The Exquisite Agony

Being a sports fan is a lifelong commitment to disappointment. No matter how good your club is, you will see them end up without a title more often that you see them with one. That’s the deal we all make when we embrace our favorite teams. We bank on enough moments of pure happiness along the journey to make it all worthwhile.

There can be magical moments along the way. You can see a young guy step up and deliver in a big spot, a guy well past his prime summon one more moment of glory, and you can watch your favorite team capture the ultimate glory of a championship.

And then there are moments like last night that just leave you gutted. You have invested every emotion you have and then you just see them destroyed with one swing of the bat.

My analysis of that moment revolves around two questions. First, why didn’t Sanchez, or better yet someone in the dugout, head out to the mound to settle Chapman down when it was clear he was over-throwing? Second, did anyone think about an intentional walk to a perennial MVP to pitch to the guy who hit .234 this year?

And now I will regroup, dust myself off, and hop back on the carousel of fandom again. Hope springs eternal.