Sometimes even miracles happen...

And one such did last Thursday early morning at 12:01 am when Ruben Sierra grounded out to second and history was made.As I watched in a seedy Best Western somewhere in the outskirts of Charleston, SC (dont ask my what I was doing there), the RedSox came back from an overwhelming 0-3 deficit to win the 7 game American League Championship Series 4-3. It had never happened before in baseball and how could it ? For, to achieve such a feat, it needed much more than skill and temperment and patience and doggedness displayed by the RedSox. It needed that little thing which plays its part almost all the time against the RedSox, fate. Things needed to happen when it was most required and they did. Papi delivered twice for the RedSox and in the seventh game, a till now lacklustre Johnny Damon homered twice for a cumulative 6 RBI's to do it for the Sox. The Yankees were left just speechless while the famed RedSox offensive gave it to the depleted Yankees bullpen. Kevin Brown was taken off after a couple of innings only to be replaced by an equally ineffective Javier Vasquez. By the time the famed closer Mariano Riviera came out for the Yankees, it was all but over.

To me it was over when Alex Rodriguez, the highest paid sportsman in the United States, did the most unprofessional act not just in Game Six but in all of baseball by interfering with Bronsor Arroyo trying to run him out at first base. What was awful about it was the way A-Rod feigned utter disbelief in front of tens of millions watching all over the country and made sure he went down the history books as the highest paid sissy. While I have been a patient fan of the RedSox, I have had a grudging admiration for the Yankees who have time and again demonstrated their ability to come out fighting even at the most hopeless situations. Derek Jeter, in my opinion is one of the best captains baseball has seen in a long time. Given all that, what A-Rod did was a shame to himself and the pinstripes he so proudly wears. I am sure this is one baggage he will carry with him for life and that is the biggest loss of all, much more than the 4-3 thrashing. George Steinbrenner, the businessman is expected to make some big moves later this Fall and the steps could be big enough to warrant major changes in the Yankees lineup.

By the time I write this blog, Boston had taken Game 1 of the World Series defeating the Cardinals in an ugly game that could have gone either way until the Top 9th. Boston managed a win due to its offense clicking and inspite of an awful defense lead by Manny. It was also an early indicator of how good the Cards were at fighting back and ready to pounce on any error. With the second game slated for today, Boston needs not just the best from the old warhorse, Curt Shilling but also a continued blitz from the the offense and most importantly a much better performance in the field. David Ortiz is red hot and Manny seems to be getting his groove back along with a resurgent Damon and Bellhorn. Given all this, Game 2 and all the future games should make for a very interesting watch.

Go Sox..and yes, we continue to believe, much harder than before.

PS: My condolences to the family and friends of the girl who lost her life amidst the Sox victory celebrations.

PPS: I turned 26 at 12:00 am EST on Thursday and a minute later, got one of the best birthday gifts I could have asked for with the ALCS miracle comeback by the RedSox. If only I could hope for more such birthdays in the future....I would'nt be asking for too much, would I ?