Teams across Major League Baseball showed their support for Boston on Tuesday night with thoughtful gestures. But for a few members of opposing teams, the somber moments weren’t just for the Red Sox and their fans — they also helped those who once played in Boston and still hold the city close to their hearts.
Indians manager Terry Francona and Yankees third baseman Kevin Youkilis were among those with personal connections to Boston, Marathon Monday and Patriots’ Day as their teams shared tributes Tuesday night.
At this point last year, Youkilis was still a Boston local. He was traded from the Red Sox to the White Sox on June 24.
“It ate me up a lot,” he told the New York Post of hearing the news Monday. “My father-in-law’s office is right there, and we’re very lucky he wasn’t there.”
Youkilis, who has watched the Boston Marathon at the finish line before, said the Yankees playing “Sweet Caroline” Tuesday was a nice way to honor the city and its fans.
“It was cool, special,” he said. “I think Red Sox fans appreciate it.”
The Yankees announced Tuesday afternoon that they planned to play the song during their game, and several major league teams soon followed suit.
