October 30th, 2014
by Dakota Antelman
As much as sports meant to his city, longtime Boston mayor Tom Menino meant the world to the teams that called his city home.
For over two decades he was the democratically appointed face of Boston. For over two decades, Menino brightened the lives of all within the range of his influential embrace. Furthermore, Menino’s sage like words, the Hyde Park accent that added fluctuation to them and his happy demeanor lifted him to a level of unanimous acceptance that is almost unheard of in modern politics.
People going about their daily lives in Boston and beyond could be said to have regarded Menino as one of those friends they never met. As a result, when it was announced this morning that Menino had “slipped into eternal rest,” the ensuing outpouring of prayers and gracious well wishes for Menino’s legacy and family were genuine and plentiful.
Patriots owner and Boston cultural magnate in his own right, Robert Kraft, issued a statement just before 2pm on the topic of Menino.
“Today is a sad day for so many in Boston who are mourning the loss of Mayor Menino. Personally, my three favorite memories were the phone calls that I received from the Mayor after each of our Super Bowl victories inviting the Patriots to celebrate with our fans in downtown Boston. I was so happy to accept his invitations. My thoughts and prayers are with Angela and the entire Menino family today,” read Kraft’s words.
Beyond that, many Boston athletes who were unable to produce formal statements took to Twitter to recognize Menino.
“Today I joined the mourning of all New Englanders, as we lost not only a great Mayor but one of my dearest friends. #MayorMenino may God,” wrote former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez.
“Sorry to learn of the passing of Mayor Menino. Prayers go out to his family. #BostonStrong,” tweeted catcher David Ross.
Soon after Ross, outfielder, Shane Victorino wrote very similarly, “Very sad to hear about the passing of Mayor Menino. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family and our city. #BostonStrong”
Menino had a strong connection with many members of the Boston sports subculture. During his five consecutive terms as mayor, the city’s teams won eight world championships. Present at final games and or rolling rallies that followed was a steadfast Menino.
But perhaps his biggest showing of support for that sports subculture came when such a showing actually supported many more people than just sports fans. As shown by the lingering attachment of “#BostonStrong” to many tweets about Menino, his finest hour came at one of his cities darkest.
When the Boston Marathon Bombings took place in April of 2013, Menino, who was then nursing a broken leg, checked out of his hospital to be present at ensuing vigils and church ceremonies for his city.
Selflessly, Menino once even dragged himself out of his wheelchair to stand on his broken leg. He stood showing in touching insistence that neither he nor his city could be held down.
"[He’s] bold, big-hearted, and Boston strong,” said President Obama of Menino after the Marathon Bombing.
Mayor Menino was a Bostonian in all respects. He stayed rooted to his town throughout his life and he led it right up until his final days were upon him. It was in those days, as Menino’s health began to rapidly decline, that his innocent love for his city most persistently permeated through all aspects of it.
In reception of his love, leadership and selflessness, Bostonians loved him back.
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