Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

Think of it, now.

Shaughnessy, the Globe, etc. have been crowing all week (and for decades) about how Boston is still a "Red Sox Town". Admittedly, we have chafed at that since they've been doing it. Ignore the fact that this SB was the 2nd most watched TV program in the history of the United States (to the M*A*S*H* Finale in 1982).

But, really, what made the Boston Red Sox such a generational, deep seeded part of so many of our lives (yes, me included)?

Answer: A HISTORY OF EPIC HEARTBREAK

Until Sunday night, the Patriots did not have a last-minute, break your heart moment in their 48 year history.

Last year's AFCCG comes close, but it was no 'Pesky holding the ball too long' or 'Bucky Bleepin' Dent', 'Buckner' or 'Aaron Bleeping Boone'.

Super Bowl 42 and the epic loss (btw, due to a GREAT game by the Giants - - not really IMHO, by any one embarrassing screwup by the Pats) is the missing cultural seed in the hearts of New England fans that may have been missing in that argument for these decades.

New Englanders did not carry the Red Sox in their souls so deeply because of their SUCCESS. No. What made 2004 such an historic cultural milestone for the region was THE PRIOR HEARTBREAK on the road to getting there.

Any observer (even Shaughnessy and The Globe) will admit that the 2007 Red Sox World Series Championship had nowhere near the passion and joy of what happened in 2004. I can say that, for me, 2004 was a huge joy and very meaningful. Once that happened, however, the Red Sox lost their special cache. They became just another hometown team. The one I root for, yes, but no longer some kind of deep in the soul longing.

What the Patriots accomplished and endured (forget about 19-0, the media, etc.- - Tom Brady had his name dragged out by a US SENATOR on the DAY OF THE GAME as to being called in front of Congress - - talk about abuse of a high power), I believe, truly cements them in the psyche of New England fans for years to come.

We here have always held that, but now, the rest of New England may be feeling that more than ever before.

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

You have a point. It's funny, I feel that this loss is the worst ever, but it can't be right? We ( I know I'm generalizing) are the fans who are used to losing. The Pats killed us for over 40 years, we had heart breaking tragedies with the Celts that has taken decades to recover from, and we all know the history of the Sox. My God, we're the fans who know how to lose.

We're spoiled, plain and simple. 5 championships this decade. We are blessed. We've forgotten how to lose. Now we remember what's it's like. Maybe now we'll appreciate them more.

Hmm..maybe I'm coming out of my coma and gaining perspective.

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

Oh I hate the premise of this thread.

It can't be worth it for the Pats to unseat the Sox if we have to go through 86 years of this crap before Bowl #4.

I don't even think unseating's possible. Its like asking what's the best color?

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

No, no, no. 86 years is not the premise.

Just that next year's 19-0 will be all the sweeter!!! :D

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

It's interesting. I had similar thoughts go through my mind over the last day or so (intermixed with mental replays of the last drive). Although the team has had its share of sadness over the last two years this one takes all cakes of all times. I think it puts this year's team almost in the context of a greek tragedy. How the team will respond emotionally and how the fans respond will be interesting. I dont think things will ever be the same. but hopefully in a good way. Rooting for a team that wins so much can be awesome and fun but maybe not as emotionally complex. This team is still so successful but now we have this deeply tragic, emotional angle that makes things more powerful. Nevertheless, a 4th SB would have been nice. ;)

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

Interesting premise. The saying that the "Sox own this town" is a myth perpetuated by the baseball fanatics (Shaugnessy, Ryan, etc.) who insist the their sport is king no matter what. The fact is that this is now a two-sport town and if the Celts keep playing as they have, it may be a three-sport town in a couple of years.

But back to the topic. I do agree that the long history of frustration played into the stories regarding the Sox. But, as Peter Gammons agreed at the time, the Sox were never as popular as they were following the '03 season. The devastating loss to the Yanks, followed by the bolstering of the roster (aka adding Schilling) brought a surge of interest in the team.

I agree that this loss reminds me of the '03 Sox and interest in the Patriots will not decline but may pick-up. With three Lombardi trophies in four years, people expected the Patriots to win all the time. I think the last three years of coming close, but failing to win the Superbowl, especially this year, will continue to drive interest in the team.

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

russ francis is right on. the idea that this is a baseball only town is a complete myth perpetuated by baseball writers living in 1986. Anyone living in this market has known the truth for a while now. Shmessy is right though this year definitely further solidifies this. The TV rating they got was astronomical and will never be beat until the Pats next Super Bowl

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

Reminds me of Bum Phillips bellowing to a Houston Oilers rally in the Astrodome in the 1970's during a sold out fan appreciation rally after they lost a heartbreaking playoff game:

"Last year, we knocked on the door. This year, we Banged on the door. Next year..........we're gonna CRASH THE SONUV******** DOWN!!!!!"

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

How 'bout the 76 playoff game against the Raiders - the Ben Dreith roughing the passer call on Sugar Bear Hamilton?

And other than that, I think 42 years of failing to win a championship may not qualify as a Bill Buckner moment, but it certainly is in the same class as 86 years of frustration.

Re: Silver Lining: Why Boston May no Longer be "Just a Red Sox Town"
 

You're right on the first one. 1976 was horrible, and that one definitely qualifies.

42 years of failing to win, however, doesn't burn like losing in the last game of 1946, 1949 (in the AL) 1967, 1975, 1978 (1 game division playoff), 1986 and 2003.

Until Sunday night, the Ben Dreith game stood alone in that respect for the Patriots.