For Whom To Root?

This weekend provides us with the first opportunity since 1912 to see the Giants and Red Sox play each other. I grew up a Giants fan and have rooted for them all my life. However, the only professional team I have ever worked for has been the Red Sox - albeit on the lowest possible level (T-Ball ;). In my inner heart there is a struggle to decide which team is more deserving of my loyalty.

On the one hand, the Red Sox have been playing fairly decent baseball - sliding off a little in recent weeks after an incredibly hot start. But the dreaded Yankees are now coming on strong behind them and if I want my Red Sox to continue to do well, it might be good to have them beat up on the Giants. I have the jersey and the hat to wear and Fenway is an American classic.

On the other hand, I am now and always shall be a Giants fan. They are the team that I grew up with and have died with on many, many occassions. I sat through fog soaked nights with them where I couldn't see the field. I ate chocolate malts in 40 minus degrees whether to help start a 9th Inning rally. I stayed all the way through a Monday night extra innings game against Montreal that ended 2-1 in the 14th. I was there for the final game at Candlestick and for the first game at PACBELL. I stopped collecting autographs when all my favorite players and managers were being traded after I'd got them to sign something. I have pleaded, cajoled, wheedled, and otherwise browbeaten God again and again and again to let my home town nine win just one more game, just one more series, just one more playoff, just four more outs! I guess I've become invested in their success.

I can't decide. I like the Red Sox, but I love the Giants. It'll be hard for me to decide which way to root. But I think ultimately, I'll probably default to the Giants. Either way, this is bound to make for one hell of a good series!