The Sox survived that surge, but three years later blew a 14-game lead. Those star-crossed Sox won 99 games, but failed to make the playoffs (Bucky Dent). Orioles first base coach Jim Frey chatted with Sox first baseman George Scott during the collapse, and heard Boomer explain the fold by saying, “Some of these guys are choking, man.’’
At the time, Scott was something like 1 for 24.
All of which brings us to Sept. 16, 2011. The baseball world is very different now. The Red Sox no longer have the identity of chokers. Everything changed in the biblical October of 2004. There is no longer extra weight in the Sox’ home uniforms. These Red Sox aren’t asked about the sins of their fathers. They are allowed to play in peace, not measured against cataclysmic collapses from the 1940s and 1970s.
So why are we a little nervous today?
Because the Red Sox have seen their once insurmountable playoff lead wither to a mere three games with 13 to play. Last night’s uber-ugly 9-2 loss to the Rays (Boston’s lineup at the finish looked like something from Fort Myers in March) made things a little too close for comfort. Tampa is here for another three games and could pull even Sunday afternoon with a sweep of the next three.
Feels like old times.
On Aug. 7, the Red Sox were 11 games ahead of the Rays. Now it is three.
Tampa manager Joe Maddon knows about these things. Maddon was the first base coach of the 1995 California Angels, who had a 12-game lead with 38 to play. The Angels failed to make the playoffs.
“I was with those ’95 Angels, man,’’ said Maddon. “I lived it. We were annihilating everybody. But it was awful. So why can’t it happen again to somebody else?’’
Could it happen to your Boston Red Sox - the “Best Team Ever,’’ the team with the $160 million payroll (four times that of the Rays); the team with 15 All-Stars, two world championships this decade, and six playoff appearances in eight seasons?
Maybe.
Strange things happen when you are in one of these free falls. Black cats walk in front of the dugout. Baseball bats break into pieces and force your shortstop to miss an inning-ending grounder.
