In an emotional ceremony before the team’s first game at Fenway Park since the bombing at the Boston Marathon, the Red Sox recognize the victims and the heroes of the tragedy. David Ortiz sums up the mood of the city when he tells the capacity crowd, “This jersey that we wear today, it doesn’t say Red Sox. It says Boston. This is our f’***ng city, and nobody’s going to dictate our freedom. Stay Strong.”

ByTom

In an emotional ceremony before the team’s first game at Fenway Park since the bombing at the Boston Marathon, the Red Sox recognize the victims and the heroes of the tragedy. David Ortiz sums up the mood of the city when he tells the capacity crowd, “This jersey that we wear today, it doesn’t say Red Sox. It says Boston. This is our f’***ng city, and nobody’s going to dictate our freedom. Stay Strong.”

Neil Diamond shows up unannounced at Fenway Park to ask the Red Sox if he can sing Sweet Caroline at the first game played at the ballpark since the bombing at the Boston Marathon

Neil Diamond shows up unannounced at Fenway Park to ask the Red Sox if he can sing Sweet Caroline at the first game played at the ballpark since the bombing at the Boston Marathon

ByTom

After flying from Los Angeles, Neil Diamond shows up unannounced at Fenway Park to ask the Red Sox if he can sing Sweet Caroline at the first game played at the ballpark since the bombing at the Boston Marathon. The crowd and the rest of the nation are truly ‘Boston Strong’ after his eighth-inning performance of the team’s

Boston Red Sox play first game after Marathon Bombings

ByThis Day in Baseball

2013 – The Red Sox play their first home game since the tragic events at the Boston Marathon, defeating Kansas City, 4 – 3. David Ortiz, playing his first game of the year, gives a rousing speech thanking municipal authorities and police before the game. Ortiz sums up the mood of the city when he tells the capacity crowd, “This jersey that we wear today, it doesn’t say Red Sox. It says Boston. This is our f’***ng city, and nobody’s going to dictate our freedom. Stay Strong.” Neil Diamond comes in person to sing “Sweet Caroline” in the 8th inning. Daniel Nava has the key blow, a three-run homer in the bottom of the 8th. The Red Sox would hang a uniform in the club house for the remainder of the season “617” was the number and Boston Strong was the name. They used this energy and theme to propel them to the 2013 World title.