Four “Only in Boston” Observations on Opening Day at Fenway

Opening Day observations that capture the “only in Boston” spirit:

1. You think Red Sox Nation was so blinded by the World Series ring ceremony as to overlook the team’s 3-4 record going into yesterday’s game? Hardly. In typical Sox fan fashion, many of us grumbled about how “they’d better win.” (Never mind their hectic schedule thus far!)

2. Fans were also complaining—as we do every year—about the 2:05p.m. start time for the opening game at Fenway Park. Hey Front Office, most of us have this thing called “work” at that time of day. (Luckily, most of us have this thing called “internet access” and/or “bosses and co-workers who are Sox fans and will give us score updates.” But still).

3. Bill Buckner’s missed grounder in the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets was the blunder of the century to Sox fans, who mercilessly blamed him for the ‘86 loss (begrudging admissions that it wasn’t the sole “cause” notwithstanding). Apparently all was not forgiven after the 2004 win, because only in Beantown would we wait until TWO titles were under the belt before making amends with Buckner.

Even so, the happy ending is nice. Did anyone ever think they’d see him throw out the first pitch on opening day?

4. Following the 5-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers, the prevailing sentiment among many fans was . “Phew! It’s about time they won. One would hope they could notch a W over a team that has yet to win in 2008.”

Welcome to baseball season in Boston.