Yes, I Like "Man Hugs"

I finally confess my love for the "man hugs" and I talk about the clubhouse chemistry being an important component

During the series  in which the Red Sox swept the Mariners, ESPN found it fascinating that this team seems to be very touchy-feely with one another. After nearly every good play, they tend to hug. Not like those "awkward hugs" These hugs are the humongous bear hugs. The Anti-Red Sox fans use this to their homophobic delights, since there's always been a bit of rainbow overtones within the concept of a "man hug". But, you know what? I don't care about how weird it may be. I LIKE MAN HUGS! And I'm damn proud of it! There isn't nothing wrong with two grown men sharing affection. It's actually rather refreshing to see. It seems to also show that these guys are so secure with their sexuality, that they don't mind a little hugging about.

David Ortiz and Nomar share a hug

"Man Hugs" in sports are usually only seen after a huge win, like the team just won the World Series or a huge game, including a walk-off homerun of some sort. Granted, there's probably several other people who do it, Carlos Baerga for one, but it's never really happened within Red Sox Nation. Actually the clubhouse used to be a War Zone. There was the time in the 70's of the "25 Men, 25 Cars" phase, and lots of Front Office angst, and also, Carl Everett. This year, however, there seems to be a certain different ingrediant within this mix of guys. Very affectionate, loose, goofy guys, like Kevin Millar and David Ortiz; have joined the clubhouse and has made it all loose and for the most part happy around the clubhouse. These "Man Hugs" are usually snidely made fun of, but it truly shows the reflection of how these guys are towards one another. I can probably say for the first time that these guys truly all like each other. From Millar to Jason Varitek to Trot Nixon to Tim Wakefield; everybody seems to gel together nicely. And the "Man Hugs" show that very well.

A lot of people I know aren't really into the whole "chemistry" concept of the clubhouse just saying it's nice to see them all like each other, but you know the A's in the early 70's won consecutive World Series' and they hated each other. Sure, that was done on all pure talent.On this team, you have some gifted players like Manny Ramierz, Nomar Garciaparra, and Pedro Martinez. There are some guys here whom are good, but they work themselves at being what they are right now. Guys like Jason Varitek, Lou Merloni, Trot Nixon, Bill Mueller, Damian Jackson, and David Ortiz are some guys whom are like that, though the latter is still being argued. These guys work at their craft, and the chemistry is a very welcome part of this clubhouse. This is probably one of the most fun teams to root for, as Millar stated on his editorials on MLB.com(a nice read, though he's not Shakespeare). I love how, after walk-off wins they rush onto the field like kids and maul the game winning runner or the game winning hitter. Hell, even the veterans like Varitek are getting into the whole love thing.

Even Red Sox veterans like Jason Varitek are taking in the love within the clubhouse

So what if the Red Sox are very affectionate!? It's a welcome thing to see this team hugging each other rather thank killing each other. I like seeing men show their affections! I like man hugs! I believe that clubhouse chemistry is extremely important especially going into postseason play! I believe that brotherhood is very important, and I believe that these guys are awesome! Who cares if they hug a lot? It's refreshing and before I repeat myself five trillion more times, I'll stop it here and leave you with some more pictures of "man hugs" and other such displays of affection amongst the Red Sox.

Take me back to the Promised Land

Okay this one IS a little too close, but still, 'tis the brotherhood of the team

Pedro and Ortiz enjoy a little hug as well

Even Ben Affleck is into it!

Hands Down, my fave picture

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