A Sports Debate: Do You Want To Face Your Rival?
Written by Chriso, Monday April 12 2010
I remember this debate from 2004. The Red Sox were still suffering from "The Curse Of The Bambino", and they had not won the championship since 1918. The debate was: If the Sox won the championship, did they have to beat the Yankees?
It seemed like a silly debate at that time, and still seems that way now. First, the Yankees did not really stop the Red Sox in the playoffs until the playoffs were expanded in 1995. The Sox and Yankees did play a 163rd game in 1978, but when that happens, it is considered part of the regular season. If there was a team that really haunted Boston in the playoffs, it would probably be the Cardinals. The Cards defeated Boston in 1946 and 1967 in seven games. The Mets in 1986 and the Reds in 1975 also won the World Series against the Sox, again in seven. New York's victories in the ALCS were more recent history. So I always considered the thinking that Boston had to beat the Yankees was created by newer fans. My position was, get to the World Series facing whatever team came in the way. Just get there and win.
As it worked out, the Yankees were the team to beat in the ALCS. And as the Sox went on to the World Series, they had to beat the Cardinals, and it almost seemed like it lined up that Boston did have to beat their longtime foes. But in 2007, Boston beat Cleveland in the ALCS and the Rockies in the World Series. They had some playoff history in the 90's against Cleveland, and a one game playoff in 1948. Boston had no history with Colorado. If the championships were reversed, they still would have meant as much.
The debate came to my attention today as I listened to Washington sports radio. The Capitals had the most points in the regular season, and are ready for the Stanley Cup playoffs. One of the hosts argued that the Caps need to face the Penguins, as if it would not count if they do not face Pittsburgh. Another host said that he does not care who Washington faces, just as long as they make it to the cup.
The first host used a basketball example. He mentioned that the Bulls needed to defeat the Pistons, as if there was a coming of age ritual. I think it is revisionist history, Michael Jordan could win championships with or without going through Detroit.
But what is your opinion. Do you want your team to have a playoff series against the big rival, or just get to the championship?
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5 comments
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TreyHunter, I agree.... I hear Yankee fans talk about 27 championships, not how many wins they have over their rival...
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It's not about beating your rival out of the playoffs, although it is a sweet taste to have in your mouth when you do. Do you get a championship ring for beating your rival in the playoffs? No. It's about getting to the championship and defeating any team standing in the way.
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I agree with B-Dub. (Lightning strikes) There is nothing greater than beating your rival in the playoffs. Plus if you don't beat them, fans of the other team will always say "well, we would have beat you."
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Well yes, if you know you are going to defeat them, that is good... but looking ahead do you want to face them? Because losing to your hated rival is always tough to take...
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Defeating your most hated rival in any sport makes a Championship that much sweeter Chriso. It's fun to be able to brag the whole next season and possibly longer.