Yes, trying to please Red Sox fans-the ultimate "what have you done for me lately" crowd-can seem herding flies. I'm sure it's infuriating at times for you players out there. We call you out and rag on you and tell you that you suck and that you're no good and that you should be back in the instructional league somewhere. On occasion, we'll even boo you when we're really displeased. If we're not sure you're tough enough, then we'll try in all manner of ways to break you down, chip away at your spirit. To see if you're man enough to take it, and Mr. Lester...cancer survivor or no, we weren't sure you were. I guess we were wrong.
It seems cruel, I know, and it's not fair. But the flip side of that is that once you've won us over, well, there are no more loyal fans in all of professional sports. Even during our most disdainful moments, we are always hoping at some point we can love you like we want to, but to earn it you have to perform. Once you do, we'll be putty in your hands forever.
You took one huge step closer to that tonight, kid.
Congratulations to Jon Lester tonight for pitching the 18th no-hitter in the history of the Boston Red Sox. We're so proud of you!
