What I think about when I think about this World Series

What I think about when I think about this World Series

The World Series defines franchises like no other championship in sports, because it can define its losers as much as its winners. We know the Yankees have won twenty seven world series, and as a result have ascended to the post of most prestigious franchise in North American sports. Moreover, we remember the great teams and the great triumphs of teams that have since dipped into the realm of mediocrity. The Cincinnati Reds made the postseason this year for the first time since 1995. Over the past fifteen years, few National League teams have been worse than the Reds. Yet, the franchise will forever be associated with the "Big Red Machine" of the 1970's. The Reds, led by hall of famers Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan, and all time hits leader Pete Rose, won four NL pennants and two World Series. No matter what the Reds do in the future (they were swept aside by the Phillies this year) the franchise will always have the "Machine." Teams do not need to be dynastic to garner immortality for their franchise. Take the Pirates for instance. We all know about their ridiculous futility of the past twenty seasons. Yet one can't think of the Pirates without thinking of "We are Family" in 1979, or Clemente's brilliance of 1971, or Maz's walkoff of 1960. The Pirates prove that some World Series victories are greater than others to the point where they can define a franchise.

World Series losses, or the lack of appearances in general, can also define a franchise. The Red Sox before 2004, the White Sox before 2005, the Indians, and of course the Cubs are among the most infamous losers in all of sports. That brings us to this year's World Series between the Giants and Rangers, two franchises stained with playoff shortcomings. The Giants haven't won a World Series since 1954. They are 0 for 52 since their move to San Fran. And yet they have no curse, nor do they carry the same depressing cloud that floats over every team from Cleveland. Perhaps it's because the Giants were once the toast of the National League... from 1904-1937. They won  four World Series and thirteen NL pennants in that span. They've won   five pennants since, including that lone Series title. Maybe Giants fans just aren't superstitious enough to attribute their mishaps to one transient event. Or maybe Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and co. made them forget for awhile. Either way, the Giants have a chance to renew the rich history of their franchise in 2010. 

Their opponent has a similar history, that is if you consider everything post 1960 history. The Texas Rangers have never won the World Series, been to the World Series, or even won a playoff series until this postseason. The franchise has existed since 1961. Yet like the Giants, the Rangers are forgotten losers. They too live in the metaphorical and physical shadow (that's one big stadium) of their football neighbors. Also like the Giants, they have an opportunity to create a watershed moment for the franchise; they can become a winner.

But this is what I think about when I think about this World Series: no matter who wins, the series will not come to define either franchise. My gut tells me the Rangers will win based on their lineup and that guy named Cliff. The DH is a huge advantage as well once the series shifts to Texas. If the Rangers win it'll be great for Dallas, and if the Giants win it'll be great for San Francisco. But neither team has the makings of a dynasty, nor will the fans have a "now I can die in peace" elation. Quite frankly, few people outside of those two cities care who wins. I see a five game Series ending in jubilation for the guys in the South. Next year we'll move on with our baseball lives with an unchanging opinion of the two franchises. 

I could be dead wrong though. Cliff Lee and Tim Lincecum could cement their respective pitching legacies. Josh Hamilton could become an all time legend with his majestic home runs. Maybe the Series will come down to the ninth inning of the seventh game, and Brian Wilson will face down Mr. Hamilton as 50,000 title thirsty fans hold their collective breath, and maybe Josh will hit a home run, and maybe Texas forgets about America's team and embraces the American League's team, or maybe Brian strikes him out, and Willie Mays will be crying somewhere, and Giants fans will take to the streets.  Maybe then we'll remember it forever.

Like I said, opportunity.

Dil Friday