I have a dream - a novel concept in this month, of all months. Is it possible? Yes. Likely? One can never tell.
When I dream, I try to forget about the weather. This dream may come in bright sunshine, heat, snow, sleet or even freezing rain. Either way we will be champions, so bring on the 216's first hurricane.
Down Euclid Avenue the parade route will run, filled with miles of diehard fans immersed in shared happiness. I can picture the procession rumbling on, yet the spectators' clothing color seems hazy. Good thing I don't care what shade the masses will don.
In 2008, I want to say wine, given the presence of a King who's chosen to wear that shade through at least the 2009-2010 campaign. Of course, his court does have a Dwayne and Damon in it. Maybe our baseball team's designated hitter will decide to put up MVP numbers this season. At that point, "the land" (synonym for a northern Ohio city by Lake Erie) may be painted red with a splash of blue and gray.
I keep hearing about a messiah, so the crowd may even boast brown hoodies and orange sweat pants. If not a messiah, then 11 defensive warriors may help a soldier named Kellen rally his troops to victory. Still, I doubt the messiah will reward a defense that has Willie McGinest starting on it anytime soon.
Young children will cry and senior citizens will bawl their eyes out, overcome by a sweet, long-awaited triumph. Some will recall their youth and that last parade, which took place in 1964. Some will reminisce about all the mistakes, bad luck and just plain stupidity of over (undetermined number) years of championship frugality.
When a 10-year-old tears up after a World Series-clinching base hit for the other guys, thoughts immediately drift to the next sport and the closest opportunity. That same kid turned 21 last month and the desire could not be stronger. Except this time, age will only add to the joy of waking up from this endless stupor.
When will this dream come true? Who knows, but each waiting day only adds to burning anticipation. And then, out of nowhere, celebration day will arrive. A prophecy will be fulfilled as I head up Interstate 71 to downtown Cleveland. Now I can finally recall what I am wearing - a smile potent enough to unite the surrounding rows of dreamers.
Brian Rosen can be reached at rosen.95@osu.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
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