So, for the unacquainted, Smiley-Beni was a legendary poster, some would say troll, on the former boston.com Red Sox chatboard. In his heyday, Smiley would post incessantly, baiting Yankee fans and drawing them like flies to flypaper on his daily threads that were bumped up to the top of the front burner with virulent pinstriper counterattacks. Smiley was almost always on the offensive and would taunt even when the Yankees had the upper-hand in the rivalry, resorting to playing up the big money budget advantage or the A-Roid steroid card.
Such is Smiley's legacy, that in his honor, I've named an annual baseball holiday after him called Smiley-Beni Day. Smiley-Beni Day is celebrated on the day after the New York Yankees are officially eliminated from contention, whether in the regular or postseason, even if this occurs after the 7th game of a World Series. The only season it was not celebrated since its inception was in 2009 when a day of mourning was declared. You might wonder, "Well what's to celebrate in seasons like 2011 and 2012 with disgraced Red Sox teams and division leading Yankee teams?" Folks, Smiley-Beni Day is a not a celebration of Red Sox success or accomplishments. It's all about schadenfreude or spite. In disappointing Red Sox seasons, it is desperate attempt to salvage some slight measure of joy, however pathetic this might seem.
So, in the spirit of Smiley-Beni, please join me in hoisting virtual banners and raising the bunting. Let's welcome the adorned horses, uniformed marching bands and minstrels to celebrate this glorious occasion. Let the fireworks begin!
