The Not So Normal Feelings of Summer

Let's see, it's July 18th. Usually around this time of year I'm strolling around Barnes and Noble looking for a college football preview magazine or setting up my fantasy football league as I'm jonesing for a sports fix. Or I pop in old Michigan football games to help pass the time. The satisfaction of those items usually wear off within hours, so I'm back at square one just waiting, waiting, waiting for the football season to start.

Some summers I'll engage myself into a project or take some time off work just to help the days pass. Don't get me wrong, I love summer. But the days following a Pistons or Wings championship (or deep playoff run) up until Labor Day weekend can be the most dreary for an avid sports fans, even during the sunshine days of summer.

This year is different, though. No, I haven't made my annual trip to Barnes and Noble. I'm retiring from fantasy football so that's not it either. No projects on the list and I've yet to take my summer vacation.

But today I have a feeling in my gut that, well, isn't normal for this time of year. It's the anxiety that normally comes leading up to a Wings/Avs, Pistons/Heat or UM/OSU game. Problem is, all those teams are enjoying their vacation time right now. The excitement that's over taken me is different this time. A new sport altogether.

The White Sox are coming to town and I'm jacked about it. Wait, can this be right? Tigers vs. White Sox in late July and I'm jacked?

Oddly enough, the not so normal feeling I have is exactly that. We have our first true 'playoff consequence' series in Comerica Park. The City is buzzing as we gear up to see just how the Tigers stack against the Sox. A series win might put this franchise into locomotive type momentum heading into the stretch run. My gut tells me, aside of nervousness, that this series will tell us a lot about our Tigers and just if they can compete with the big boys.

So sit back and enjoy the next 3 games. I can tell you that a few months ago I surely did not have these dates marked on the calendar with a 'to do' item. However, the wife has been warned and the beer is chilling. I'll be uncharacteristically busy for the next three nights.

DP