Patch Perfect: San Fran makes Giant gesture to the 617

Former Boston shortstop Marco Scutaro and the entire
Giants roster sported the iconic "Boston Strong" patches
on their uniforms Monday night.

Jan-Christian Sorensen
Contributing Writer

On Monday night at AT&T Park, everyone that took the field for the Red Sox-Giants game was Boston Strong.

As a show of support and solidarity for the City of Boston and the victims affected by the April 15 bombing that marred the Boston Marathon, the Giants sewed the same iconic “Boston Strong” patches that the Sox have been sporting since the attack on their own uniforms for the night.

The bombing claimed three lives — Medford, Massachusetts’ Krystle Marie Campbell, 29; Boston University graduate student Lu Lingzi and eight-year-old Dorchester, Mass. native Martin William Richard — while MIT police officer Sean Collier, 27, was also ambushed and killed by the two suspects in the ensuing manhunt. More than 260 people were also injured in the attack.

Monday’s game began with Bay area natives Aaron Hern and Amanda North — who were both on the scene when the bombing occurred near the finish line — throwing out the first pitch to Boston’s Jonny Gomes and San Francisco’s Javier Lopez, who pitched in a Red Sox uniform for four seasons. North, who was in Boston to watch her daughter run the marathon, gave critical assistance to a wounded stranger, ultimately helping to save their life. Hern, meanwhile, was one of the youngest victims, suffering ear trauma and severe leg damage.
Aaron Hern and Amanda North

The Giants also held a stirring moment of silence, played a video tribute on the big screen and announced they will donate a portion of the ticket proceeds to The One Fund, which has already raised more than $60 Million for the victims and families affected by the bombing.

It was a truly classy move by San Francisco GM Brian Sabean, manager Bruce Bochy and the entire organization, and one that was respected and appreciated by not only Red Sox Nation, but everyone affected by the events of that tragic day.

Even though the Red Sox ended up recording a 7-0 win, everyone on the field was — at least for one night — on the same side, wearing both Boston Strong patches on their uniforms and their hearts firmly fixed on their sleeves.

Twitter: @jan_doh

For general inquiries about the One Fund Boston, e-mail info@onefundboston.org or call 1-855-617-FUND.