We were still celebrating, even though they had lost. What a great lesson for American kids on losing with dignity.
And how wonderful it was to be in Boston this past week, as the city of Boston experienced a similar connection with its beloved Red Sox.
As my friends and I waited to be seated at dinner in the North End, we witnessed three different exclamations of joy. Two cars drove by, honking at anyone and everyone in sight and yelling about Boston's victory over New York, and one group of four guys just walked down the street with signs proclaiming the greatness of the Sox.
All of this joy came out of a single game of baseball.
If a sport has the capacity to unite communities like this, spread intoxicating happiness and stir various "poignant" emotions, as my friend wrote, it really does matter in the scheme of things. It's inspiring to see--despite claims that society today is more detached and increasingly atomized--the fervent emotions and strong bonds that baseball creates.
It is that which makes this sport so significant to so many of us. And it makes it truly American. With that said, Go Braves.