The pictures you see above of Fenway Park (courtesy of fellow basement dweller With Leather) are not actually from a Sox/Royals game in late June. Nor are they from some low-level softball league that has players that look suspiciously like Red Sox players. Nope, these are shots from the late innings of last night's epic beat down of the Sox by the Rays. Now, while I think we can all agree that the Red Sox weren't coming back from that debacle last night, it's still surprising to see what used to be the most hardcore baseball fans on the planet suddenly walk out so quickly on a team. The same thing was true during Monday night's game as well.
Now, if you think I'm about to serve up a "Boston fans suck now because they've tasted winning and are spoiled" rant, don't worry. I don't have to do that. It's already been done for me...by the Boston Globe Red Sox blog Extra Bases. Here were there thoughts after Game 3.
The result is surprising enough, but the atmosphere at the park today may have been more stunning. There was little noise, buzz, or energy. It felt like a July game. The stands were probably half-full by the end. Not surprising given the score, but would that have happened in 2003 or 2004?
And it's not just the Red Sox fans who are showing questionable behavior. Patriots fans have suddenly become huge jackasses.
Cornerback Ellis Hobbs didn't appreciate fans heckling the team when they lost handily at home to the Miami Dolphins shortly after league MVP Tom Brady was lost for the season.
"It amazes me how people react. You would think that this organization hasn't won as much as they have and been successful in the years that they have, and it's a testament to how spoiled they are where expectations are that high that we're not allowed a bad game."
It looks like Boston is starting to see it's rather impressive run at the top of the sports world decaying right before its very eyes, and isn't handling it well at all.
Boston used to hang with their teams through thick and thin, regardless of whether they were winning or not. Now, if they aren't winning, forget it.
I hope you're paying attention Celtics. It's NBA title or nothing for you. And even then, you better bring back something extra.
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