Red Sox Ring Ceremony Too Much

The most emotional moment during the ring ceremony for the Boston Red Sox was undoubtedly Bill Buckner making a dramatic entrance and throwing out the first pitch to the cheers of the Fenway crowd. 

Buckner later tearfully said that he “had to forgive the media for what they put me and my family through.”

Lost in this heartwarming moment, though, was the rest of the ceremony that was big beyond belief.  In fact, maybe a little too big for some people’s tastes.

Flags of 62 different countries representing members of Red Sox Nation were lined up by the Green Monster.  Um, excuse me...this wasn’t the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics.  We’ll be able to see that in a few months.  I can’t remember a ring ceremony where something like this happened.

Yes, the Red Sox have fans around the world, but if they do this for the Red Sox, they have to do it for every team that wins a championship, because there are many other teams in this country that also have fans abroad.

Nor do I remember all four major North American sports trophies being in one place at the same time.  Well it happened, representing the championships Boston teams have won through the years. 

Bobby Orr and Bill Russell were also invited to be part of the ceremony. Obviously, it was a salute to all things Boston sports, but considering the Bruins haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1972, it’s amazing that the NHL would allow the grandest trophy in all of sports to be present.

Just like the flag aspect, they should salute an entire city’s sports history from now on every time one of its teams wins a championship.  Why not?  Considering Red Sox Nation waited a GOOD LONG THREE YEARS for another title, there are many other teams that have waited a lot longer. 

Let’s say the Pirates win the World Series this year.  I guess they should invite Franco Harris and Mario Lemieux to honor the great tradition of winning the city of Pittsburgh has.

Red Sox Nation is wondering why its team is becoming more hated than the Yankees. 

My assessment of Monday’s ceremony is just one reason why.  When their dog was finally thrown a bone after 86 years, they, with help from the media and organization, felt that it was the biggest thing to happen on this planet since the Resurrection of Christ.

There are two groups of Red Sox fans:  Those who been through thick and thin for many years and Red Sox Nation.  I have much more respect for the former.  For the latter to get on par with the former on the respect ladder, they can only do one thing: 

Cool it with the hype and don’t act obnoxious.