The Storyteller

Joe Posnanski on what sports tells us about love, loss and belonging

Think about the word “cheer.”

A happy word, capturing in its one bright syllable the warmth of fellowship, laughter, and that touch of Christmas it always carries.

And “cheer,” the verb, is what we do to support and encourage the athletes and teams we love. We cheer them on.

Now think of “crush.” That’s what happens when our teams lose. We are crushed. As …