TK's Corner: Getting back that winning feeling

By Tommy Keeler Jr. -- tkeeler@nvdaily.com

The smile on my face may never fade away.

On Wednesday night, my favorite team in the entire world -- the New York Yankees -- won their 27th championship. To some it may seem like all Yankee fans are spoiled and winning titles is no longer a big deal, but I can tell you it is for this one.

When the Yankees won in the 1970s (yes, I was alive back then), I was too little to truly understand winning. They didn't win again until 1996. That championship was also very sweet because it had been such a long time in between.

Then they went on their big run, with three in a row, and I'll admit it didn't feel quite the same. Winning became expected. It's been nine long years.

At the start of the series, I'll admit I was a little scared of the Phillies and their powerful lineup and the pitching of Cliff Lee. During Game 6 on Wednesday, I was more nervous than I've ever been watching a game and as the final out was recorded and I watched the celebration begin, a wave of emotion came over me.

I began jumping up and down, just like the Yankees were, just like a little kid at Christmastime. Sometimes it's good to lose and to have to rediscover the joy of winning.

I love many teams in different sports, but none can compare to my love of the Yankees. It's not just about the 27 titles, it's about honor, pride and the greatest fans of all. There's no better feeling than going to a Baltimore Orioles game and sitting near other Yankee fans, especially the ones from New York. Sure, they can be loud and obnoxious, but they love their team and they're proud to show it.

In 1996 when the Yankees won, former Northern Virginia Daily sports writer Dave Buscema and I celebrated together in the office and drove everyone else a little crazy, especially a certain Boston Red Sox fan. It was only fitting that Wednesday night during the game I heard from Buscema as we were about to watch our beloved team win another championship.

There's nothing quite like being a Yankee fan, and I think it's something only Yankee fans can really understand.

The Yankees' latest championship has left me motivated and inspired to go out and win another forecast title. After all, there's nothing quite like the feeling of winning.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi wore the number 27 because he was determined to bring the team their 27th title, so don't be surprised if you see me wearing the number 5 around. Jeff Nations still has a lead, but with this new momentum and inspiration, it's only a matter of time before I take my fifth title.

If for some reason it doesn't happen this year -- at least I got the Yankees.

Now here's this week's picks:

Buffalo Gap at Stonewall Jackson

The Bison are fighting for a playoff spot, but all the Generals can do is play the role of spoiler. That should be motivation enough.

Stonewall Jackson 21, Buffalo Gap 20

Central at Page County

The Falcons should be hungry for a win after last week's tough loss.

Central 34, Page County 14

George Mason at Strasburg

The Rams' long season will come to an end with another tough loss.

George Mason 24, Strasburg 14

Millbrook at Sherando

A win secures a playoff berth for the Pioneers. The Warriors can wrap up a first-round bye with a victory.

Sherando 28, Millbrook 24

Warren County at Skyline

Skyline needs a win and a little help to make the playoffs. I think they'll get both.

Skyline 27, Warren County 10

James Wood at Handley

The game is more important for James Wood, but I'm still taking the Judges to finish off an undefeated regular season.

Handley 21, James Wood 14

LSU at Alabama

The last big test for Alabama before playing Florida in the SEC Championship game.

Alabama 23, LSU 20

Cowboys at Eagles

I'm a Cowboys' fan, but with the turmoil in Dallas even I can't pick them to beat the Eagles.

Eagles 31, Cowboys 21