Meaning: The quote by Michael Lewis is a satirical take on the notion of superstition and the belief in jinxes in sports. Michael Lewis is a well-known author and journalist, renowned for his works on economics and finance, including "Moneyball" and "The Big Short." In this quote, he humorously suggests that the presence of fans at Fenway Park and the media coverage surrounding the games are the factors that made it less likely for the Red Sox to win the World Series.

Lewis's quote is laced with sarcasm and irony, as it pokes fun at the idea that the outcome of a sports event could be influenced by the mere presence of spectators or the attention from the media. It reflects the irrational beliefs and superstitions that can often be found in sports culture, where fans and players alike may attribute wins or losses to various external factors, including the behavior of fans or the scrutiny of the media.

In reality, the success or failure of a sports team is determined by a multitude of factors such as player performance, coaching strategies, team dynamics, and the capabilities of the opposing team. While the enthusiasm of fans and the media attention can create a charged atmosphere, they do not possess any direct influence on the outcome of the game.

The quote also serves as a commentary on the tendency of people to seek external explanations for the performance of their favorite sports teams. It highlights the humorous absurdity of blaming fans and the media for a team's success or failure, rather than attributing it to the skills, preparation, and execution of the players and coaching staff.

Additionally, Lewis's quote may be seen as a critique of the sensationalism and hyperbolic narratives often perpetuated by the media when covering sports events. The intense scrutiny and analysis of every aspect of a team's performance, combined with the fervent passion of the fan base, can lead to exaggerated and superstitious beliefs about what influences game outcomes.

Overall, Michael Lewis's quote is a witty and tongue-in-cheek commentary on the human tendency to ascribe mystical or irrational reasons for the success or failure of sports teams. It challenges the notion of superstition in sports and encourages a more rational and analytical approach to understanding athletic performance. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that the outcome of a game is determined by the skill and effort of the athletes and the dynamics of the sport itself, rather than by external, mystical forces.