Boston Strong

I know this blog is meant to provide updates and analysis on the Bruins' prospects, but I think this week it is important to discuss the importance of professional sports in Boston in light of what happened at the Boston Marathon.

I was about six miles away from the site of the bombings, and the panic was evident even at the 20 mile marker.  Police cars and buses filled with National Guard members were flying down Comm Ave before anyone knew what had happened.  Two families from my neighborhood were eye witnesses to the bombings, fortunately uninjured, and they both claim, as it seems everyone has, that the support from the first responders was incredible.

After some cancellations, The B's and the Sox got back to action in games with some truly emotional pre game ceremonies.  The Bruins called for a moment of silence before beginning the National Anthem, and the Garden erupted with voices of all ages and singing abilities, creating a perfect harmony of strength and unity.  Though the Bruins would go on to lose, the Boston Strong patches on their jerseys along with a sellout crowd filled with many praised first responders proved just how important our teams are in bringing folks together.

The Red Sox ceremonial first pitches by Dick and Rick Hoyt along with two first responders provided a very moving beginning to the pre game on field activities.  With Mayor Menino and Governor Patrick  on the field, "Big Papi" gave a wonderful address to the crowd.  Most notably stating, "These jerseys say Boston, not Red Sox..." and continuing to say, "This is our f***ing city, nobody is going to dictate our freedom, stay strong!"  Once again the crowd joined in on the national anthem in a great day at Fenway Park.

Many people, such as Stephen Colbert, have made jokes saying things like, "Did these guys know what city they were bombing? You don't mess with Boston."  Though these are usually light hearted attempts to ease some pain, it's true, you don't mess with Boston.