The first grudge match between the Red Sox and Yankees takes place next weekend at Fenway. This series is simply the best in baseball, with apologies to Chicago/St. Louis and the Yankees' cross-town NL rival. Its a serving of the rich groom's cake of our romance with the great game. Every match between Gotham and Beantown has a subtext. Historians know the passionate historical antipathy between the two towns. And, there are always more than enough current events to make the matchup great. Both FOX and ESPN are broadcasting nationally next Saturday and Sunday nights.- On May 30th 1938, before a Yankee Stadium record crowd of 83,533, Yankees outfielder Jake Powell and Red Sox player-manager Joe Cronin fight on the field and beneath the stands. Both players were fined and suspended for 10 games. The Red Sox finish second to the Yankees, who go on to sweep the Cubs in the World Series.
Oh, baseball's glorious, romantic yesteryear. So, you see? This rivalry has the legitimacy of a long and bitter geneology.
- On May 24, 1952, Red Sox outfielder Jimmy Piersall and Yankees second baseman Billy Martin exchange insults before a game in Boston, and end up fighting in the tunnel under the stands. The fight is broken up by Yankees coaches Bill Dickey and Oscar Melillo, and Boston starter Ellis Kinder. Piersall changes out of his bloody shirt and promptly fights with teammate Maury McDermott. The Red Sox win 5-2 with Piersall sitting the game out.
My readers are not baseball neophytes, so I won't insult them with a rehashing of the Curse of the Babe. But, I will predict that Yankees fans will announce that this series presents A-Rod with another of their When It Matters tests. (They won't remember if he continues his torrid start.) But, if he has the hiccups in Boston, get ready for the NY papers to rail on about how he doesn't show up when it matters. For their part, Boston fans are foaming at the opportunity for Daisuke Matsuzaka to shine as the jewel that will bring beantown another crown. How much does Boston hate Steinbrenner and his limitless team salary? How will Boston receive New England's biggest turncoat since Benedict Arnold, Johnny Damon? Could the outcome of this series have an effect on Roger Clemens as he determines which team is just one All-Star pitcher away from a championship? (Astros fans, don't kid yourself. Your team is just a bargaining chip in this sweepstakes.)
There are so many layers in this rich cake, it would take a crane to move it. And, it will be soooo sweet to be a fan on April 20th.
