Since humans began playing sports, we’ve used superstitious rituals to change the momentum of a game.
In baseball, fans often turn their caps inside out to improve their team’s luck. In Anaheim, California, the Angels play a video of a monkey dancing to “Jump Around” by House of Pain to reverse the team’s fortunes. In 2015, Los Angeles Dodger Kiké Hernandez became a meme after his “rally banana” helped the Dodgers beat the Braves.
Speaking of Kiké Hernandez, his banana suit made an appearance in our photo gallery: https://t.co/I0tRBkUZWi pic.twitter.com/n65QNflZ9Q
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) September 1, 2015
Now, the Detroit Tigers are on a two-game winning streak after embracing the power of the Rally Goose.
During a rain delay on May 30, a Canada goose flew into Comerica Park and took residence in the outfield. When the rain subsided, the grounds crew attempted to scare it off, and it flew directly into an LED scoreboard.
This goose partied on the field through the rain delay then went out in a blaze of glory (the goose is alive and well) #rallygoose pic.twitter.com/B9S8ANCXcc
— Josh Rusgo (@JoshRusgo) May 31, 2018
The goose tumbled to the lower bowl, where it was scooped up by a brave fan who actually knew how to hold it safely. She happened to be a veterinarian, Dr. Catherine Roach. Roach escorted the goose off the field and took it to a local hospital to be examined.
Tigers’ pitcher Alex Wilson was happy the goose made it out safely and that it didn’t hurt any fans. He also thought the bird’s visit to Comerica Park may have brought his team good luck.
“I was happy it didn’t land on anybody, cuz those things are bigger than you think,” he told Fox Sports Detroit. “Nothing like a six-foot wingspan squawking at you. But the goose is loose; let’s ride this wave and see where it gets us.”
Later on May 30, Roach went on Fox Sports Detroit to give an update on the goose’s health. “He’s doing really well. He’s actually at the MSU veterinary school,” Roach said. “I drove him up there this morning. They’re going to keep him 24 to 48 hours and then release it into the wild.”
#rallygoose Rally Goose is doing well. X-rays showed no broken bones or obvious major injuries. He’s being kept for observation overnight. pic.twitter.com/pIyl0Rxg8I
— Catherine Roach (@Roachcat66Roach) May 31, 2018
The next day, in a game versus the Los Angeles Angels, the Tigers embraced the power of the goose by letting Roach throw out the first pitch. The Tigers also placed a wooden replica of the goose in the dugout, which seemed to have worked — they beat the Angels 6 to 1.
Goose DGAF: pic.twitter.com/Q52Wyr3kin
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) May 31, 2018
#RallyGoose leads us to victory.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 31, 2018
RECAP ➡️ https://t.co/oeLnmSVPzK pic.twitter.com/He1H9bjqwL
Rally Goose was released from the veterinary hospital and back into the wild on June 1.
Even though #RallyGoose has returned to a more goose-friendly environment, he will always be a @tigers fan #SpartansWill pic.twitter.com/PUvXbKxK5l
— MSU Vet Med (@msuvets) June 1, 2018
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.