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∗ For a long time, the 1986 Red Sox were symbols of baseball failure.
This was the team that was poised to end the franchise’s championship drought at a “mere” 68 seasons. Those Red Sox led the New York Mets by two in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 6. There were two outs and nobody on base and everyone — from MLB officials to the host Mets — was preparing for the World Series championship trophy presentation to owner Jean Yawkey.
Then, the Mets began to chip away, and before you knew it, they had tied the game and then won it on an error by Bill Buckner. The Mets went on to win Game 7, too, and with it, the Series.
It didn’t matter that those Red Sox had won 95 games, or had shown remarkable character with a stirring, improbable comeback in the ALCS against the California Angels. The Red Sox, everyone agreed, were the ultimate chokers. And that’s the way they were portrayed for decades.
But prior to the Red Sox’ home opener Friday, the 1986 Red Sox were feted and welcomed as heroes at Fenway. They were introduced, one by one, and circled the mound. The fans at Fenway showered them with affection and paid tribute to some of the team’s biggest stars, including Wade Boggs, Dwight Evans and Jim Rice.
Collectively, the 1986 Sox were once mocked, one more example of a team that couldn’t win the big one. Many fans tried to forget them; some, undoubtedly couldn’t forgive them. The memories were too painful, the pain too raw.
But more recently, a reappraisal has taken place regarding the team. Call it revisionist history if you wish, but some of that ill will has since dissipated. The World Series victories of 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018 brought a certain forgiveness to the 1986 Sox. No longer villainous, they’re now viewed in a far more favorable light.
On Friday afternoon, after the game was complete and the ballpark emptied of fans, the Fenway infield was full of members of the 1986 team.
As I sat in my seat in the press box, I watched as some former pitchers replicated their deliveries on the mound; some posed for pictures with wives and/or other family members. Though grayer and paunchier, they were made young again, reunited with teammates, engaged in a celebration they were denied 40 years ago.
For many, it might have marked the last time they’ll be on a major league field. And though there were no cheering crowds and no trophy to hoist, they seemed to very much be enjoying themselves.
It was about time.
∗ As much development as Morgan Geekie has shown since joining the Bruins, he has to figure out a way to become more consistent with his goal-scoring.
Even the best scorers are inherently streaky, but this season alone, Geekie has had stretches of 12 games and (currently) 16 games without finding the back of the net. Combined, that’s almost exactly one-third of the season where Geekie didn’t contribute a goal.
∗ I can’t be the only one who thinks the upcoming Christian Gonzalez contract negotiations are going to be messy before they conclude. Understandably, Gonzalez expects to be paid a salary commensurate with his play, and at such a premium position, that’s going to come with an appropriately huge price tag.
Gonzalez’s “pay me” hand gestures courtside at a recent Celtics game is an indication of his stance — there will be no hometown discount offered to the Patriots. And the way he handled his recovery from a hamstring injury at the start of last season showed he has a bit of a stubborn side.
∗ If you’re just now figuring out that Bruce Springsteen has a distinct political point of view, I’m guessing you haven’t been listening too carefully all these years.
∗ Alex Cora made a curious decision the other day when it came to Carlos Narvaez. He essentially announced that Narvaez was being benched as a disciplinary measure, but then refused to say what the infraction was.
His cryptic remarks got reporters attempting to find out the reason for the benching and the mystery surrounding it led to all sorts of conspiracy theories. In all likelihood, Narvaez was probably guilty of showing up a minute or two late for a pre-game meeting. But by shrouding everything in secrecy, Cora invited uninformed speculation.
∗ The Patriots aren’t planning on going to training camp with Tommy DeVito as their QB2, are they? DeVito’s story is a good one, but a team should probably have a better alternative should something happen to Drake Maye.
∗ It’s easy to respect what Geno Auriemma has accomplished — 12 national championships will get your attention in a hurry. But it’s difficult to like him, as he reminded everyone Friday night.
If Auriemma was so frustrated with the officiating, why take it out on coach Dawn Staley? He offered an apology a day later, but the damage had been done.
∗ Recommended listening: Future Soul, the new album from the fabulous Tedeschi-Trucks Band.
∗ In a bit of pettiness, the Patriots barred a credentialed reporter from attending a media availability with owner Robert Kraft at last week’s NFL Owners Meetings. Talk about a slippery slope.
Politicians can’t choose their voters. Teams shouldn’t be able to choose which media members cover them.
∗ Marco Sturm’s postgame comments the other night on NESN were revealing. He essentially said his team overlooked the Florida Panthers, believing that with all their injuries, they would be a pushover.
But such an explanation doesn’t reflect well on the coach, whose job it is to make sure his team is ready to compete on a nightly basis — especially at this time of year.
More Red Sox coverage
- Ex-Red Sox prospect continues torrid start to season with three-home run game
- Alex Cora prioritizing offense over defense in Red Sox lineup vs. old friend on Easter Sunday
- Power vs. power: Red Sox closer beat by slugger in game with low margin of error for pitchers
- Red Sox still seeking an offensive identity — with little margin for error | Sean McAdam
- Red Sox reactions: Aroldis Chapman allows go-ahead run in ninth, Boston loses
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