Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the explosions at the Boston Marathon. #prayforboston
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 15, 2013
Before the first explosion, it was a great day in Boston. It was Patriots Day, an annual holiday that aligns with the Boston Marathon and a Red Sox home game to give way to a city-wide celebration. School is out. People are off work. Many baseball fans traditionally walk to the marathon's finish line after leaving Fenway Park.
The Red Sox had won their game in fantastic fashion. A bottom of the ninth walk-off double by Mike Napoli, smacked off the Green Monster, gave the Red Sox a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Celebrations ensued and most certainly spilled out into the Boston streets.
Forty minutes later, the first explosion came. And then another. Right there, near the finish line of the marathon as people were crossing. Authorities are still putting together the pieces — how many died, how many were injured, who was responsible — but it was quite obvious the sporting world, and America as a whole, were shook.
Athletes, teams and fans took to Twitter to share condolences. Because it's 2013 and, for better or worse, that's what we do now. Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks — like most of America, probably — seemed to get more upset as the day went on.
Wow. What is wrong with people. #prayers #bostonmarathon
— Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) April 15, 2013
I'm so sickened by this...
— Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) April 15, 2013
Wrong city to mess with... #Boston — Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) April 15, 2013
The Red Sox and Rays players, according to USA Today, were still at the stadium when the explosion occurred. Both teams were getting ready to leave Boston. The Red Sox play three games in Cleveland starting Tuesday. Their next scheduled home game is Friday night against the Kansas City Royals, the start of a 10-game homestand. Evan Drellich of MassLive.com reports the Red Sox's travel plans aren't expected to be interrupted.
In Los Angeles, the police department announced it would increase security at sporting events, including Monday night's Dodgers-Padres game. There was a moment of silence before Monday's Chicago White Sox/Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto. Beyond baseball, the Boston Bruins postponed their Monday night hockey game.
When President Obama spoke to the nation on Monday afternoon, his address played on the scoreboard during batting practice at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, where the Reds were getting ready to play the Philadelphia Phillies. "Place was hushed," said Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
Jonathan Papelbon, who played seven seasons with the Red Sox and is now with the Phillies, used to live above Abe and Louie’s steakhouse in Boston's Copley Square. One of the explosions occurred in front of the steakhouse. Papelbon told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki:
“It’s sad, man,” he said. “Patriot’s Day is a big thing in Boston. Sox play at 11 o’clock. It’s all ruined. Families are ruined, lives are ruined. For what? It’s just sad. I’m looking at it right now and I’m like, damn, I used to live right there.”
Here are a sampling of other reactions from current and former Red Sox players about the scene in Boston today:
Very sad to hear the news coming out of Boston. Horrific. My thoughts and prayers to all those involved
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) April 15, 2013
Boston is a tough, resilient town and will prevail over this saddening tragedy! #PrayForBoston
— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) April 15, 2013
Praying for those effected by the explosions at the marathon. #Godblessboston — Jacoby Ellsbury (@JacobyEllsbury) April 15, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with everyone at the Boston Marathon. #prayforboston — Andrew Bailey (@AndrewBailey40) April 15, 2013
The world is an evil place,but I watch first responders and can't help but smile and be proud to be an American #Godblessusa #prayforboston
— Curt Schilling (@gehrig38) April 15, 2013
My prayers go out to the city of Boston!#prayforboston — Adrian Gonzalez (@AdrianTitan23) April 15, 2013
I'm so sadden for families of Boston.. Unless u understand patriots day in Beantown u hv no ideal..may God keep his arms and hands on peopke
— Cameron (@_darkman44) April 15, 2013
How are there people like this in the world? This is just terrible. My heart is pounding and stomach churning from this event. — Josh Reddick (@joshreddick16) April 15, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected in Boston this afternoon!! It truly is a shame that happened in a great city!!!
— Mike Aviles(@Themikeaviles) April 15, 2013
Baseball is back. Don't miss anything.
Follow @MikeOz and @bigleaguestew, on Twitter, along with the BLS Facebook page.
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