Yankees vs. Red Sox: Ceremony Helps Fans Drown Sorrows with Amazing Memories

When you are a team dealing with turmoil and turnover, the best thing to do is clear your head with a good old-fashioned celebration. That is exactly what the Boston Red Sox did prior to their game against the New York Yankees on Friday, and it is exactly what this team needed. 

Ever since last September, this franchise has dealt with "Chicken & Beer-Gate," that included anonymous sources selling out anyone and everyone it possibly could. Terry Francona was let go, clearing the way for Bobby Valentine to take over as manager. 

Optimism was not a word that the Red Sox or their fans were hearing a lot of prior the season starting, and things have only gotten worse since the team stepped on the field. 

The pitching rotation and bullpen have been disastrous, with an ERA over 6.00 through 12 games. 

Even the offense, which was supposed to be the strength of this team, is sitting in the middle of the pack with 59 runs scored. It's still very early, so look for things to turnaround, but given all the turmoil this team dealt with after September 1, 2011, they could have used a strong start. 

Oh by the way, there was also that little matter of Valentine questioning Kevin Youkilis' effort and then Dustin Pedroia's comments.

Pedro Martinez and Kevin Millar got the crowd ready to go for the game after everyone had already taken the field, by leading Red Sox Nation in the world's largest toast.  

Bringing back anyone and everyone who has ever played a game for the Red Sox gave the fans and the franchise a release that it desperately needed.

Instead of having to worry about what venom is going to come out of someone's mouth in the locker room, the players can celebrate their rich tradition and get the fans excited about something. 

Even if it is something as simple as getting the media to talk about something else, the Red Sox need anything they can get. That is not to say they are a bad team--they're not. They just need to get away from the usual circus that comes with playing in Boston. 

Everyone in Fenway was joined together as one to honor the past 100 years of heartache and joy. That is a welcome change from the arguing and bickering about all the problems with what has happened on the field for the Boston Red Sox. 

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