A Nice Little Moment
Speculation was rampant.
Prior to today’s festivities, Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner was quoted as proclaiming that the person selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2008 Home Opener will cause fans to have “goosebumps”. Some eye-popping names were being tossed around: Pedro Martinez, Tom Brady, Larry Bird, Roger Clemens’ steroid dealer, among others.
When the name was revealed this morning, it boggled my mind: Bill Buckner. Bill Buckner from 1986.
After hearing this, I wondered how the fans at Fenway would react. I figured it would be mostly resounding cheers, but my Theory of Human Nature is this: in any statistically significant sample of humans, at least 25% of the sample will consist of obtuse assholes.
I’m glad to report that Jimmy’s Theory of Human Nature was not in effect at Fenway Park today. Buckner received a raucous ovation, and could be seen wiping tears from his weathered eye. It was just a nice little moment. If there’s a guy who has been unjustifiably shit upon by the collective ass of New England, it’s Bill.
He deserves his day.
They should’ve brought Calvin Schiraldi and Johnny Mac out there with him to publicly apologize to Buckner for taking the heat off of them for the last 22 years.
Marvelous moment, well-deserved. I was getting a bit misty myself.
Lyndon Byers (former Bruins goon and now Sports Director on 107.3 FM WAAF’s Hill Man Morning Show) said on the radio this morning that “[the standing ovation] was one of the greatest moments in sports.”
I agree. I admit to choking back tears. Good for Billy.