There is a baseball player for the New York Mets named Angel Pagan. Just stare at that name for a moment, and comprehend how unfortunate that name must look on a baseball card. Or more ironically, in a church membership directory.

Irregardless of the outcome of today's game, I wanted to share a few thoughts about what the 2006 Tigers season meant, and what I will be looking forward to here in 2007.

Family: I had the opportunity to take my siblings and parents to a game last August and it was an absolute blast. I have a feeling that it is going to be one of those events that comes up in conversation for years to come. Here are a few of the more memorable pictures.

Summer: How can you not think of the long nights of summer when baseball is the only team sport being played in July and August? Sunsets at the beach with friends and an AM radio, listening to Ernie Harwell (or Dan Dickerson and Jim Price today).

October: Baseball is my favorite sport. I'm definitely one of the Baseball Elites that Sean Baligian likes to talk about. Which is why I love October. Only 8 teams make the playoffs in baseball (unlike basketball and hockey, where half of the teams make the playoffs, which allows for several under-five-hundred New York Knicks-types). Packed stadiums on cold dark nights, hearing Joe Buck's "velvety-smooth" voice say "The Red Sox are the World Champions" is absolutely great. And being there with friends and family, that makes is amazing.

Every April through October, I follow each and every game, rarely missing an inning (when my schedule permits it). And you know what? I love it.

I'm an official member of Red Sox Nation now. As in, card carrying member. And it rocks.

Boston beats St. Louis in 4