I've never claimed to be anyone's definitive source on national sports news. In fact, I would be disappointed to hear that anyone read my column as his or her only source of news. The people who read my column regularly (yes, I'm sure there are a few of you) probably know me well enough to understand that as much as I love writing this column, I'd much rather stop and talk sports for five minutes in the mailroom. I write about what I find interesting and what I think my readers will find interesting. I don't write about sports news.
Sports have been, and always will be a part of who I am. Whether I'm playing sports, writing about sports, watching sports or talking sports, they are one of the most important parts of my life. Some people will scoff hearing that someone at Amherst College has proclaimed that sports are more important to him than academics, but for me, it's really the truth.
As I finish up my last semester at Amherst and begin to look ahead, I've been forced to make some rather disheartening conclusions about my academic career. I've loved Amherst, loved my classes, loved my professors and coaches, loved my friends, loved my golf experiences and loved writing for the newspaper. However, when I enter the real world, I am wholly confident that what I've learned watching SportsCenter will be more beneficial than many of the things I've learned in the classroom. Sure the things I've learned in the classroom have benefitted me personally, helped me grow and improved my intellect, but when I enter the real world, will I ever discuss the topics I learned in my first-year seminar? Doubtful.
I've come to terms with the fact that in 10 years, when I come back to Amherst, none of my professors will remember me as a great student. Despite the fact that I've attended about 99 percent of my classes and read more than my share of textbooks, I'm by no means a superstar in the classroom. However, I'm fairly confident that the professors and coaches who will remember me, will remember me as the Babbling Bostonian and the golfer.
This week wasn't supposed to be a preachy column, or even an opinion column, but that's how it's turned out so far, so you'll have to deal. Next week, after I've finished my thesis, I will write my final Babbling Bostonian, and I will say goodbye to one of my favorite parts of my life. However, even when I'm no longer writing this column, I will always be the Babbling Bostonian.
Okay, now it's time for some actual sports analysis. I have a few ideas for next week's finale, but I won't spoil the surprise just yet!
One More Time
One last time I will share with you my love of Boston sports teams. I don't know who my replacement will be, but in case he or she isn't a Bostonian, this will leave a good Boston taste in your mouth. I'd rather see my replacement be a Bostonian, or at least a Boston-rooting New Englander, but unfortunately, I have no say. All I can ask is that the new sports columnist share my love and passion for sports and enjoy writing as much as I do.
I'm not sure I could be any more excited or proud of the Celtics right now. They have won 45 games, clinched the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and will go into the playoffs as a legitimate conference-title contender. They have two superstars in their prime, a superstar in his twilight, the best sixth man in the league and three rookies on the verge of greatness.
As long as Danny Ainge doesn't screw this up too badly, the Celtics will be a mainstay in the playoffs for at least the rest of my early 20s. For one of the few people in Massachusetts who loves the Celtics as much as, if not more than, the Red Sox, you don't know how great it is to have a winning basketball team in Boston.
Although I was in attendance at as many 1980s Celtics games at the Garden as anyone else my age, the memories I have of the Celtics teams from that era are far from clear. It's my dream to create new memories of Celtics greatness.
After a 2005 World Series Championship, there's not much the Red Sox can do that won't spark excitement and enthusiasm in New England. In fact, it's getting a little out of control even here at Amherst. People, who only four years ago thought the signing of Manny Ramirez was a waste of money, are now coming out of the woodwork proudly boasting that they are diehard Red Sox fans. Diehard Red Sox fans know that Ramirez, when the Sox signed him in 2001, was arguably the best right-handed hitter in baseball. Now, in 2005, he arguably still is.
Diehard Red Sox fans know that the Mets didn't win the World Series when Bill Buckner misplayed that ground ball. Diehard Red Sox fans know that Sammy Sosa was on the Red Sox in 1994. Diehard Red Sox fans will never root for Roger Clemens, under any circumstances. Diehard Red Sox fans know that Trot Nixon is the only member of the starting lineup who began his career in red and white. Diehard Red Sox fans don't have to prove anything to anyone. They aren't required to wear Sox gear at all times, or watch every game, but they are required to know more than just who the players are and what place the Sox are in. They are fans for life, no matter what.
If you remember one thing about the Babbling Bostonian, remember that he was, and always will be, a diehard Boston sports fan.