Forbes.com released its list of America’s Hottest Sports Cities, and the Hub got the nod as the winningest sports town over the last three years.
It’s not the same as winning the World Series — or even an AL pennant — but being No. 1 at something is better than nothing.
And lest anyone question the legitimacy of such an honor, this wasn’t Rocky Marciano fighting tomato cans. A city had to have two major sports teams (meaning MLB, NFL, NBA and/or NHL franchises) to be in the running. So that immediately eliminated the likes of Crapo, Md.; Looneyville, Texas; or Boogertown, N.C. — all fine cities, albeit with a few shortcomings in the name department.
Boston came out on top against some of the biggest markets in the country. You might have heard of the others who made the cut:
1. Boston
2. Los Angeles
3. New York
4. Philadelphia
5. Pittsburgh
6. Detroit
7. Dallas
8. Indianapolis
9. Chicago
10. San Diego
The rankings were based on a “fan’s happiness scale” and factored regular-season records, playoff appearances and championships into the equation. Since 2006, Boston fans have had plenty to celebrate.
Is that going to change?
Probably not.
Even though the Red Sox fell short of bringing home another championship this season, the Patriots are just finding their stride. The Bruins are just getting warmed up. And the Celtics are eyeing a run at history.
Four teams. All with the same goal — win everything.
Boston has grown accustomed to success. Which is nice.
But it takes hard work for a team — or city — to get to the top and stay on top. Every one of the four major sports teams in Boston has learned this lesson in some way, shape or form over the past 24 months.
No repeat for the Red Sox.
No perfection for the Patriots.
No dice for the Celtics.
No guarantees for the Bruins.
This is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately era. Everybody is gunning to be No. 1.
That’s the way it should be.
It’s more fun than being second-best.
And in Boston, it’s a way of life, because fans won’t settle for anything less.
