Shane Victorino Leaves Mark On Two Top Sports Towns
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia and Boston. Two similar blue-collar towns that do not agree on much, if anything at all, when it comes to sports. Two towns that are defined by their rugged nature, intense passion, unforgiving attitude, and uncanny love for sports.
Two four-for-four towns that will appreciate a winner, a champion, forever.
An emotional Shane Victorino said goodbye to the city of Boston on Monday after being traded to the Los Angeles Angels for infielder Josh Rutledge. The speedy two-time all-star outfielder from Hawaii, who won a World Series with the Phillies in 2008 and another with the Red Sox in 2013, links the two most passionate sports towns in the country, whether they like it or not.
Victorino, 34, will be forever beloved in both Philly and Boston, a rare attainment for any person.
"If there's two times in my life that has been the best times in my life, is when I won in '08 in Philly and in '13 here in Boston," Victorino said in his farewell press conference.
Victorino's legacy in these spirited sports towns---aided by his work-ethic, lovable personality, and on-field success---was solidified by his clutch moments, none greater that his two postseason grand salamis. One for each city.
In 2008, Victorino tallied 13 RBI's in the 2008 World Series for the Phils, four of which coming from a Game 2 NLDS memorable grand slam off then Milwaukee Brewers pitcher, C.C. Sabathia.
Then in 2013, Victorino's 12 RBI's were second on the Sox only to David Ortiz's 13. Down 2-1 in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers, Victorino's go-ahead 7th inning grand slam punched Boston's ticket to the World Series and his four RBI performance in the Game 6 World Series clinching game, lead his team to a 6-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
"What am I going to be remembered as in a city like this? I hope people remember me one way and understand injuries are not something that any athlete wants to face," Victorino said. "I hope I'll be remembered for what happened in '13. We use that slogan that will always be a part of us: Boston Strong."