A post-All Star game swoon for the Red Sox and we knew in late August that there was little hope for a playoff bid due to the lack of good pitching and timely hitting. The Celtics coach has been suspended for a year for violating team rules, just a few months after he led them to the NBA championship finals. And the Patriots have started out 1-2, have lost their quarterback for at least a week due to an injury, and they don’t look like they could surpass the Dolphins or Bills for a playoff spot.

Are the Bruins next to give us bad news?

Boston and New England fans have been spoiled during the past two decades due to the success of their pro sports teams. Twelve championships – six by the Patriots, four by the Red Sox and one each by the Bruins and Celtics. Fans also saw the Patriots get to the Super Bowl and lose three times – twice to the Giants and once to the Eagles. It has been a heck of a ride!

Success in pro sports goes in cycles. You rarely have great dynasties like the Yankees, Celtics, Lakers and the NHL’s Canadiens anymore. But in my research, the top five cities/regions which have celebrated championships include: 5. Detroit (21); 4: Montreal (24); 3. Los Angeles (31); 2. Boston (39); and 1. New York (50).

Los Angeles and New York do have a chance to add to their totals depending on the outcome of the Major League Baseball season. Detroit and Boston will have to wait until the next pro seasons, and Montreal just has the Canadiens to win championships as MLB baseball left the city decades ago.

Sports are a lot more fun to watch when your team is successful. Let’s hope Boston/New England fans can be cheering more in 2023!