Many Boston sports fans probably have one or all of the following on their wish list: to have the Vince Lombardi Trophy returnto Foxboro in February, to have a Duck Boat rally for the only team in town who hasn’t had one in the last five years (or 38 years to be exact), to have the Big Three repeat what they did in 2008, and to bring that World Series trophy back to the Red Sox.
So far, things are looking pretty darn good for all the four major teams in New England. In two weeks, we’ll be ringing in a new year that could prove to be incredibly prosperous for the city.
2011. The Patriots are primed to board that flight to Dallas in early February. With an 11-2 record, they are the best team in football. We’ve been listening to it for weeks, but it’s not until the games are played on Sunday when NFL fans get a true glimpse into the mastermind of Bill Belichick and the halo surrounding this season’s New England Patriots. Sorry Randy Moss, but you were naughty this year, and Santa only brings toys to those who are nice.
Spring training for the Boston Red Sox will begin shortly thereafter. Enter outfielder Carl Crawford and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Their jerseys will be flying off the shelves at The Souvenir Store. Just this week, I made a stop at the Yawkey Way flagship institution to purchase some Christmas gifts. Word is that it took Crawford a few extra days to decide what number to wear (he will be wearing No. 13), and now MLB is frantically trying to print all his paraphernalia in time for Saint Nick to arrive. Ho, ho, ho, thank you, Theo.
The proverbial Christmas tree in Boston may have cost roughly $300 million, but it’s going to bring the fans perhaps another trophy back to Fenway Park.
What happens next could be one of the most exciting and thrilling events New England will witness, as we haven’t seen it since 1972. The Boston Bruins have been on the doorstep of accomplishing greatness for the past three seasons. The only problem is that Lord Stanley seems to forget how to get around the confusing roads in Boston.
This year’s squad has chemistry, toughness, solid and balanced scoring, veteran leadership and two outstanding goaltenders. These are all the tools needed to be sure of playing hockey in mid-June. If the B’s can get a few spots higher in the Eastern Conference (which they can do this week with wins against three tough conference opponents) and solidify their position for the playoffs, then sit back and enjoy. It takes a lot to win the Cup, but the pieces appear to be in place for this year’s team.
Finally, it wouldn’t be June without the NBA Finals, now would it? This holiday season, Shaq-a-Claus graced us with his presence, and hopefully, the same guy can bring presents to the city with an NBA title. The Celtics are stacked with talent. At 19-4, they have won 10 straight and have bulldozed over everyone in their path. Rajon Rondo is the doctor at the point, and he’s done a masterful job at it. I’m picturing another Lakers-Celtics NBA Finals, only Game 7 is at the TD Garden, and this time, Shaq can rub his new hardware in Kobe Bryant‘s face.
Now is a special time of year. It’s the gift-giving season, a time to share with one another and a time to reflect on what we are thankful for. Boston fans have every reason to cheer and look forward to the new year. The Boston Duck Tours don’t officially reopen until March 21, but someone better tell them to start warming up the engines and filling the tanks.
We may just need them sooner.
