The truest rite of spring

Flowers blooming? Nope.

Birds returning north? Not that either.

MLB's Opening Day? Closer, but no.

The truest indicator that spring has sprung took place Monday evening, in a peaceful, restful, even bucolic setting.

Except that there was no peace or rest, and the only thing bucolic about the setting was that the grass was green, and natural.

Yes folks, on Monday evening, another chapter was written in the most legendary of sports rivalries.

The Yankees and Red Sox played for the first time this season.

As has happened so often of late, they started the game in a tie for first place in the division, but that doesn't matter in this rivalry. One team could be in last while the other is coasting to a pennant.

The players and fans of both teams want each game. No matter how meaningless it might be in the overall pennant race.

The score was almost irrelevant (Red Sox won, 7 - 3). In this rivalry, the stories within the story are what give the rivalry its unique texture.

Johnny Damon returning to Fenway for the first time since going over to the Dark Side of the Force (aka - joining the Yankees as a free agent).

Greeted with a mix of boos and cheers. It was easier to cheer for a Yankee after an 0 for 4 night.

Another Former Red Sox turned Hated Yankee (also for money) was greeted rudely, not by the fans, but by David Ortiz. Gave up a 3-run homer that socked away the game for the Red Sox.

Doug Mirabelli returning to Fenway after getting traded to San Diego in the off season. He was replaced as Tim Wakefield's personal catcher by Josh Bard. After 10 passed balls in Wakefield's 4 starts, Bard, a minor leaguer and a player-to-be-named (or cash) were traded to SD to bring Mirabelli back.

Mirabelli rushed back east and arrived a few minutes before gametime, and got as many hits as Damon (0), but still had a much better night - 0 passed balls, 1 runner caught stealing in the Red Sox victory.

The trade: definitely a good idea.

To sum up, here's a quote from my sister's email (she kept me updated at work):

"Fans showered Damon with money in the outfield.

Mirabelli arrived via police escort and changed into his uniform in thevehicle and raced onto the field for the start of the game.

There's NOTHING like baseball in Boston."

And that's just the regular season. Tonight's atmosphere was NOTHING compared to what it will be like if the Sox meet the Evil Empire in the playoffs.

1 down, 18 to go.

Did I mention that the Sox won?

:)

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/05/01/ortiz_ruins_damons_fenway_return_7_3/