Boston fans converge on bombing site
Boston Strong.
After the Boston Marathon bombings, it became a rallying cry for a city, and rallying point for a nation. And as the baseball season was in its opening games, it helped unite all of Red Sox Nation.
And more than six months after the terrorist attack and subsequent manhunt that briefly paralyzed Boston, the message was as loud and clear as ever on Wednesday night, as jubilant Red Sox fans converged on the marathon finish line on Boylston Street — the site of the attacks — to celebrate their team's World Series win over St. Louis, some even bending down to kiss the pavement.
Hundreds of people running up Boylston St across the Marathon finish line cheering #BostonStrong. Thank you Sox! pic.twitter.com/3PJUCeAfyV
— Boston2024 (@Boston2024) October 31, 2013
Crowds Gather At Boston Marathon Finish Line After Red Sox Win http://t.co/hX1iTdvGWc pic.twitter.com/EQDO7TVuKq
— Michael Rusch (@weeddude) October 31, 2013
The victorious night in Boston capped a couple of emotional periods for Red Sox Nation and the city as a whole.
— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) October 31, 2013
BOSTON STRONG! GIANT B AT THE GREEN BUILDING AT MIT FOR THE BOSTON RED SOX. @AramPhoto. pic.twitter.com/y730hjlYPw
— PzFeed Top News (@PzFeed) October 31, 2013
While the terrorist attack is certainly the freshest memory, the Red Sox's win actually capped a 95-year era of futility. While this is the team's third championship in 10 seasons, the Red Sox had not clinched a World Series at home in Feway Park since beating the Chicago Cubs in 1918.
Understandaly, when the game was over, the trophy lifted on Wednesday night, much of Boston took to the streets, and to Twitter, to bask in their glory.
Boston Mayor Tom Menino, often ribbed for his habit of revieling his lack of Boston sports knowledge by spouting out interesting names with cameras rolling, got into the act. And at least he knows how sports teams in Boston celebrate.
Get the ducks ready, we're having a parade! Please, be responsible, and let's celebrate! Thank you @RedSox. #bostonstrong
— Mayor Tom Menino (@mayortommenino) October 31, 2013
Parade details TBA tomorrow. Celebrate responsibly tonight. @RedSox #redsoxnation pic.twitter.com/D0e8DS83xv
— Mayor Tom Menino (@mayortommenino) October 31, 2013
And surely the Red Sox have bigger fans that the mayor.
We got dat fire out in the BEAN #BigPapi @davidortiz pic.twitter.com/5WOW7t3W7t
— LIL POOPY (@poopythedon) October 31, 2013
#bostonstrong #redsoxnation #redsox world champions juuuuuheard http://t.co/eBkHu4g5iD
— LIL POOPY (@poopythedon) October 31, 2013
RED SOX NAAAAATION!!!!!!! Boston Strong. MVP! MVP! pic.twitter.com/OuXGMUIK7M
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) October 31, 2013
"Words cannot describe how I feel," Red Sox fan Sam D'Arrigo told The Associated Press. "This is what being a Boston fan is all about."
But of course the win was also a tribute to the perserverance of the city of Boston.
"We needed this," Mark Porcaro of Boston told The Associate Press. "They were an easy team to get behind because they stood up for us when we needed them most."
A sentiment echoed by Bostonians and non-Bostonians alike.
The sign says it all #BostonStrong http://t.co/fBUeOBuNyH
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) October 31, 2013
Best quote for a great team and great city. @DemosGirl: @DonnieWahlberg @RedSox #BostonStrong pic.twitter.com/cIsbNjM8Xa
— Jenny McCarthy (@JennyMcCarthy) October 31, 2013
Boston’s such a special city. After all the insanity it went through it has repaired itself and thrived. Such a special win. #BostonStrong
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) October 31, 2013
"@csilliker: @JayGlazer U r kidding, right? #RedSox"> of course! I'm a New Yorker but appreciate the hell outta good baseball #bostonstrong
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 31, 2013
— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) October 31, 2013
Congrats to the Red Sox...congrats to boston..we needed this! So happy!!! #bostonstrong
— maria menounos (@mariamenounos) October 31, 2013
H/t: NESN