Curses have long been an integral part of sports. When asked to consider, there are a few that should spring to mind for any die-hard fan. Hexes such as the Billy Goat, the Bambino, and the Madden curses are never far from our consciousness. Indeed, some of us are so superstitious that we’ll change jerseys in the middle of a game, hoping to give our team an edge.

But what is I told you that there was a walking, talking, breathing curse, and that it walk around playing baseball? You’d probably think I was nuts.

But, boys and girls, say hello to Mr. Kenny Lofton. From 1995-2007 he reached the playoffs 11 times with as many teams. All told, he’s played for nine division winners and two wild card teams. This looks impressive, until you realize that the speedy outfielder has never been a part of a World Championship team. Coincidence? Could be. But let’s take a look at a few of his campaigns, just to be sure.

1995: Cleveland vs. Atlanta
In the final game of this particular Fall Classic, Lofton and his fellow Ohio mates are one-hit by the Braves’ Tom Glavine.

1996: Cleveland vs. Baltimore
Lofton and crew lose the deciding game of the Divisional Series in extra innings, despite holding a lead until the 9th inning.

1997: Atlanta vs. Florida
Now with the Braves, Lofton loses to the Fish, despite being up two games to one.

1998: Cleveland vs. New York (AL)
Back with the Indians, Kenny cruises to another 2-1 series advantage over the Yankees, before dropping the series with three straight losses.

Really, I could go on with this all day. But what you need to know is this: Lofton’s teams always seem to crumble under pressure. His fault? Probably not, as anyone who knows Kenny can attest. But it should be noted that he also played for one of the most “unlucky” teams in history, the 2003 Chicago Cubs. When it comes to folding under pressure, there is really no squad that can stand up to this poor mark. After the interference from Steve Bartman, Chicago folded like a dry newspaper.

So here’s to Kenny Lofton, who has a solid shot at the Hall of Fame. Too bad he won’t have a ring to display at the ceremony.

- Taylor Maxwell

Popularity: 1% [?]

Tags | Baseball, Chicago Cubs, curse, Kenny Lofton