I Live For This.

In honor of March Madness I'm doing a sports-related post. I don't want anyone to think that this is just me bragging about all the rad sporting events that I've gone to, but essentially that's what it is. Deal with it.

If you don't like sports I still want you to read this post, because sports are electric, and you're missing out on one of the best ways to bond with people. Whether it's the Olympics, World Cup soccer, or the Superbowl, sports are a total conversation starter, and athletic loyalties make for great chats, debates and friendships. For all you chumps who are in the "eh, sports are okay" bracket (pun intended) please see the film Invictus and then try to sell me your shitty excuses.

So, without further ado, here's a short list of some really terrific sporting events that got my blood boiling, my heart racing and my hands looking sunburned from a myriad of high-fives.

1. On one April day in 1995 my mom showed up at my elementary school and yanked me out of class. As we walked out the front door of the school she announced that we were going to opening day at Fenway. "You're kidding!?" I squealed, to which my mother assured me she was not. We scalped tickets outside of Fenway from a man with no legs who smelled of old hot dogs and hadn't showered perhaps ever. As we entered the park I soon realized that this would be Jose Canseco's first game on the Red Sox in Fenway. I don't remember who they played, if we won, or if anyone ripped a homer, but I do remember Jose's first at bat, and the awful sunburn I got on half of my face sitting in right field.

2. Again in 1995 my Dad took me to the last Bruins game every played at The Boston Garden. I met Derek Sanderson. Nuff said.

3. In April of 2005 a roommate of mine (who happens to be the daughter of one of Boston's finest athletes in history) received a ticket opportunity courtesy of her dear old dad to go to opening day at Fenway. I love any home opener, but this one was of particular interest because my beloved Red Sox had won the World Series in 2004, and this game they would be receiving their rings in front of Satan's Children aka the New York Yankees. James Taylor sang, the 2004 pennant was unveiled over the Green Monster, I saw John Rothleisberger and Seth Meyers at the game. It was a banner day (again, pun intended).


Above I'm pictured holding my lucky blue Wheaton blanket freaking out when the Sox won the world series. Below is my view 6 months later when the banner was lowered. I still get chills.

4. On June 9, 2001 my favorite hockey player of all time, Mr. Raymond Bourque, hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time, as he and his Colorado Avalanche won in game 7. I cried. Actually that doesn't do it justice, I sat blubbering doing the old Ray fist pump like I had just scored my first hat trick. It was momentous, and the entire reason he left Boston in the first place. Fast forward to October 4, 2001 and I'm at the Fleet Center for the Bruins home opener watching Ray retire his number 77 and salute the crowd in both French and English. The trusty cleaners of the Fleet Center must not have dusted that day, because there was something in my eye all night long. Sniff sniff.

5. On March 10, 2010 (just last week) I was in Florida on vacation with my family, and we had tickets to a pre-season Red Sox game at City of Palms Park. Little did we know that Nomar Garciaparra would be retiring that day, singing a 1 day contract with the Sox, and throwing out the first pitch at the game. It was serious luck, and a really fun day. Nomahhh forevah.

And now I dare you to not watch an athletic event and feel some sort of human connection. Who the hell doesn't like underdogs? Oh that's right, Yankees and their fans. Aw, snap.