Being a Boston sports fan is great. I have a strong love for sports and, being from New England, naturally, I became a diehard Boston sports guy. The amount of love the teams from Boston get from the fans across the country and especially in New England is part of what elevates Boston as a sports city above all others. You will not find a group of people more passionate about sports more than Boston fans. I have had so many great moments being a fan of these teams. However, not all of the memories are good ones, they have broken my heart on more than one occasion.
I'll start with a good memory. I guess I should start with the first one. I really became a diehard sports fan in 2011. The Bruins interested me, and that was how I was propelled into what I am today. Back then, I was 12, and my first taste of playoffs as a sports fan resulted in hoisting the Stanley Cup. All those game 7 victories during that run are something that I will never forget, and Tim Thomas will always remain in my heart.
Speaking of game 7 victories, maybe the most pumped up I got while watching sports was the Bruins game 7 against the Maple Leafs, a game in which they were down on the scoreboard 4-1 with 11 minutes remaining in the game. The grit and determination they showed to be able to comeback from such a deficit and then win it in overtime is something that I will never forget.
Sticking with the Bruins, and sticking with that same year, 2013 — Stanley Cup Final game 6. Up 2-1 with roughly 2:30 remaining, thoughts began to creep into my head that we would be heading into yet another game 7. Those thoughts quickly turned into sadness when the Blackhawks scored, knotting the game with a score of 2-2. I remember thinking "OK, we'll win this thing in OT." I was wrong. 17 seconds later, the Blackhawks took the lead and went on to win the game, which won them the Cup. Staring at my screen in disbelief, I felt a wave a disappointment. The dominance they had displayed throughout the season and throughout the playoffs had me truly believing that 2013 was the Bruins' year.
The two Super Bowls against the Giants go without saying. I wasn't a sports fan at the time of the David Tyree catch (glad I didn't have to see that live) but the Mario Manningham catch down the sideline is seared into my mind. That's enough with that.
Malcom Butler, need I say more. As the ball landed perfectly into Kearse's lap as he was on the ground, I thought "here we go again." I was devastated, I couldn't believe the Patriots were going to lose a third Super Bowl on a play like that. Then Malcom swooped in and saved the day (and so did Pete Caroll). That had to have been the most consecutive seconds I went jumping up and down in my life. I looked like Tom Brady on the sidelines after the interception.
The Red Sox winning the World Series in 2013 after the city of Boston was devastated by the Marathon bombing is a special memory for me. I was at the victory parade as they placed the trophy on the finish line, a heartfelt moment that will always stay with me.
I could go on all day with the good, the bad, and the greatest memories I have had associated with Boston sports, but you would be reading this all day. I apologize for bringing up any bad memories for people. Also, you're welcome for bringing up any good ones.
