BIG COMEBACK: “Big Papi” David Ortiz stirs up the Fenway Park crowd yesterday with some “Boston strong” language during a pregame ceremony. (
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Sports helped heal heartbroken Bostonians yesterday — both in Beantown and the Big Apple.
Red Sox star David Ortiz boldly declared his hometown pride at Fenway Park as the Red Sox finally took the field following the city’s shutdown Friday.
“This is our f–king city!” he boomed over the PA to 35,000 delirious fans during a ceremony to honor policemen and other local heroes. “Nobody is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong!”
Even the feds endorsed his use of the F-bomb, with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski tweeting: “David Ortiz spoke from the heart at today’s Red Sox game. I stand with Big Papi and the people of Boston.”
Native New Yorker Neil Diamond later enthralled the crowd when he made a surprise appearance on the field to lead a rendition of “Sweet Caroline” — his signature song and Fenway’s 8th-inning tradition. Diamond flew from LA to Boston on a red-eye and shocked the team by offering to lead yesterday’s sing-along. The Red Sox capped the day by beating the Royals, 4-3.
In Gotham, New Yorkers set aside their hoops rivalry with the hated Boston Celtics — for a day, at least.
Speaking before yesterday afternoon’s tip-off of Game 1 of the Knicks-Celtics playoff series, Knicks star Carmelo Anthony told the raucous Madison Square Garden crowd that New Yorkers feel Boston’s pain.
“We, as New Yorkers, understand what you guys are going through,” he said to thunderous applause.
Celtics star Paul Pierce added: “Boston will rise and run again!”
Knicks fans didn’t seem to mind as Celtics followers waved green flags declaring, “Believe in Boston,” and chanted, “Boston, Boston!”
Some Bostonians said they trekked to the game to escape the fear and grief that washed over the city’s after Monday’s attack.
“A lot of people are still sad — but hopefully [the game] will take their mind off it,” said Kevin McBride, 39, a former pro boxer from Dorchester, Mass. “People will get together and stand strong through this.”
Fans said sports is the perfect medicine for healing.
“Boston loves their sports, and if there’s anything that can bring us some joy and happiness, it’s that,” said Melissa Ford, 42, a dress-shop owner.
Even Knicks fans said they would cut Celtics fans some slack — temporarily.
“I usually hate most Boston fans — but I’m giving them a little leeway. As a New Yorker, you understand what they’re going through,” said Mike Allen, 28.
“[I’ll give them] a tip of the cap today instead of a middle finger,” said die-hard Knicks fan Pat Gray, 24, of Rockland County.
Garden fans also honored the Boston Fire Department and the FDNY during the pregame ceremony.
Richie Cannata, formerly of Billy Joel’s band, played a saxophone rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Beantown visitors were warmed by their reception in a city just as sports-crazed as their own.
“The love from other cities has been great,” said Lilly Duverseau. “Everyone was shouting, ‘Go Boston! Go Boston!’ ”
Unfortunately for Celtics fans, the Knicks’ empathy for their visitors did not extend to the hardwood. The Knicks beat their Beantown rivals 85-78.