Reverse the curse: Is this sign a sign?

April 18, 2004

The "Reverse curve" sign on Storrow Drive as it appeared until last week, when the graffiti was painted over. (Photo / Judith Hourihan)

The ancient "Reverse curve" sign above westbound Storrow Drive at the Longfellow Bridge, which long ago was altered by graffiti to read "Reverse the curse," was recently cleaned up, and some Red Sox fans aren't happy. They say the sign could bring good luck to the Sox, who haven't won a World Series since 1918 and who some say have been cursed since they sold Babe Ruth to the Yankees. The folks over at the Department of Conservation and Recreation, who manage Storrow Drive (and are Sox fans themselves), argue that if the altered sign hasn't brought the Sox a World Series yet, maybe it's actually a bad omen.

Now we want to hear from you: What should be done about the sign? DCR suggests the following three options:

1. Keep the current sign and continue to correct the sign each time it is altered.

2. Remove the old sign because it hasn't broken the curse yet and may, in fact, be contributing to its continuance. Install a new sign that meets federal highway standards (yellow diamond with pictograph).

3. Remove the old sign, find the employees who installed it, and have them present it to the Red Sox as a means of breaking the curse.

Tell us which option you prefer, or weigh in with an original suggestion of your own.

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keep it. now's not the time to change things up. And all luck aside---it's a symbol of boston solidarity. It'd be a shame to see it go.

Louis, brighton

give it to the sox

John , belmont

Keep the current sign - no need to bother fixing it though. Save some money and let it read the way everyone knows it should, "Reverse the curse."

Colby , Boston

People who really believe in the "curse" have their planets misaligned and obviously are in the wrong house. Those who merely engage in silly analysis about the "curse" should ask their shrink for a double dose of Prozac for their depression and pessimism. Knowledgeable baseball fans believe in talent, matchups, and the like and appreciate the Sox for what they do accomplish. I say leave the sign up and add the pictures of Bucky, Billy, and Grady to further torture those who believe in voodoo scapegoating.

Bobby, West Hartford, Conn.

Keep the current sign, and don't bother correcting it each time it is altered. It's a Boston tradition and a good reminder to root for the Red Sox.

Duncan, Newton

They should retire the number 3 in honor of the Babe. They should have a Babe Ruth Day at Fenway and put up a huge picture of the Babe on the Monster. I think that this will reverse the curse for sure or I hope...

Reggie , Louisville KY

I am in favor of keeping the Reverse the Curse sign. Heck, if it helps the Sox win the World Series, I'd be in favor of reversing the earth's rotation!

marc, north andover

I loved that sign we go to 10 games a year and looked for that sign,when we came april 10th. and the sign was painted over i was disappoined,please put it back the way it was!!!!!!!!!!!!

marina , bangor,maine

It is a travesty that the sign has been repainted. It was clearly working as the Bosox lost on the day the Globe report was published. It is a part of Boston's character. Keep the sign (and leave the upgrades). C.

Charles, Marblehead

What the heck is a "reverse curve"? Keep the sign.

Dana, Allston