Boston United

One of the biggest attractions of team sports is the sense of unity that is formed within a particular roster.  It is evident to all fans when a group of players come together and become not only good teammates, but also good friends.

Clearest example: the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox.  This group of players had fun together.  They had their ultimate goal always in mind, but seemed to stay light-hearted about the ordeal.  It helps when you have the likes of Kevin Millar, David Ortiz, and Manny Ramirez showing up to play everyday.  In the end, this unity was entirely necessary.  This Red Sox team had to win four straight against the Yankees, a feat that was nearly unheard of at the time.

But they did it.  They "cowboyed up" and did it.  Together.  

Seeing the newly-crowned Boston Bruins ride the duckboats around Fenway this weekend, many clad in Boston Red Sox hats, pushed this sense of unity to a whole new level.  The Boston Bruins didn't just unite together to win this trophy.  They united the entire city.  They united all of the sports teams in the area.  Big Papi lifting the Stanley Cup high above his head in the locker room says it all.  This was a victory for every player in Boston, as the Bruins finally fulfilled an era of Boston sports dominance. 

During the duckboat parade on Saturday, Claude Julien made a brief speech.  He thanked Terry Francona, Doc Rivers, and Bill Belichick for helping him in his journey to a championship.  He said he never quite felt that he belonged in the prestigious club of Boston coaches.  Well, Claude, you certainly should feel welcome now. 

It's that statement by Julien that sums up Boston sports.  There is no in between for a Boston sports fan.  If you love one team, you love them all.  No questions asked.  It is one unit, one well-oiled Boston sports machine that we have here in Massachusetts.  It is rare, and only a few other cities can boast such an entourage of succesful teams.  So don't be greedy, and root for them all. 

Go Revs.