Boston Red Sox Fans Enjoy Surprise Performance by Neil Diamond

Boston Red Sox fans got quite the surprise during the eighth inning on Saturday, and it had nothing to do with the game. Neil Diamond led the chorus of fans in singing “Sweet Caroline,” his first appearance at the ballpark in nearly a decade.

Since 1997

Boston Globe reported that Diamond’s last performance at Fenway was back in 2013 after the Boston Marathon bombing. Due to his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, he retired from touring in 2018, so this outing was certainly a rare and exciting one.

Diamond was accompanied by Will Swenson, a cast member of “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.” NESN reported that the musical about the 81-year-old’s life will begin its world premiere six-week engagement at Boston’s Emerson Colonial on June 21.

If you’re not a Red Sox fan, you simply don’t get it. You will never understand the pure joy that pulses through your body when that beat begins to build and Diamond belts out “Sweet Caroline” for thousands of Fenway fans to follow it up with “BAH! BAH! BAH!” You know it's coming, but every time is like the first time.

In a stadium full of strangers, you become family, all thanks to the game of baseball and one catchy tune.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.