As I write this, the defending World Series champion Red Sox are 10-15, and in fourth place in the AL East. The Washington Capitals, defending Stanley Cup champions, just got knocked out of the playoffs.
Why is it so hard to repeat success? Is it a mindset? The lack of momentum? A deterioration of skills? New seasons remind us that things are always changing, always in flux, always flowing.
The magic of sports, I think, is based in the possibility of something. Of a dynasty continuing, or an underdog prevailing. Like an amateur scientist, a sports fan has a theory of what will happen next, but then, as in a groundbreaking experiment, the unexpected happens. Or everything goes as planned. Thank goodness.
We forget how difficult it is to be on top. To be the focal point. To repeat success.
Military strategy tells us that a sneak attack is often most effective. Something similar happens with teams, when being the underdog eliminates the challenges that arise when the stakes are high. The reigning champion doesn’t have the luxury to sneak up on anyone.
It isn’t easy being king.