Beyond Baseball: Inside Fenway on October 10, 2016
October 10, 2016 - The anticipation was sky high well before the game began. The Red Sox were trailing 2-0 in the ALDS looking completely over matched by the Cleveland Indians. Following a brutal 6-0 loss in which they mustered only 3 total hits, the Sox sent Clay Buchholz to the mound in an attempt to climb back and pick up 3 straight. As I took my first step on Yawkey Way, a sense of excitement masked my nervousness. This nervousness stemmed well beyond the Red Sox getting swept in the first round. They would be back in a few months and the Celtics and Patriots would do just fine making the time pass. This was the day all Red Sox fans felt would never come. David Ortiz’ last game.
Everyone in the crowd knew the circumstances, however they tried to act like they didn’t. I mean who wanted to face that harsh reality? A man that has done so much for the city of Boston was going to be sent home without winning a single game in the series after having the greatest final season of all time. It seemed too cruel. This was Boston, the city that is known for history comebacks and strength. It seemed like we, the fans, were letting down someone that filled the city with hope during hard times, though in reality we were helpless. Sure we had confidence in the Sox ability to win 3 in a row. Why wouldn’t we? We’re talking about the Boston Red Sox here. Yet at the same time, when Coco Crisp launched a home run over the Green Monster in the 6th inning, it was hard to keep number 34 out of your mind.
However, trailing late in the game, David Ortiz reminded everyone what it was that made him so special. Angered at an intentional walk in what was seemingly his last ever at bat, Ortiz pumped up the crowd, ridding us of our fear and instilling confidence in the whole city, for one last time. This was the loudest I have ever heard the Fenway faithful. The stadium was bouncing as if to let the whole city say their goodbye. It was followed by an RBI single bringing the team within a single run. With a rally going in the 9th inning, Travis Shaw popped out to end the game, sending Cleveland into celebration on the field.
This didn’t end like most sporting events. Tens of thousands remained in their seats, hoping to show their respect for a final time. Minutes passed, seeming like hours. Chants of “We’re not leaving” followed by “We want Papi” and everything in between erupted and did not stop. I’m not kidding when I say there was not a dry eye in Fenway Park. And when he finally emerged from the dugout for the last time, I (along with all of Sox nation) began wondering how the franchise, the city and even the man himself would continue with life. It had been 14 years, 483 home runs, 1953 games, 13 stolen bases and 3 World Series victories since we knew the game without him. The standing ovation continued for what felt like not long enough. The 14 seasons felt not long enough. The 3 World Series felt like not enough, he deserved more. Everyone knew the playoff elimination would not be what hit the hardest at the end of the night.
As the off season continues on, the rumors break out every couple weeks of his return. Do we want a comeback? Of course we do. However the ending seemed so perfect despite the sweep. It was the greatest final season of all time. Could it have ended better? A fourth ring would have been nice. However for the most clutch hitter of all time, let’s not dwell on what could have been another championship in Boston. Rather, let’s appreciate all that David Ortiz has done for the city of Boston and it’s historic franchise.
