It’s 01.25 in the morning here in the U.K. and Game One of the 2008 World Series is about to begin. Jonny and Josh have their tuxedoes on, the lineups have been announced and the Backstreet Boys have warbled their way through the Star Spangled Banner.
Jonny’s score out of 10 for their effort was a 6 (“it was at least in tune”), while Josh (who claimed not to want to “kick a has-been band when they’re down”) gave them 5.5. I would go for 5 (Dave Lengel’s shirt gets a 2).
The early hour can’t diminish the excitement; the energy of the Rays crowd is vibrating across the Atlantic and it won’t be long before Jimmy Rollins is blinded by several thousand flashbulbs – as if Scott Kazmir’s fastball isn’t tough enough to hit already. The cowbells are clanging and I’m sure there are a few Phillies white towels twirling in the air somewhere (not to be confused with white flags, that’s for sure).
It’s the underdogs against the underdogs. Scott Kazmir against Cole Hamels. Carlos Pena against Ryan Howard. Evan Longoria against Chase Utley. David Price (possibly?) against Brad Lidge. Joe Maddon against Charlie Manuel.
It’s the ‘never had a winning season before’ Rays against the ‘one World Series in 125 years’ Phillies.
It’s the highlight of the baseball calendar and it promises to be a fantastic way to top off what’s been yet another great MLB season.
Enjoy the game.
