Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Revolution!

Patriot’s Day in Boston is a day rich in historical tradition. First observed back in 1894, this holiday commemorates the battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, a battle which gave birth to Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride. To this day, parades and celebrations help mark the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and America’s march to freedom. The city practically shuts down, as many businesses and schools consider it a legitimate holiday despite the fact few outside of New England have ever heard of it.

It’s also a day with deep-rooted sports-related traditions as well. Every Patriot’s Day (celebrated on the third Monday in April), the Red Sox play what is probably the earliest local start time for a professional baseball game in recent history, taking the field at 11:00 AM. To add to this hallowed sporting event, the Boston Marathon’s route runs right by the stadium, allowing Sox fans to pile into the streets after the game to cheer on those brave souls that tackle the 26-mile course. Patriot’s Day is truly day that fanatics of history and sports alike can come together and celebrate with the entire city.

And what a spectacle it was! I was lucky enough to be the recipient of tickets to the Sox game, and was able to witness the event first hand. It’s a comical mixture of sports, drinking, mayhem, and unlikely comradery. The city is alive with activity, with thousands of people piling into the downtown area to see the marathon, walk the Freedom Trail, attend the Sox game, or just to be in the general vicinity of these events.

I was ecstatic to attend my first Sox game of the season, along with my first Patriot’s Day celebration. I’ve heard its quite an experience to just be in the city on this day, much less at the Sox game. I even unsuccessfully tried to find someone to simply go to the stadium with me and watch the game at a local bar. To get tickets to the game at the last minute? Stoked.

The game was fantastic. With Wells now officially on the DL with a bum knee, Sox called up minor-leaguer Lenny DiNardo to man the 6th spot in Boston’s rotation. An occasional reliever and spot-starter for the Sox over the past two seasons, DiNardo kept the game from becoming a blowout, holding Seattle to 2 runs over five innings. Boston’s offense matched those runs one-for-one with a solo shot from Ortiz (a blast that bounced off the top of the wall in dead-center) and a rare run-scoring double from utility infielder Alex Cora.

Crazy Carl Everett, still the recipient of a barrage of boos from the Fenway Faithful, silenced the crowd in the 6th with a two-run shot that bounced off Pesky’s Pole in right. In the bottom of that same frame, however, Ortiz once again showed fans why he’s worth every penny of his new contract (and then some), when he launched a two-run homer to right to knot the game at four apiece.

The fireworks for the day came in the bottom of the ninth. Down 6-5, Kevin Youkilis stepped to the plate with two outs. Facing a pitcher’s count of 1-2, Youkilis drove a hot shot to second for what almost was the third out of the game. Almost. Not known for his speed, Youkilis hustled down the line and just beat the throw by less than half a step.

That was all the leeway the Sox needed. Mark Loretta, newcomer to Boston this season, drive a 2-0 pitch over the Green Monster for his first hit of the day, first home run in a Sox uniform, and quite possibly the first walk-off homer of his baseball career.

He couldn’t have picked a better time to string together such an impressive list of firsts.

The stadium erupted the minute the ball left the bat and didn’t let up until long after the players left the field. Everyone seemed to feel the ball off Loretta’s bat, and knew it would travel beyond the Monster in left. The energy in that moment was amazing; the stands were a sea of motion as people jumped around and high-fived anyone within reach. The roar quickly grew from anticipation to assurance to the pinnacle of exuberance, the sound resonating throughout the stadium, surrounding streets, and probably the whole city of Boston.

Those marathoners must have loved the gauntlet going by Fenway. They must have gotten an extra boost from the masses that piled onto the sidewalks to cheer them on, undoubtedly pumped beyond belief after just watching the Sox complete an amazing last-ditch comeback. It was probably the most lively, loud and encouraging crowd ever to assemble along a marathon route.

I consider myself to be truly lucky to have been in attendance in yesterday’s game. Hell, I consider myself lucky to visit Fenway for ANY game, but yesterday was special. It was a day when the whole city of Boston commemorates the beginning of American Freedom. It was a day when the city’s beloved baseball team took the field in front of 36,000+ fans either enjoying a day off or playing hooky. It was a day when the world of two sports, on far ends of the spectrum from one another, came together in brotherhood, excitement, and patriotism. These things are rare to come by alone, much less all at once as it was yesterday. It was more than a thrill to be there; it was an honor.

So, thanks to the American Patriots who fought for our freedom on this day back in 1775. Thanks to the New England states who mark the occasion with this holiday. Thanks to the City of Boston for holding an event as prestigious as the Boston Marathon has become over the years. And thanks to the Red Sox for providing such an incredible, exhilarating victory to celebrate.

Nixon had a huge day in his first game back after tweaking his troublesome groin muscle, going 3 for 4 with two doubles and two runs scored. He’s made some great contributions to the team over the years both offensively and defensively, so its nice to see his name back in the lineup, especially in what looks to be his last season in Boston. With the acquisition of Wily Mo this season, it seems that Theo and Co. will allow Nixon to test the free-agent waters due to his high salary and injury issues. As sad as I will be to see him go, it’s probably a necessary evil to make room for some younger players (Pena, Mohr, Stern). I’m hoping Nixon has a monster year with little time spent on the DL and lands a contract worthy of this hard-nosed ballplayer. Long Live Trot!

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