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#499

I was all set to write a strident, forceful post about how that silly "498" banner the Sox insisted on draping in Fenway's outfield was at the root of Manny's hitting problems. That instead of acting like a red flag for a bull, it was having the reverse effect and screwing with his mojo.

And then #499 happened last night.

So now I solemnly swear never to doubt Manny's mojo again - or ever think that some banner (no matter how lame and Yankees-esque PR stunt it might be) has any effect at all whatsoever on said mojo. It was so very Shaughnessy of me to think there was any kind of curse, and I know better.

I still think they should take it down, though.

photo credit: md91180

Comments (8)

[ Ian ] says:
on May 28, 2008 3:49 PM

it will say 500 when they get back to fenway next month so don't you worry one bit.

[ beth ] says:
on May 28, 2008 4:58 PM

if anything, this *strengthens* the case for taking down the banners at fenway. how many home games did he have to hit two home runs--and then he finally does it in seattlie...hmm

[ ecl1958 ] says:
on May 28, 2008 6:13 PM

Much as it would be nice for him to hit #500 at Fenway, I'd really like to see him do it on his birthday this Friday. :-)

[ *jen* ] says:
on May 28, 2008 6:45 PM

Ok, I've just got to get this off my chest. I was at the game last night. In fact, I actually thought for a moment that I was going to catch #499. I was sitting three rows in front of the kid who caught the ball and he was a jerk. He had a sign that said something about Boston being a band wagon team. And when my husband and I first sat down, he started commenting on how all the Red Sox fans at the game were claiming to be from Boston even though they weren't. I turned around and let him know, "I'm not from Boston... I'm from New Hampshire." He stared at my with a blank look for a minute, but didn't say anything. My guess is that he was probably trying to figure out where New Hampshire was.

Anyway, he continued to annoy everyone in the section (including the Mariners fans) yelling about JD Drew being old, Mariners batters being impatient and how Manny & Coco were "showing off" by sliding to make catches in the outfield. Then, next thing I know, Manny homers right into this kid's hands.

Why does that happen? It couldn't have gone to a bigger tool. The only thing that made me smile about the situation is that Manny wouldn't sign the ball for him.

[ Liza ] says:
on May 28, 2008 7:34 PM

Jen, that kid sounds like a real nice guy. :P

Also, I'd love for him to hit #500 on his birthday... or mine (Sunday)!

[ jules ] says:
on May 28, 2008 7:56 PM

Great photo.

I know he'll get 500 on Friday. Why? I was on the phone making an appointment for a hair cut Friday when I looked at the schedule. Miss a game for a hair cut? No! So, it's destiny that I see the game ;-).

Jen, too bad about the tool who caught the ball. ugh.

I've got the Sea Dogs game on. I love minor league ball.

[ jules ] says:
on May 28, 2008 8:01 PM

Youk is out of the lineup again. We'll miss his bat, but Casey!

;-)

I sure hope that Wake pitches well.

[ LifelongSoxFan ] says:
on May 28, 2008 9:52 PM

Of all weekends NOT to get tickets for the Baltimore series....D'OH! At least I get to watch on MASN. I hope Manny gets an extra special birthday present....couldn't agree more, ecl!!

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