I don't think I can put into words what I'm feeling right now. I watched all of the post game festivities on 2, 5, 7, 9, FOX, ESPN, CSN, ETC. until the last one finally turned into an infomercial. It still hasn't sunk in.
The Chicago White Sox are in the World Series. Our Chicago White Sox. In THE series. I figure if I say it out loud or type it out enough I'll actually start to believe it. -- I'm not yet, but I'll let you know when I do.
During those post game interviews as we heard from the players, to a man, they couldn't find the words to express themselves either. They can hardly believe they've won the AL Pennant.
Jose Contreras wasn't all that great early in the game. He was falling behind batters routinely, and hanging his forkball. -- I thought the rain may have been a factor at first, but Count would later prove that was not the case. -- He walked Adam Kennedy leading off the 5th inning, then fell behind Chone Figgins, setting up a bizarre play that plated a run and gave the Angels another runner in scoring position. From that point on, El Conde was lights out. Figgins would advance to third on a passed ball that for some reason was ruled a wild pitch, and later score on a Garret Anderson sac fly, but the Angels would not have a baserunner from then on. 15 in a row to end the game. He was looking stronger as the finish line came into sight.
Joe Crede was the offensive hero on the night. He started the White Sox scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second, tied the game back up in the 7th with a HR, and had a 2-out RBI base hit off of Frankie Rodriguez who was brought in specifically to face him. Even though Paul Konerko was awarded the ALCS MVP, you could make a great case for Crede too.
Just a few weeks ago we were worried about the Sox even making the playoffs. Now we're just waiting to find out who our World Series opponent will be. Waiting. For the World Series.
It's a nice, if unfamiliar, place to be.