. They were leading the best of seven series 3 games to 2. Win one more game and it’s over. In Game 6, the Red Sox scored two runs in the top of the 10^th inning to take the lead 5-3. In the bottom of the 10^th Boston quickly recorded two outs. They were one out away from winning the World Series, when the Curse struck again. Down to their final out, the Mets scored two runs to tie the game. With Ray Knight on second base, the Mets sent Mookie Wilson to the plate. He hit a routine ground ball to Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner. Red Sox fans were cheering waiting for the easy out, which was a certainty, and the right to say they were World Champions. What!? The ball rolled between Buckner’s legs and into right field? Oh No! Here comes Ray Knight around third. He’s on is way to the plate. That’s it! It’s over! The Mets have rallied in the bottom of the 10^th inning to force a seventh and deciding game of the World Series! Game 7 would be no different. The Red Sox took an early 3-0 lead, but once again lost it, and the game 8-5. The Red Sox were becoming synonymous with disappointment.

           In 2003 Boston returned to the American League Championship Series against none other than the New York Yankees. The series went back and forth and in Game 7 the Red Sox held a 5-2 lead in the eighth inning. Sox Manager, Grady Little, elected to stay with starting pitcher Pedro Martinez instead of a fresh arm from the bullpen. Ready for the Curse …again? The Yankees rallied to tie the score and send the game to extra innings. In the bottom of the 11^th inning Yankee Aaron Boone hit a solo homerun to win the game and send the Red Sox back to Boston empty handed yet again. The curse was becoming an unbearable reality year after year.

           In 2004, 86 years since they last won a World Series, the Red Sox had high hopes. In the American League Championship Series they were up against the Yankees one more time. The Yankees came to play winning the first three games to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the best of seven series, and putting the Red sox one game away from elimination. In Game 4 the Sox trailed 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth. The Red Sox looked to be going home again. Then something happened. The fans finally noticed the signs among the crowd. “We Believe”. There is nothing more honest than that. “We Believe.” It was at that moment that they realized they were more than just fans. They were the “Red Sox Nation”, and this time it would be different. Boston tied the game, and in the 12^th inning David Ortiz hit a 2-run homerun to give the Red Sox the win, and hopes of a World Series, though bleak, were still a possibility. Boston would win the next three games in dramatic fashion, and became the first team in Major League Baseball history to win a best of seven series after losing the first three. The Red Sox would go on to face the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. They were no match for Boston or the “Red Sox Nation”. The Sox won the series in a four game sweep setting a record for most consecutive playoff wins, and finally bringing a championship back to Bean-town.

           This is another great story of how believing in something bigger can sometimes be the difference. Once again, the phrase “It’s not over until it’s over” is proven true by the 2004 Boston Red Sox. They did what no one thought could be done, and they did it in record setting fashion.

           There are many great stories in sports that have transcended from the playing field to the silver screen. Remember the Titans, Miracle, and Invincible are just a few, but they are great stories.

           "Remember the Titans" retells the story of a High School football team that must learn to work together when their schools are integrated. It challenges and eventually breaks down the race barrier showing that harmony is possible.

           “Miracle” features the 1980 United States Olympic Hockey Team, and how even though they may not have been the most talented players, they were the right players. They did what was said to be impossible. They beat a Russian team that was claimed unbeatable. They showed that heart can carry you if you let it.

           “Invincible” is the inspiring true story of Vince Papale. Papale tried out for the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League in 1974. His performance with the Bell earned him a tryout with the Philadelphia Eagles. Papale made the team and played 3 seasons for the Eagles. It is a great story about a hometown hero who wasn’t afraid to try.

           All in all sports are so much more than two teams just playing each other and trying to score points. There are amazing stories inside the game if you care to notice them. The games are about pride, and strategy, power and glory, passion and heartbreak; the thrill of victory, the agony, of defeat, and the exhilaration when miracles are witnessed.  Having the opportunity to witness these amazing things will forever link fans to that moment in time. Sports inspire hope, they encourage people to dream. We watch simply for love of the game. That is why sports are so exciting; in sports the impossible becomes possible.