So here’s the deal; Jeff Biggs was on his radio show this afternoon quoting John Lackey today. Lackey allegedly said something to the effect that Angel fans lacked passion. Those weren’t the exact words, but that’s the gist of it.
Unfortunately, I can’t find a link to that statement anywhere. I do not doubt that it happened; I just wish I had something concrete to focus on and actually link to.
Never-the-less, I’ve got a thing or two to say; but you expected as much, right?
John Lackey has moved on. He doesn’t give a rip about us Angel fans. He’s done and apparently, he doesn’t even respect us. Let that sink in a bit.
How does that feel?
John Lackey doesn’t like us, doesn’t miss us, and he just doesn’t care about us.
Are you getting this?
With all due respect to Buck O’Neil, I need to get a few things off my chest. I have tried to move beyond the defection of Lackey to Boston, but it’s not as easy as just letting it go. Stuff like this (his alleged statement) makes me want to blog. I might even punch a wall, but I’d probably break my fingers and not be able to type and I can’t have that.
I suppose I should thank Lackey for giving me something to write about tonight. Whatever.
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’ve been feeling sad over the loss of Lackey or if you’ve been romancing his time with the Angels; stop it. Just stop it right now. It’s a new day and lines are being drawn in the sand.
You see in sports, it’s about taking sides and you’re either with us or you’re against us. Lackey is one of them now. He was an Angel, but he’s not any more. He’s done here. He’s a Red Sox. So, if you’re one of those sentimental types that want to applaud him when he returns to Anaheim, it’s time for you to have a reality check.
Lackey’s got a new family. He’s got new fans. He’s making nice with the New Englanders. Don’t be hurt when he doesn’t even acknowledge you. He’s gotta do what he’s gotta do.
So do we.
Don’t cheer for Lackey. Save your applause for the 20 year reunion of the 2002 World Series. In the mean time, you need to treat Lackey like the enemy because guess what? He is. Lackey is a part of an organization that thought it would be nice to have Dave Henderson throw out the first pitch in game 3 of the ALDS this year. It’s too bad Henderson couldn’t help them that day.
Maybe they thought it was cute and maybe they thought they could get in the Angels’ heads. I don’t know. All I know is that it was bush league and they got what they deserved that day.
If Lackey really thinks the Angel fans lack passion; he’s got a short memory. I mean did someone give him a lobotomy? I have to wonder.
Angel fans have plenty of passion.
And let’s dispel the myth of Red Sox fans being some sort of supernatural group of people. I’ve been to Fenway. It’s a great park. A wonderful place to see the game, but I have news for you; I saw Red Sox fans come in late and leave early. I sat in a row where a guy and his girlfriend made frequent trips to the concession stand. Their concessions must be the best in the world because apparently it sure beat watching the game.
They have plenty of people who are there to be seen and not necessarily to watch baseball. They’re no different from any other fan base.
Now sure, Boston is a great sports town and they love the Red Sox. I’m not saying their fan base doesn’t have passion because they do; however, they don’t bring that to the stadium every stinking night. Yes, they get loud, but being loud doesn’t necessarily equate to passion. In fact their fans are probably loudest when they’re singing “Sweet Caroline.” I guess they’re passionate about Neil Diamond, right?
Look, all I’m trying to say is that Lackey has moved on. We’re a distant memory. He’s put us in his rear view mirror and he’s stepping on the gas. He doesn’t care if we choke on the fumes. He’s going to be buddy, buddy with Stephen King, Ben Affleck and Jimmy Fallon. He wants to brown nose the Red Sox fans and take some cheap shots at Angel fans. His true colors are on display.
He’s probably not done dissin’ Angel fans either. Get used to it. Better yet, be prepared to give a little back. Check that. Be prepared to dish a lot of it back. He needs to know he made the worst decision of his life. Not about signing with the Red Sox (because it's hard to argue with $82.5 million), but in his decision to take a shot at Angel fans.
Like I said earlier; it’s time to draw a line in the stand. It’s time to take sides. This is baseball and taking sides is part of the game.
I too heard the comments by Biggsy but could not find the interview. I don't think Jeff would bring things up unless they were true so I am going with him on this.
ReplyDeleteBesides agreeing with you totally - I want to add that I have heard on more than one occasion from sports announcers that the loudest stadium they had ever heard was at Angels Stadium during the 2002 World Series. Those darn layed back disspasionate Angel fans. Perhaps some day we can do better. :-)
I don't doubt Jeff Biggs for a second. I just like having links to include in my post.
ReplyDeleteYou did it again. Crystallizing my thoughts to a T with regards to John Lackey. His cheap shots will continue to come fast and furiously, but really what would you expect him to do? To hell with John Lackey, because the man we all cheered for died as he threw his last pitch before being yanked by Scioscia.
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