What’s unfolding here goes far beyond baseball; it’s a joyful blending of two cultures. That was underscored by the news that Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has filed a sister-city proposal with Glasgow.
Fittingly, she made the announcement in a Scottish pub while wearing a Scotland football shirt.
Masses of football fans descending on a city for a big tournament is nothing new, but the spirit of the celebrations here has made this one stand out.
As of now, not a single Scotland supporter has been arrested in either Boston or Providence, another Tartan Army stronghold nearby.
The seeds of this Boston party were planted two years ago in Bavaria. During the last European Championships, Marienplatz seemed to hold more Scots than Motherwell.
Again, Scotland’s fans were praised for their conduct, generosity and banter.
Unfortunately, the football tried its best to spoil the fun.
That’s one notable difference this time, aside from the obvious leap in excitement that comes with a first World Cup in 28 years.
We’ll never know what the mood would have been if the Haiti opener had gone badly, though it likely wouldn’t have dulled the atmosphere much.
The team have done their part to keep the festivities rolling, and a point against Morocco on Friday could unleash a wave of celebration surging back into Boston that night like nothing the city has seen.
For many in their twenties, this has truly been the trip of a lifetime. There’s a genuine sense among Scotland fans that they’ve waited so long to see a World Cup that it might be another three decades before it happens again.
And even if it does, nothing may top the week they’ve just enjoyed in Boston—no matter what Miami brings.
For almost a week, Scotland practically had the city to itself. Now it’s a patchwork of nations settling into one of the warmest, most welcoming spots along the Charles they could have hoped to visit.
Who knows, they might be back if they finish among the best third-placed teams.
As sporrans are packed and online check-ins begin for flights to Miami, what legacy will the Tartan Army leave in Boston?
Their generosity? Their good humour? Their knack for letting some locals know the World Cup is even happening?
Perhaps all of the above—just don’t expect a haggis supper.