Bonds Walk Off Homer, Again

(Originally posted 5/28) I just finished listening to the Giants beat the Rockies in the 9th inning on a two run home run by Barry Bonds, #671 for Bonds. On the ESPN Giants message board, people were griping all game about how the Giants were going to lose. Well, as Yogi Berra once said, "It's not over until it's over." Why do teams even pitch to Bonds with the game on the line? This was his third home run in the last four games. He is, without a doubt, the best player of his generation. What he does is unbelievable.

The whole internet message board/chat room phenomenon is pretty strange. People feel connected to one another through a shared interest, like Giants baseball. Some actually know each other and meet face to face. But usually, it seems pretty anonymous. A safe place to share opinions, gripes, hopes.

There are those on the Giants board who are pessimists. Others are more hopeful. Still others are "guardians" of the board, praising newcomers comments or dismissing others. And then, of course, there are "trolls". Not sure where the term comes from, these are usually fans of other teams who come on to the board when the Giants are losing to taunt the rrgular posters there. Some trolls seem to pretend to be real Giant fans, but are so negative in their assessments that they are designated "trolls."

What does it mean to be a fan? Does it mean to root for your team through thick and thin? Does it mean only to root for the team when they are winning? (Bandwagoner) Does it mean that no criticism can ever be made of the team? Does it mean that everything about the team is open to criticism, out of "concern", of course?

Perhaps a fan is someone who celebrates and rejoices in victory, who "dies" a little with defeat, and always remains hopeful and supportive.

Feels good tonight after a win, especially a dramatic win.