I actually just wanted to make note of something that sprung to mind just now. It's not really a big deal, but if you're the Haterade type regarding Moose, it might give you something to be happy about in October, as we Oriole fans bide our time watching the playoffs as outsiders, waiting for the Series to end and any potential action to begin.
On November 30, 2000, former Orioles ace Mike Mussina signed with the New York Yankees in his quest to secure immortality via the World Series ring he would surely receive. After all, the Yankees had won three in a row and four of the last five, and Mussina was a big part of their reloading for the 2001 season and beyond.
On November 4, 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks achieved a remarkable comeback in game seven of the World Series, featuring Tony Womack doubling off of Mariano Rivera and a washed-up Jay Bell scoring the championship-winning run. Mussina pitched twice in the series, once well and once horribly. No ring for Moose. He made 10 million dollars.
On October 5, 2002, the Anaheim Angels finished a four-game dismantling of the Yankees in the ALDS on their way to their first and so far only World Series title in franchise history. Mussina pitched in game three and got bombed. No ring for Moose. He made 11 million dollars.
On October 25, 2003, the Florida Marlins dominated the Yankees in game six of the World Series, winning 2-0 and ending another Yankee season short of the ultimate goal. Mussina pitched game three again, and did very well in a 6-1 Yankee win. But still, no ring for Moose. He made 12 million dollars.
On October 20, 2004, the Boston Red Sox manhandled the Yankees, 10-3, completing the most improbable comeback in sports history, storming from a 3-0 series deficit to win four straight and send the Yankees packing. Mussina was helpless to prevent destiny, I suppose, but nonetheless, no ring for Moose. He made 16 million dollars.
And on October 10, 2005, Mike Mussina stunk the joint up in Anaheim, and the Yankees lost to the Angels in the postseason again, three games to two.
No ring for Moose. He made 19 million dollars.
Screw the Curse of the Bambino. The New York Yankees may never get over that fateful day they gave Mike Mussina truckloads of cash. The Curse of the Moose is very real.