Immediately after the horrific explosion near the finish line at the Boston Marathon, the sports world united in supporting a town known for its athletic teams.
On Monday, newly acquired Patriots wide receiver, Danny Amendola, sent out this tweet to all of his followers:
The Chicago Tribune led its sports page honoring Boston with images of the words “We are Chicago” next to the logos of each of the Boston professional sports teams. The Tribune wrote this testimonial:
We are like you. We know that sports are often the ties that hold us together, that give us a way to talk about the things we care about when other words fail. We know sports can be fun—even in losing…But on Monday, we were reminded again how fragile it all can be. The explosions and injuries and death at a world-class sporting event such as the Boston Marathon makes us heartsick. As much as it is anathema for a Chicago fan to root for any other town—especially Beantown and all of its championship rings—here we are. Hang in there, Boston.
Red Sox players, who were en route to Boston’ Logan International Airport, sent out tweets of love and support to family, friends, and fans immediately following the blasts. During Tuesday evening’s Red Sox Indians game a moment a silence will be held for the victims of the Boston Marathon and all flags at Jacobs field will be flown at half-staff.
Phillies outfielder, Ben Revere, attached a strip of tape to his glove and wrote the words “Pray for Boston” as the Phillies played the Reds Monday evening.
During the same game, former Red Sox pitcher and current Phillies pitcher, Jonathan Papelbon, sent his love and support to Boston. “Patriots’ Day is a big thing in Boston,” Papelbon said. “The Sox play at 11 o’clock. It’s all ruined. Families are ruined. Lives are ruined. For what? It’s just sad.”
In solidarity with those affected by the Boston Marathon, all sporting events Monday evening held a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The Boston Bruins postponed Monday night’s home game against the Ottawa Senators and the NBA canceled the Celtics Tuesday game against the Pacers. Both leagues expressed statements of sympathy to those affected by the tragedy.
Abby Borovitz