[ t i c k t i o n a r y { b a t c a v e } ]

[ s t a y i n g ]

[ d a r k ]

{ 8 . 0 3 . 9 8 }

During the fine season the Dallas Stars had last year, I appointed myself the "driver of the bandwagon." In this capacity, I charged myself with keeping the riff-raff, the revolving-door fan and the fair-weather faithful off. I took my job so seriously that I even kept the GREAT Sideshow Bob fron getting back on after his numerous jumps off. I even went so far as to forbid him from even holding Stars watching parties.

Fast forward now to the current Rangers season.

When "Holly Wood" Mike Rhyner issued his yearly "This-team-is-done" eidict, I was right there with him. The Rangers we're falling far and fast behind the Angels as the team continued to self-destruct as the season progressed. I said to others as I prosletized for the "dark side" that there not only no hope for a pst-season, but also there was no hope any trade could offer the flagging team.

I didn't take into account "the Hicks Factor.

As many locals know the deep sports financing pockets of Tom Hicks, also the owner of the Stars, will open in the clutch. As such, on the last day for trades the coffers opened and spilled out an additional eleven million dollars for pitching and fielding. In the days following the trade, the Rangers commenced to putting an ass-whipping of Biblical proprotions on the hapless Chi Sox. Sure, they're cellar dwellers but those are the teams you got to beat.

Does this mean I want back on the bandwagon? Most certainly not. It just means I've learned the lesson that I tried to beat into Bob earlier in the year: Never say never. Never say die. Stick by your team until the end. It also means that I learn another lesson: Stand by what you say. Sure it's unpopular and sure, what I say may not have near the legs to stand on that it used to, but I at least have the courage to say it. As as the season goes on into post, I hope I get the chance to say, "Well, I was wrong."

Go Rangers! Blayst Layst!