It was fitting that the Boston Red Sox should win the their third Major League Baseball championship in 10 years last week, after the bombings the city suffered back in April this year when the hosted the world renowned marathon.
The Red Sox showed on their victory parade how much of a community club they are and they are a big part of Boston. The respect shown by the club for the people of Boston and vice versa was clear for all to see, but especially when the Red Sox players and executives paused when they reached the marathon finish line, which is still painted blue and yellow, and was the spot where three spectators died in the bombings.
Outfielder Jonny Gomes then placed the World Series trophy on the finish line. Then he and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia held Red Sox jerseys with the words “Boston Strong” and the number 617,- this part of the city’s post code,- written on the back. Then classical singer Ronan Tynan sand a stirring rendition of “God Bless America.”
What made this gesture all the more special was that the Red Sox administrators knew nothing about it, and had not instructed the players to pay tribute to those who lost their lives or witnessed the bombs going off. It was an impromptu act on the players part.
Gomes said afterwards that the placing of the trophy on the finish line was an impromptu act. “That was something kind of unexpected on my end, but I was glad to be a part of it. It was somewhat of a tear-jerker there for a minute but it’s something that had to be done,” Gomes said.
To continue their theme of giving the players are now looking to shave off the beards that some had grown throughout the season for a good cause.
The Boston Red Sox have shown through these two acts after their victory that they thoroughly deserved to win this year’s World Series, not just for the baseball played, but for the way the players have carried themselves in victory.
