The White Sox go to ALCS

Things are finally looking up for Chicago on the sports front.. After 87 long years, the White Sox successfully reached the ALCS (American League Championship Series) when they beat Boston in three straight games.. Just imagine.. 87 years without a playoff series win.. It's like a lost generation in itself..Baseball is damn boring when compared to football or any other active sport, but it has such a rich and varied history that you just can help following it.. You have all sorts of superstitions and curses going on starting from non-grata goats to the bambino curse.. Then there are people like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Shoeless Joe Jackson. Legends in their own right with their individual quirks and heady statistics, that still inspire people to love this game.. I can take the legend bit, but I think all these stupid curses are somewhat over the top. Most probably they are made up by the sports writers/commentators when they are bored stiff with the ongoing game.. Anything to pass the time and make baseball more intriguing for us..

In any case, the Chicago White Sox finally made it this year where they are playing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Quite a mouthful, isn't it. Chicago going to the playoffs is a great thing and believe me I am no party pooper, but there are two things which have always rankled me during the playoff season and since this is my blog I would just pour it out here.

One is the destiny stuff. It's like "This is our year. BELIEVE. " etc.. Dude, *exasperated look* your team wins because they played better than the others.The playoffs are not a round robin grade school affair where you are awarded for your effort and every team gets to win after a couple of years.. Just because you haven't won in 80 odd years does not make your quest any more special.

Another sore point: When you see the most ardent skeptics turn around to become the most vociferous of supporters.. It's like a sports chameleon changing color.. From Cubby Blue to Black and White.. It's so sudden that it hits you like a fist.. Here is this guy who a couple of days back never set his foot south of Roosevelt and now he is singing paeans in praise of the southsiders.. Amazing.. just amazing!!