Nay, we are but men. Rock!

Thanks for nearly 8 years of crazy memories.  So many people giving their opinions about this “end of an era,” but I found one from The Joy of Sox that was an excellent wrap-up.  Just to quote some from the full post (which you should go read, plus the comments)

Maybe one day we’ll have a better grasp on what happened over the last month, as Manny’s public attitude about being a Red Sock changed so dramatically. Maybe it will be forever clouded, a mystery of how everything spiraled out of control so quickly … Either way, he’s gone.

When I think back on Manny Ramirez Era, I will think of nothing but the prettiest swing I’ve ever seen, the no-doubt bombs and the Mummy, the Camden high-five, the bare-handed grabs off the Wall and perfect throws to the infield, the ropes to right-center, the Cairo catch and double point, the quotes, hugs, fist bumps — the sheer joy he was unafraid to show while playing the game he loved. And the two (two!!) World Series titles.

I will miss him, but I won’t.  He excited fans by excelling in the big things (home runs, clutch hitting), and annoyed fans by ignoring the little things (running out infield hits).  It’s almost as if he was half committed to the game.  As a fan I became apathetic and tired of the drama surrounding him, and ultimately that is why I have a bittersweet contentment that he is gone.  The Red Sox are a very different team without him, no doubt, but it’s almost like there’s a freshness to it; a new chapter has begun, which is new and exciting.

I’ll leave this with some photos of Manny being Manny.  Many more can be found over here.