My friend Rick Gekoski, the writer, broadcaster, rare books dealer, and all-round excellent human being, says that "Sport makes you write, and think, and feel, in exclamation marks."
When I first read this statement in Rick's Grauniad book blog (you really should check it out at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog+series/rick-gekoski-finger-on-the-page), I knew immediately what he meant. Because, on my wall, in my office, is a replica of the front page of The Boston Globe from 28th October 2004.
The headline has just one word, but three screamers: "YES!!!".
It refers, of course, to the victory of the Sox in that year's World Series, their first triumph since 1918.
And "YES!!!" was exactly how I felt when the final wicket fell at SCG at 1am yesterday morning. YES!!!
The performances of England this winter have been more than worthy of exclamation. Even the single defeat was so appalling that one had to speak of it with an exclamation mark at the end of each sentence. In fact, one could tell the story of the Ashes without conventional syntax at all. Cook! Anderson! 127! Colly! Innings and 83! 3-1!
I know that, in years to come, I won't remember December 2010 for being the coldest on record, or even for the virulent attack of shingles which has caused me some serious pain over Christmas and New Year.
What I'll remember is England beating Australia and retaining the Ashes. I'll remember my reaction:
YES!!!
Today's listening: Peter Warlock, The Capriol Suite. With love to Leon.
When I first read this statement in Rick's Grauniad book blog (you really should check it out at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog+series/rick-gekoski-finger-on-the-page), I knew immediately what he meant. Because, on my wall, in my office, is a replica of the front page of The Boston Globe from 28th October 2004.
The headline has just one word, but three screamers: "YES!!!".
It refers, of course, to the victory of the Sox in that year's World Series, their first triumph since 1918.
And "YES!!!" was exactly how I felt when the final wicket fell at SCG at 1am yesterday morning. YES!!!
The performances of England this winter have been more than worthy of exclamation. Even the single defeat was so appalling that one had to speak of it with an exclamation mark at the end of each sentence. In fact, one could tell the story of the Ashes without conventional syntax at all. Cook! Anderson! 127! Colly! Innings and 83! 3-1!
I know that, in years to come, I won't remember December 2010 for being the coldest on record, or even for the virulent attack of shingles which has caused me some serious pain over Christmas and New Year.
What I'll remember is England beating Australia and retaining the Ashes. I'll remember my reaction:
YES!!!
Today's listening: Peter Warlock, The Capriol Suite. With love to Leon.
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