#BostonStrong

I hadn't planned on making this post, and I generally don't like to be on the bandwagon, but I feel it's appropriate this time.  I'll try to keep it short.

Last week's tragedy in Boston realistically had nothing to do with sports.  It was an act of terrorism, of violence against innocent people.  Yes, it took place at one of the city's biggest sporting events, but it just as easily could have happened anywhere else in the city, or anywhere else in the country for that matter.  It had nothing to do with sports.  But what happened in the rest of the week that followed made me so proud to be a sports fan (even though I've been known to despise all things Boston, sports-wise).  Every team from Boston took it upon themselves to bring hope and unity to the city.  Teams wore patches commemorating the event, the Red Sox changed their home jerseys to honor the city and its citizens, and players dedicated games to the victims and their families.  It didn't stop at Boston, though.  Even the hated rivals of the Red Sox, the New York Yankees, found a way to honor the affected city.  The Boston tradition of singing "Sweet Caroline" found its way to Yankee Stadium as a banner outside announced that the two teams would stand together.  Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Ben Revere made a catch that is sure to be one of the most memorable catches of the season, with a glove that he had just marked with the words "PRAY for Boston." 

This wasn't the first time that sports have brought the nation together after a tragedy, and chances are it won't be the last.  In times like these, team pride doesn't matter.  Rivalries don't matter.  Our differences don't matter.  What matters is what we have in common, our equalizers.  And sports are the great equalizer.  Sports bring us all together.

Stay strong, Boston.