Reflections on the season gone too young

So as I sat in my living room, tweeting furiously with fellow citizens of Red Sox Nation, I witnessed what I never thought could happen. The Red Sox, with their backs against the wall rallied behind their young pitcher and were leading 5-2 in the top of the 8th, with Papelbon coming in, tasked with getting the last four outs to keep our boys fighting. All it took was a few balls, an intentional walk and a perfect pitch over the plate to put the Halos on top in the top of the 9th. And to break the hearts of Red Sox Nation.

I suppose it's because it seemed old hat that we'd beat the Angels in the ALDS, maybe we let our guard down. Didn't bring our bats, didn't give them enough credit, underestimated the fight hiding in this Anaheim team still reeling from the loss of teammate Nick Adenheart. Who knows? All I know now is that I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, tear stains on my cheeks, a heart that's broken, but a love for the Red Sox that will always remain. Something that I know I have in common with every other member of Red Sox Nation out there today.

I'd like to take this time to thank the Red Sox for the awesome season they gave their fans. Even though no one in the organization will probably see this, I think it needs to be said. Thank you for the late game rallies, the early game blowouts, the shutout innings pitched, the double plays turned, the bases stolen, the pickoffs completed. Thank you for giving fans a reason to smile, when the chips were down. Thank you for giving fans the chance to say "I was there." Thank you for every smile you gave that camera, for every autograph you signed, for every time you showed your fans how much you appreciate us. Thank you for playing with your hearts on your sleeve. Thank you for never giving up the love of the game.

This season is a season that I would never have given up for anything. It didn't end the way I wanted it to, but things rarely end up the way we want. But this season, I got the chance to realize a dream come true. I got to see a game played in Fenway Park, something that I never anticipated happening. I had always wanted to, but I never thought I would and so soon. I realized that night that no seat in Fenway is a bad seat. I found true meaning to the Bon Jovi lyric, "no matter where you're from, tonight you're from right here" that night. It was awesome, words can't describe it. And I have the Red Sox to thank for that. And Red Sox Nation, for unknowingly and unselfishly opening their arms and allowing me to cheer as one of the "usuals."

So here goes a winter that I had hoped would start later in the year, but it's more time to rest up and get ready for an intense year of Red Sox baseball next year! Like I said earlier, I wouldn't give up this year for anything. I wouldn't give up the friends I've made, the games I've seen, the tears I've cried, the cheers I've cheered. I will never give up on the Red Sox, I will never root for anyone else, I will never boo a Red Sox player, I will never turn away a fellow Red Sox fan, and I will never forget what it means to be in Red Sox Nation.

Thank you
Papi
JayBay
Mikey
Pedey
Pap
Youk
Jacoby
JD
Tek
VMart
Nicky Green
Jonny Lester
Becks
Danny Bard
Takashi
DiceK
Jed
Gonzo
Billy
Ramon
and to everyone else I may have forgotten to mention



And although I may be alone in this, I would like to thank John Smoltz and Julio Lugo for what they gave our team this season as well.