What does tessie have to do with Boston?

Answer 1

In 1903, the Boston team (which was not yet called the Red Sox) had some loyal and devoted fans, known as the Royal Rooters. These fans took a love song that was a big hit that year and used it to loudly mock and parody players on the opposing team. For example, the real lyrics said something like "I love you madly," but the Rooters would sing at a certain player "Why do you play so badly?"

Years later, Boston's own Dropkick Murphys did a rock version of "Tessie," updating the lyrics. Midway through 2004, when it seemed the Red Sox would yet again fail to win the pennant (which had gone on for 86 years), the Dropkick Murphys began to perform their version of Tessie at Fenway Park during the 7th inning stretch. It rallied the team and it rallied the fans. Throughout the season, the song became almost like an anthem, spurring the Red Sox on to victory and to the World Series, where they finally won.