In Boston, sports loyalty—and passion—runs deep. With one team in each of the four major American professional leagues, the Red Sox, the Celtics, the Bruins, and the Patriots have long commanded undivided attention. But for much of the 20th century, the records of the local teams were mixed, with some victories but also heartbreaking losses and endless talk of curses. And then, things changed. Over twenty years, Boston was blessed with an extraordinary run of success, including 12 championships, 7 runners-up, and many more years of heated contention. In the 21st century, Boston became the hub of the sports universe.
According to Tony Massarotti, a longtime Boston sports columnist and host of the #1 sports radio show in New England, this is not a coincidence. This Is Our City paints a portrait of 20 years in Boston sports, showing how one team’s success has led to the next—how they have fed off one another, tried to one-up one another, and supported one another. From Brady and Belichick to the Celtics’ Big Three, from Big Papi to the Big Bad Bruins, this was a special time. And Boston’s run played out against major events such as 9/11 and the devastating Boston Marathon bombing—which led to a memorably profane speech by David Ortiz, who declared, “This is our f@#king city!” Massarotti’s This Is Our City is a valentine to Boston sports and a comprehensive story of a remarkable run.
