We've been fortunate over the past decade to witness several ring ceremonies and banner raisings in Boston. But not one of those ever had the emotion that came with the Celtics Ring Night tonight in Boston.
Other championships carried more significance than No. 17 for the Green. The Pats ended 16 years of total failure for all New England sports, opening the flood gates for the current prosperity in Beantown. The Sox ended an 86-year draught that had captivated the region and caused such heartbreak over the years. The Celtics championship was great for ending a 22-year span of futility, but most people would not rank it ahead of Vinatieri's game-winner (twice) or Keith Foulke's underhand toss to first.
But this one was special for one reason: Paul Pierce
When the captain grabbed that championship trophy at the start of the ceremony, the tears were already flowing. By the time he came out to retrieve his ring, he was flat-out bawling. And when the Celtics raised No. 17 to the immortal rafters, he was totally overcome with emotion.
Pierce represented everything that we ask from our athletes tonight. He poured his heart and soul into a losing franchise for 10 years, never looking to be traded or to leave via free agency. We want our athletes to care as much as we do, and we're normally let down, but not by Paul Pierce. The Truth is, Pierce legitimately cares even more than the rabid Boston fan base, and that's refreshing.
Oh, and by the way, Pierce is also pretty darn good on the court too. He just passed Bob Cousy for fifth place in scoring on the all-time greatest franchise in the NBA (no debate). One day we'll remember Paul Pierce in the same light we remember Larry Bird, Carl Yastremski and Tedy Bruschi.
Every Celtics player earned their ring tonight except Scalabrine (kidding ... kind of), but none deserved it more than Pierce.
Posts
1 comment:
The truth is....you are a slacker
Post a Comment