Yankee Fans: Don’t Pile on Papi

I imagine a fair amount of Yankee fans, like me, had this initial reaction to the news that David Ortiz (allegedly) tested positive for steroids:

“HE WAS CHEATING DURING BOSTON’S COMBACK IN THE 2004 ALCS!!!”

Yes, Ortiz played a huge role (probably the BIGGEST) in rallying the Red Sox from a three-games-to-none deficit to overcome the Yankees and advance to the World Series.

But sorry Yankee fans, you can’t cry foul. Sure, it appears Ortiz was cheating (and for that matter, Manny Ramirez, too), but you can’t say that Boston’s run in 2004 was tainted.

As hard as it is to admit - especially for a fan like me who counts “The Collapse” as one of the most traumatic experiences of my life - we Yankee fans don’t have a leg to stand on.

And that’s because our guys were as guilty as theirs.

Just look at some of the Yankees on that 2004 team that have had their names linked in some way to steroid use; A-Rod, Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi and Kevin Brown.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. The Yankees had as many cheaters on their roster as the Red Sox…if not more!

The real shame is how that epic series might now be devalued. Obviously for Yankee fans that would be just fine with us. But in the greater context of historical baseball achievements, the Red Sox’ comeback against the Yanks was the greatest in the history of the sport.

Now how will history view it? Remember it was Ortiz who hit the walk off home run in the 12th inning of game four to stave off a sweep. That’s one of the greatest moments in Red Sox history.

But now? Will Red Sox Nation still feel the same way about that accomplishment?

Judging by the standing ovation for Ortiz at today’s Red Sox game, I think they might still hold that moment in the highest regard….but that’s a rant for another day.

But then again, I could be completely wrong on the topic of performance ENHANCING drugs. Where did PEDs get the Yanks and Kevin Brown in game seven?

Matt Estreich for The Huddle