It was a fall evening, long time ago...staying up way past bedtime...I remember watching Carlton Fisk's epic homer in the '75 series - Reds/Red Sox (perhaps the best ever)...I can picture the layout of our family room, exactly where the TV was, and all that...

Yes, I recall the '86 series - sitting by myself in the lounge on the 6th floor of Letts Hall at AU - watching the debacle - the implosion of the Sox who were going to actually win the title in my lifetime....

And of course, being in our kitchen in Flemington, NJ as caveman Johnny Damon heroically knocked the curse Yankees out for good...and as the Sox actually did fulfill their hoped-for promise...

And tonight, as the Rangers and Cards are tied in game 6 of the 2011 fall classic, I can't help but be caught up in the angst, anxiety, excitement and love of being a fan.

Whoever wins - it's been a great season - because it's baseball. And for whoever loses - just wait 'til next year.

Play ball....

For what are you thankful?

On this Sukkot - time of our rejoicing - for what are you thankful?

Me - the various opportunities to teach in the community, and to build community with so many wonderful people from different backgrounds...

(photo above from recent guest teaching appearance and St. Mary's, Notre Dame IN.)