Boston, Massachusetts is a city heavily rooted in American history for its service in the American Revolution, its selection of several prestigious universities, and the beautiful culture up and down every street from the North End to Fenway.
But even more memorable than the cobblestone streets is the passion of Bostonians for their national level sports teams. TD Garden, home to the city’s NHL and NBA franchises, the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics, has had its seats filled for the better part of the last two decades thanks to the consistent playoff aspirations for both franchises.
Historical Fenway Park, standing the test of time since its opening day on April 20, 1912, owns the memories of some of the greatest players, plays, and games ever seen in professional baseball. The vaunted “Curse of the Bambino,” given to the Red Sox following the trade of Hall of Famer Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1918, being shattered by the Boys from Beantown in 2004 gave rise to an incredible Red Sox fan base.
As Red Sox fans celebrated their first World Series title in 86 years, the New England Patriots hoisted their third Lombardi trophy in four years. They did so under the reign of Head Coach Bill Belichick, a man who perfectly embodied Boston’s spirit, showing that hard work and dedication to your craft will reap its rewards. Belichick’s’ system, simplified to the statement “Do your job,” has become the mantra of Boston’s fans. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, a sixth round draft selection, displays the exact strength and heart the city of Boston holds itself. Defying the odds as a sixth rounder, Brady’s perseverance as an individual and commitment to Belichick’s system have developed him into one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever step onto the gridiron.
Since the year 2000, these four franchises have combined to win 11 national championships. The Patriots lead with five championships, in years 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014 and 2016. The Red Sox are second with four championships, in years 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2017. The Bruins and Celtics each have a championship, coming in 2011 and 2008, respectively. Since the turn of the millenium, the only other city to have their professional football, basketball, baseball and hockey teams compete in league titles is Philadelphia, but only Boston has been able to win a championship in each sporting arena.
For a new generation of sports fans growing up in the New England region, Boston’s unprecedented success has given fans a true contender in at least one sport every year. With a young, talented roster that lost to LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the Boston Celtics will be a team to watch late into the NBA season. Belichick and Brady, no matter how often the world has doubted them, continue to defy the odds as the Patriots dynasty remains intact and in the hunt for a sixth Super Bowl championship.
Winning the World Series in Fenway this season, the Boston Red Sox roster remains intact and ready to push for another World Series victory next year. The Boston Bruins, with newly named Head Coach Bruce Cassidy and a strong roster, are pushing forward towards their first Stanley Cup since 2011. With multiple teams still capable of winning championships, Boston’s future looks bright heading into the next decade.
