Do you ever stop and ask yourself, what was the best year of your life? I was working out today and Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” came on. Now most people associate this with the last episode of The Sopranos, but for me (and many others) it represents the White Sox magical run through the 2005 playoffs. I started thinking about thrilling that whole experience was, and actually felt bad that Cubs fans haven’t experienced that yet. I wish I could go back and re-live that 6 week stretch. Of course, I realize that even if we make it back there, nothing will compare to that time. And then it hit me, 2005 was the best year ever.

I started doing a rundown of everything that happened that year. I turned 21 years old and could finally join my girlfriend and friends at bars. We spent most of the last 5 months of college at a piano bar called Lucille’s where we became regulars who were there a couple times of week. I have never had as much fun at any bar since. At the end of March, we sat 10 rows behind home plate for a White Sox/Brewers pre-season game at Miller Park. The next day we had a big tailgate for the 2nd White Sox/Brewers game, then sat in the 2nd row in RF where I infamously proclaimed the team Kenny Williams put together was crap. Later that afternoon we watched Illinois Basketball rally from 15 down with 4 minutes left to beat Arizona in the Final Four, quite possibly the single best sports day ever.

In May I graduated college and got a job at Allstate. And there is nothing like getting that first paycheck with 4 digits to put a smile on your face. Heather and I moved to the northwest suburbs of Chicago and began our life together, the single best life moment so far.

Then came the fall and the baseball playoffs. Despite the White Sox being in first place most of the season it was still hard to grasp the concept. I will never forget being at game 2 of the ALDS with Bill, Frank and Matt. After that ball went between Tony Graffanino’s legs, I called Tadahito Iguchi’s home run and we went home up 2-1. Then there was Orlando Hernandez getting out of the bases loaded no-out jam back at Boston. Then my dad and I went to game 1 of the ALCS against the Angels, the only playoff game the Sox lost that season. It was really cold, and really wet and it sucked. The next night was the infamous drop third strike call in game 2, which started the streak of 4 straight complete games by the Sox. I remember Ozuna pitch running and Joe Crede just missing a home run to win the game anyway.

I don’t remember where I watched game 1, but I think it was Bill’s. This was the game where Ozzie made the sign for the “big guy.” Another moment that brings you chills. Game 2, which my dad was at, might have been the best game of the series. Paul Konerko’s go ahead grand slam in the 7th and Scott Podsednik’s (!) walk-off homer in the 9th after Jenks blew the save. IIRC, Pods only hit two homers all year and they were both in the playoffs. Game 3 was the epic 14 inning battle in which Mark Buehrle cemented his status in White Sox lore with a save, just 2 days after winning game 2. Until I looked I had forgotten we won game 4 1-0. I vividly remember the last out (which I thought was going to get through for a hit). I was in my apartment, ripped my shirt off and went bananas when they made the out.

What I wouldn’t give to re-live that all over again…