While I reside in Virginia, I'm originally from Boston (you probably know where this is headed) and even though I haven't lived in Boston for many years, I'm still a rabid Red Sox fan.  Unless you grew up in Boston it would be hard to understand the emotional connection that "the Red Sox Nation" has for its team.  In truth, it's almost more of a cultural experience than a sporting experience. 

To be honest, I can't say that I particularly love baseball as a sport but.....I love the Red Sox! It's the experience, the first big league game that your Father took you to- countless Friday nights in the bleachers ($2.00 at that time) when the Sox were in town and the "the evil empire" vs. Red Sox.  We were taught from our father's knee that the Yankees (before we even knew what a Yankee was) were evil and even their fans could not be trusted.  Walk into any local Boston coffee shop on the morning after a Red Sox game and all you will hear is the chatter of the fans ruminating about each and every play.

Now there are some rules for displaced Red Sox fans.  Principle among these rules is that while it is ok to adopt and even cheer for the home team (unless you have been displaced to New York), when the Red Sox come to town your allegiance must immediately divert back to the Red Sox. 
And.......if you violate this rule, than you are, or at least should be, excommunicated - cast out in utter disgrace and no longer allowed back to Boston for family gatherings.
I remember parts of a quote from childhood, something about "people who truly love life are fearless, because life throws at them its greatest weapons: tragedies".  Maybe it came from Thoreau, I'm not sure, but it surely characterized the Red Sox Nation for 82 years.  My long time childhood friend currently lives down the street from me and naturally we watched the 2004 World Series together.  I remember, humorously, that for weeks after the Sox victory he would say, "It's really weird. I'm just so used to disappointment that I just don't know how to feel."   

Red Sox Nation rules for displaced fans do not require me to gloat over the Nationals 11-3 loss last night to the Red Sox.  Out of respect to my adopted team, I will just quietly savor another great win for the Red Sox Nation.

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