Singer Neil Diamond made a surprise appearance at the April 20, 2013 Boston Red Sox game to lead the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Sweet Caroline.” Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is normally played during the seventh inning stretch at Red Sox games and has been since 2002, and baseball parks across the U.S. honored those affected by the terrorist attacks at the April 15, 2013 Boston Marathon by also playing the song during their seventh inning stretches in a show of support and solidarity.
The April 20th game began with a tribute to those affected by the bombing, followed by a representative of the victims, the first responders, and the runners throwing out the first pitch. And then it was David Ortiz’ turn to speak and the crowd responded with thunderous applause when he stated: “This is our f–king city! No one is going to take away our freedom.” His speech was broadcast live however the FCC has stated they are not going to fine either Ortiz or MLB, saying that David spoke from his heart and the FCC stands with him.
And instead of the normal recording of “Sweet Caroline” playing during the seventh inning stretch, Neil Diamond took the field and performed it live. Because it was totally unplanned – Diamond showed up right before the game and asked if it could sing it – the stadium officials didn’t have a track on hand that didn’t have his vocals on it.
In the company of heroes. #oneboston pic.twitter.com/R6YIUKJtNG
— Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) April 20, 2013
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