An open letter to New York from Greg

Let me start with an admission, I am not a Bostonian by birth, I grew up on Colorado. I came to Boston on the late 90s with my soon-to-be wife and fell in love with the city. I loved the lack of distinction between “Natives” and “transplants”, once you get here, you’re a Bostonian. To fit in you really only need to meet two criteria: 1. love the city, and 2. love the Red Sox. I marveled at the city’s history as I walked the streets, put on a Red Sox hat, and I felt home. 

Living in Boston, I quickly learned that just to our south, the sprawling metropolis of New York contained the antagonist to every sports story ever told about the Red Sox, but it isn't just story. The rivalry with New York was (and is) a living, breathing thing. 

The Rivalry is something you live; it impacts your life. My wife and I may or may not have forced an entire bar in Cancun to watch game 7 2004 of the American League Series, and cheered until we were hoarse at the win (the only two cheering). I may or may not have cried, even if it was just a little, the first time Johnny Damon took the field clean shaven, with short hair, in a Yankee’s uniform. And sure, I can’t help but smile, even today, when I think of the news coverage devoted to removing a David Ortiz jersey from the foundation of Yankee’s Stadium. 

They say that in times of crisis people show their true colors. New York, You are all class. From your newspapers publications, to your sports teams, right down to your citizens, you have demonstrated just what makes America, and our rivalry great. 

Its hard for some people to understand, but after my time here in Boston I get it, the rivalry our cities have isn't about hating the one another, it’s about loving your home team. And just like brothers, we may fight between ourselves, but were bonded, and when someone else hurts one of us, it hurts us both. 

The support you have offered has been unwavering. Nothing proved it more that thousands of Yankee’s fans singing “Sweet Caroline” at Yankee Stadium last night and we appreciate it. 

From the bottom of my Boston Strong heart- Thank You.