Sleep Deprived After 18 Innings

For the past three weeks, many people have asked me these two questions: 1) “Did you stay up till 3:30 a.m. to watch that 18-inning World Series game?” and 2) “Are you going to write about the Red Sox winning the championship?”

Here are the answers I offered to those two questions: 1) “Yes,” and 2) “I’m not sure, because I’m so sleep-deprived I can’t think straight.”

Well, almost three weeks after the fact, I’ve finally caught up on sleep, and it’s time to write about the World Series victory by my beloved Red Sox. First, let’s start with that 18-inning marathon game. It was a Friday night, and as midnight approached and the game was tied after nine innings, I thought to myself, “Well, I don’t have to get up early and go to work tomorrow, so I’ll continue watching. How long can it go, another hour or so at the most?”

When the clock ticked past 2 a.m. in about the 15th inning, I no longer even cared who won. I pleaded with the TV: “Somebody, anybody, please end this thing!”

Anyway, the game went 18 innings, with the Dodgers winning on a walk-off home run at exactly 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time. I was relieved it was finally over, but then quickly realized I did indeed care who won, and as I crawled into bed and tried to sleep, my mind repeatedly replayed Ian Kinsler’s errant throw in the 13th inning that could’ve won the game for Boston. I didn’t doze off until well past 4 a.m.

For some unfortunate reason — probably due to the fact I’m not 25 anymore — I was wide awake before 7 a.m. and spent the rest of the weekend walking around in a daze.

There are two things that occurred during the World Series that I am not very proud of. The first is staying up to watch the entire 18-inning game. Many people have congratulated me for being such a dedicated fan, but in reality, it was one of the dumbest things I’ve done in a long time. (And if you ask my darling bride, the list of dumb things is extensive!)

The second thing I’m not proud of was directly caused by the 18-inning marathon game. Two nights later, when the Red Sox were poised to clinch the World Series title, I was so tired I went to bed after the fourth inning. While sound asleep I was awakened by the telephone ringing. I groggily looked at my alarm clock, which read 11:20. Then it dawned on me: “Ooh, the baseball game! Someone must be calling to celebrate with me! Either that, or it’s another robocall telling me to vote for Ned Lamont.”

I didn’t get out of bed in time to answer the phone, but I went in the living room, turned on the TV and saw a mob of Red Sox players jumping around and hugging each other. (Note to B.L.: Even though your wife was angry that you called me so late, I’m glad you did, so I could watch the celebration live.)

As the players celebrated and the trophies were presented, I perused various sports apps on my cell phone, trying to learn the details of the game. To be honest, at that moment I felt like a fraud. “What kind of fan am I? I was asleep during the clinching moment. I never would’ve done that in 2004. I don’t deserve to wear any of my 17 Red Sox hats!”

Three weeks later, and now well-rested, I think I’m still a loyal fan in good standing. And here’s a question for the MLB executives: Would it kill ya to start the games a little earlier?!