Boston Strong

Boston Strong. We heard a lot of that cheer, that rallying cry, ever since Patriots' Day in 2013, lo those six months ago. But not again much, though some, until last night. The tragedy which was the Boston Marathon Terrorist Attack (it was a terrorist attack, folks), happened moments after the annual game at Fenway and just as the Marathon itself was coming to an end. Forevermore, these three events will be inexorably linked.

On October 20, I wrote a commentary called Worst to First, which reviewed the Boston Red Sox' magical season to go from being the worst team in the AL East to winning the pennant in just one season. I felt it was necessary to give praise to this honored and storied franchise, at that point, in the event that they were brought down by another great franchise, the St Louis Cardinals. Boy, was I wrong to do that!

In any event, the Bosox prevailed in the height of adversity, because who would have "thunk it", that they could win three World Series in the space of 10 seasons? Certainly not this Mets fan, that's for sure. I mean, Mets fans live in the shadows of the vaulted Yankee Stadium, where we are forced to be reminded by Yankee fans who is the best. Well, the Red Sox have now answered that, haven't they.

During the season, the team's management took pride in paying tribute to the survivors of the bombings, by treating them to games, throwing out ceremonial first pitches, and so many other wonderful statements about Boston Strong. The players, as well, gave tribute and seemed to play inspired baseball, not only for themselves but also for the entire city, the surrounding environs, and for the citizenry at large.

The players, led by David Ortiz, affectionately known as Big Papi, proved to be up for the challenge to bring some happiness to the city, with all the sadness which had occurred days into the season. Papi challenged his teammates and they did not disappoint. Even when after three games into the Series, down 2-1 with two more to play in St Louis, he took his mates into the dugout before game 4 and obviously said some things which got the players recharged to take the next three games and win it all.

He proved he was deserved to be the MVP of the Series, as he led by example on the field, going 11 for 16 and a .720 on base percentage. But he also was the MVP of the city, as well, as he devoted time away from the field to inspire the residents and the injured to come back from this tragedy. He showed what it is to be a Great American, even though he wasn't born here. He became a citizen in 2008, and as with anyone who chooses to become a citizen, generally is a better example of what that means than one who was blessed by birth.

So, congratulations to the Red Sox, its fans and the residents of Boston. You have proven the words of Kris Kristofferson to ring true in your great city today, that you "don't let the bastards get you down."

Instead, today we are all "Boston Strong."