That autumn wind is finally beginning to make its course through all of the Northeast and with it comes one of the best times of year, postseason baseball. Especially with Fenway Park being right down the block from Boston University, there will be hopefully many nights in which I can hear the roar of the fans and the chants of Sweet Caroline. Baseball was the first sport I ever played and so it holds a special place in my heart over all other sports. Ever since I was six years old I would watch games with my dad and be amazed at the atmosphere a playoff baseball game created. As the postseason approaches, there are a few teams that are just a cut above the rest in terms of contending for that World Series trophy in November. In the American League the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros seem to be the two best teams in baseball, but unfortunately one must be eliminated to make it to the World Series. The Oakland Athletics have been a great story this year coming out of nowhere to win over 90 games and qualify for the Wild Card in the American League. However, as stated before, the Red Sox and Astros seem poised for a matchup in the American League Championship. Out of the two I believe the Astros have the better team overall because they not only have a fantastic pitching rotation, but also a great lineup. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs seem to be the two best teams, even though the National League is more wide open. I think the Dodgers will end up making it to the World Series again due to their postseason experience, great lineup, and solid starting pitching. This postseason is definitely going to be captivating and I can’t wait for the surprises that are surely coming. Get ready for a Astros vs Dodgers rematch in the World Series everyone!

Consistency has definitely not been a word in the vocabulary of the New York Giants over the last several years. They have had consistent trouble finding a groove as a team in general. The last few season have been disappointing to say the least leading to a GM change and a coaching change for the second time in a couple years. The Giants had gotten off to start they had not expected losing both of their first two games against the Jaguars and then the Cowboys. Little had faith in the Giants coming into this game on the road despite’s the Texans also posting the same record through their first two games. However, from the start on Sunday it was clear that the Giants had come to play with new found intensity. The defense turned the Texans over twice on drives they were about to score on, and Eli Manning silenced all critics by posting a 137 passer rating and only throwing 4 incompletions. The Giants offense finally showed the potency to a certain extent that everyone was waiting for.The offensive line as well looked much improved at pass protection with Ereck Flowers, the main problem on the line, on the bench. As a Giants fan, I hope this carries on throughout the season, but they have a tough task next week against the Saints high powered offense. Regarding general football news, the lowly Bills defeated the Vikings in a shock upset on the road by over 20 points. The Redskins also pulled an upset agains the Packers at home, the Dolphins remain undefeated at 3-0, the Browns won their first game in over a year, and the Patriots got embarassed on Sunday Night Football by the Lions. This week was full of plenty of surprises, but I am most happy about my Giants showing some good signs of life this week.

Ever since I was little sports were always the constant in my life. I was taught from a young age that sports were all about cooperation, teamwork, work ethic, and having fun. What everyone seemed to forget though was that sports had the power to unify people of vastly different and conflicting backgrounds, even if just for a few brief hours. There are not many things in the world that can bring together people who are so opposed to one another like sports can. This is exactly why I fell in love with sports, many who think that they are just games fail to see the lifetime memories, bonding, and atmosphere that they create. Sports become a part of the fabric of the cultures of various parts of the world. For example, look at baseball in the Caribbean islands like the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Baseball is literally a part of their culture and is celebrated throughout the islands on almost a daily basis. The same is the case with soccer in almost all parts of the world. Fans of soccer in Europe and Latin America go absolutely crazy at games for their teams and when they lose they feel the heartbreak as if it were their own. In general, sports create an emotional bond to them that lead different people to come together. True sports fans know that the wins and losses of their favorite teams feel like achievements of their own or of their family. All in all sports are all about playing the game with passion and forgetting about any problems or issues you have in the real world. Sports are truly an escape to all involved, a place of real comfort and understanding.