AUBURN – It was a contrast of emotions Monday night at Gipper’s Sports Grill. There were Red Sox fans beaming with utter confidence. And there were those who appeared to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

“I’ve got the jitters,” said 42-year-old John Thibeault. “I’m sweating bullets.”

Seated at the corner of the bar, Thibeault wiped his hand across his forehead, just under the brim of his Red Sox cap. He took deep breaths. His stomach was in knots. Thibeault was a nervous wreck and the first pitch of the game had not yet been delivered.

At the opposite end of the bar, 41-year-old Jon Brooks was the picture of serenity. He chatted with friends, sipped his drink and coolly watched the television screen.

“I feel good. I’m confident and calm,” said Brooks, who grew up in Boston. “I’ve got a good feeling about this. That’s all I can say.”

Gipper’s was filled with Red Sox fans Monday night – men and women waiting to see if their team would advance to play the New York Yankees or fall a game short at the hands of the Oakland Athletics.

“We’ve all got butterflies in our stomachs. Been that way all day,” said 31-year-old Rodney Corey, wearing his Red Sox cap and sitting with a group of friends. “It’s just so much excitement. My stomach goes up and down like a roller coaster.”

By contrast, 27-year-old Rich Grenier was so confident the Sox would win, he was able to sit next to an Oakland fan he had just met at the bar.

“I’m a die-hard Red Sox fan and I’m relaxed right now. I’ve just been feeling like something special is going to happen,” Grenier said. “The momentum is on our side. I feel great.”

Sitting next to Grenier, Joe Heywood was wearing an Oakland Athletics sweatshirt. The 30-year-old Auburn man hails from California and was not afraid to blatantly declare his devotion to the A’s in a dominant Red Sox crowd. Although he expected some heckling as the game wore on.

“I’m nervous about the game, not about the fans,” Heywood said. “I’m an Oakland fan, always have been. I wanted to see a good series and we got it.”

Although he wore green instead of red, Heywood was not immune to the tension that precedes a do-or-die game five. He admitted to some shakiness and a rapid pulse.

“This is good baseball,” Heywood said. “It’s not good for my heart, but it’s good baseball.”

He left after the seventh inning.

Another sports fan who subjected herself to possible jeers from the crowd was Sara Holt, 28, of Auburn. Holt is from New York and was proud to announce her allegiance to the much loathed Yankees.

“I’m hoping the Red Sox lose,” Holt said. “I want it on the record.”

There was no early scoring in the game so no one could breath easier right away. Still, Brooks maintained, a lot of faith is good for the nerves.

While others groaned, clutched their heads or rubbed their temples, he went on in his unflagging belief the Sox could not lose.

“It’s gonna happen,” he said. “There’s too much chemistry on this team.”

The bar was loud as the game got under way. It had not silenced by the end of the fifth inning, even as the Red Sox trailed by one.

“It’s still raucous,” said Gipper’s manager Jay Novella. “People are staying right to the end.”

Moments after he made the comment, the crowd erupted as Jason Varitek hit a solo home run to tie the ball game. Minutes after that, it was pandemonium when Manny Ramirez homered to put the Red Sox up 4-1. Fans were jumping, throwing high fives and shrieking with glee.

“This is what it’s all about,” Brooks said. “You live and die with this team.”

mlaflamme@sunjournal.com

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