My partner Tim and I witnessed a historic event on Wednesday October 30, 2013. For the first time in 95 years, the Boston Red Sox won a World Series at Fenway Park. As season ticket holders we were fortunate enough to have tickets. The photos you see below are a bit fuzzy, but the images they depict will remain crisp in our minds for a long time.
We basked in the Sox’ victorious moment until just after 12:30am. However, the significance of the moment did not hit us until we began our walk home.
The Boston Police Department closed Boylston Street. Fans who did not watch the game from inside Fenway Park stood just outside the barricades placed on both sides of the street. On the street-side of the barricades stood a continuous line of officers from the Boston Police Department, the MBTA Transit Police, and the Massachusetts State Police all clad in reflective yellow vests and jackets.
Tim and I braced ourselves as we made our way off Boylston Street and into the large crowd assembled on the outskirts of the Fens Park. I am glad we were vigilant, but our care was unnecessary. The joyous crowd proved orderly with people hugging and soliciting high-fives from friends and fellow fans.
As we exited the mob and walked down Westland Avenue, the sights, sounds, and significance of the evening began to register. Boston Police officers stood at every intersection along Westland, from Hemenway Street to Massachusetts Avenue. Helicopters circled overhead. As we passed the Whole Foods the memories hit me. My mind flashed back to April 15, 2013.
After watching the Red Sox win their Patriot’s Day game, Tim and I walked from Fenway Park to the Whole Foods. Although we had discussed walking to the Marathon finish line, we opted to avoid the crowd and do some much needed grocery shopping. Groceries in hand we made our way down Westland Ave to Massachusetts Avenue. All seemed normal until it was not.
People started crying, police officers started yelling, then the sirens began to wail and the helicopters took flight. April 15, 2013 had started as a fantastic day, but it did not end that way.
The atmosphere and mood on the night of October 30/31, 2013 shared similarities to the afternoon of April 15, but was thankfully very different. Police officers stood on guard, but happily responded to our salutations of “Thank You” and “Happy World Series.” The helicopters flying overhead sounded just as they did on April 15, but the car horns sounded different. The sound of the horns bounced off nearby buildings, but they did not express the urgency and panic they had on April 15. Instead they resonated jubilation.
The Cardinals put up a great fight, but as a fan and a Bostonian I am happy that the Red Sox bested them. Boston needed this championship more than the residents of the city or New England knew. It may sound strange, but the mood of the city has changed. For the first time since the morning of April 15, 2013, Boston feels like a lighter, happier place.
Slideshow
Tim and I took these photos during Game 6. [slidely src=http://slide.ly/view/e392ef9c6f20a0aee9ebb36ce071c30e]
Video of Last Out
Tim took this video with our camera. It is shaky, but gives you a feel for what it was like to sit in the stands. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P6LorEJWK8[/youtube]
What Do You Think?
Did you like the inclusion of video, music, and photos in this post? Would you like to see more one or more of the media types in the future?
Did you follow the World Series? If so, share your memories with a comment.