I also lament it, at least in retrospect. Teenage Vermonter me may have sighed in relief when Clint Richardson or whoever showed up in the starting lineup in Toney's absence

@chadfinn.bsky.social would be able to confirm this, but I believe the Celtics' trade for Dennis Johnson was made specifically to give the Celtics someone who might keep Toney from going berserk on them every time

This series felt a little like '75 to me, a 108-win juggernaut versus a very good collection of vets and youngsters coming together perfectly, heroics upon heroics by both teams, both teams deserving to win. I can't say the Red Sox outplayed the Reds, but they did outscore them (barely), 30-29.