Rally Monkey Wrench

In his 1986 address to the raucous crowd at City Hall Plaza in Boston, Larry Bird memorably stated, "there's only one place I'd rather be. And thats French Lick, IN". While I disagree with the location (even if your from there, who really wants to spend more time in French Lick than they have to?), I can't disagree with the sentiment.

Here was Bird, a basketball deity in Boston, addressing hundreds of thousands of his loyal servants. Those who bowed at his feet simply because we felt privileged to watch him lead our beloved sports franchise to victory. Bird was soaking in the moment and realized, I am the best in the world and I helped provide joy in the lives of these people. And you know what? We both deserved it. Us, because it let us escape our problems, doldrums and headaches of every day life. Him, well, because he's Larry Bird.

Sadly, the days of the City Hall Plaza rally are gone. Thrown out the window after the 2001 Patriots stunned the world and Larry Izzo lead a delirious crowd in a "Yankees Suck" chant. Instead, Boston fans now must celebrate as amphibious vehicles take unidentifiable players, coaches, families and staff through the city streets. Not only are we subject to furiously scanning each vessel for our favorite players, but we have to deal with the added layers of names and faces adding to the clutter.



The worst part of the parade is that there's no build up, no euphoric climax and no sense of true salute. Just an hour of guys on wheeled boats traveling through the street. When they turn the last corner, that's the last we see of them until next season.

While it's been cited as a potential public safety violation in the past, I think its time to bring back the rally. With 6 parades in 6 years (and that pathetic Ray Bourque gathering), Boston fans have gotten the kinks out. We know how to celebrate properly, responsibly and (mostly) chaos free. The city throws a rally for teams before they head out to a big game, so why not after? Players talk to the crowd of their game day intentions, so why not celebrate the actual achievements? Can you only imagine if Schilling got to talk about life after Game 2? Or if Pedro got to say thanks to a city that already knew he threw his last pitch there? Or an emotional Paul Pierce finally standing tall after all the ups and downs over the years? The possibilities are endless. It's time Boston stepped it up and brought goosebumps to the next generation.

See images from rallies past.