The modern media have supported the notion that the greatest rivalry in sports' history is between the New York Yankees and the beloved Boston Red Sox.
Either those in the media have short memories or are simply uniformed.
A few seasons ago, during the 2004 playoff series against the Red Sox, New York's other team was trailing 4-2 in the eighth inning.
Alex Rodriguez hit the ball weakly to first. Pitcher Bronson Arroyo fielded the ball, but A-Rod prevented him from tagging him out by trying to slap the ball out of the pitcher's glove.
First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz blocked umpire Randy Marsh's view of the play. A-Rod was called safe despite the fact that he never touched first base, which allowed Derek Jeter to score the Yankees' third run.
The Red Sox complained about the interference so vehemently that the umpires were forced to hold a conference.
The decision was that A-Rod was out.
Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees, the Red Sox and even many in the media don't know the meaning of a real rivalry—one in which the teams ask for no quarter and give no quarter.
The greatest rivalry in sports history was between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants.
Jackie Robinson, probably the greatest all-around athlete to ever play in New York (yes, Jackie was a better athlete than even Derek Jeter), could have taught Alex Rodriguez a few things.
The year was 1951. It was early in the season, but that made no difference. In those days, it was realized that a loss in May counts as much as one in September.
The Giants had lost their first 11 games. They were a struggling team and no one had even an inkling of what would happen after August 13.
In the Giants-Dodgers game on April 3, the visiting Giants jumped off to a six run lead in the first inning. Trailing 8-3 in the third, Jackie Robinson faced Sal Maglie with two outs and the bases empty.
Robinson had no love for Maglie or the Giants, and the feeling was mutual. Both teams felt that their batters were being thrown at.
Emotions ran high.
Robinson did what no Yankees' or Red Sox's player in the 21st century would ever attempt.
Unlike Alex Rodriguez, Robinson knew the game. He knew how to get a message across.
Robinson dropped a bunt down the first base line, forcing Maglie to field it, which he did.
Robinson smashed into Maglie; the two nearly came to blows, but instead exchanged heated words.
The two warriors were separated, Maglie returned to the mound, Robinson stepped into the batter's box and the Brooklyn Dodger promptly singled.
Robinson had been hit the day before by Giants' ace Larry Jansen. He claimed that he was being thrown at and urged National League president Ford Frick to do something to stop it.
The next day Frick criticized Robinson's actions, but the Dodgers backed their star second baseman completely. Walter O'Malley released a statement that neither the Yankees or Red Sox brass would do today.
O'Malley said:
"I have no reason to be dissatisfied with Jackie Robinson, his conduct on the field or his spirit. He has the full support of this organization."
The Dodgers hated the Giants; the Giants hated the Dodgers.
There was real animosity between the teams.
It is well known that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and Theo Epstein, his counterpart with the Red Sox, are good friends.
Brooklyn's general manager, Buzzie Bavasi was not friends with the Giants' general manager.
Dropping a bunt along the first base line could result in serious injury. Getting beaned is worse.
Sports today is entertainment. The players in all sports want to win, but winning isn't worth getting hurt or having a career ended.
Alex Rodriguez was not trying to hurt Bronson Arroyo.
Jackie Robinson was not attempting to hurt Sal Maglie, but he and the Dodgers were willing to perform an act that could result in serious injury.
The Giants would not hesitate to return the favor.
That is why the Brooklyn Dodgers-New York Giants rivalry was the greatest in the history of sports.
References:
Dodgers support robinson's action: O'malley satisfied with his conduct--frick reiterates threat to curb star. (1951, New York Times (1923-Current File), pp. 37. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/111922213?accountid=46260
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