October 29, 2002 [LINK]
The Angels win!
As I was hoping (ever since they knocked the Yankees out in the first round, that is), the Angels averted defeat at the hands of the Giants by staging a thrilling comeback in Game 6 on Saturday night (winning 6 to 5) and then prevailing in a less dramatic but still exciting Game 7 Sunday night (4 to 1). I felt a little bad for the Giants, who haven't won the World Series since 1954, but the Angels certainly deserved the trophy. Not many people were paying attention to the Angels while the Oakland A's were in the middle of their amazing 20-game winning streak back in August, but Anaheim was hot on the trail of the AL West champions until the very end of the season. Barry Bonds seemed a little miffed at not getting that prized ring; maybe next year. After Dusty Baker's three-year old son almost got trampled on at home, MLB rules should perhaps set a minimum age for bat boys. The poor little kid was sobbing after Game 7 and may be scarred for life. All in all, 2002 was another great year for baseball from start to finish, though it's a little troubling that television viewership for the World Series was so poor. Part of that can be attributed to the lack of regional balance, but it makes one wonder if night games are inherently less exciting and "authentic." Conventional wisdom says that only night games can attract the necessary TV audience to the World Series, but I think day games on weekends are at least worth a try.