Sports and Recreation

     The religious zeal with which Boston was founded has been transformed into a modern-day fanaticism for sports. In few other cities do even the most rarefied academics follow their hometown teams with such enthusiasm. When one considers the city's bragging rights to a number of athletic firsts and bests, its sports obsession seems quite justifiable.

Baseball
     The first baseball glove was donned on a Boston field in 1875. A year later, a Harvard student caused a stir by wearing a catcher's mask, another first. The beloved Boston Red Sox won the first World Series in 1903 and captured their sixth championship in 2004 after an 86-year drought. Fenway franks, the Green Monster and "The Rocket" are all part of the enduring lore that surrounds the legendary team, which plays April to late September at Fenway Park (T: Kenmore). Fenway, one of the game's oldest and most historic stadiums, has been home to the Red Sox since 1912. The park's seats are usually filled for regular season games. Tickets should be purchased well in advance; phone (617) 482-4769 or (877) 733-7699.

Basketball
     The Boston Celtics, one of the most successful franchises in professional sports history, were National Basketball Association champions for 7 years running between 1959 and 1965--the longest consecutive winning streak of any NBA team. Hallowed Boston Garden was the Celtics' home until 1995, when the aging facility was replaced by the gleaming TD Banknorth Garden on Causeway Street (T: North Station). While faithful fans may forever mourn the Garden's passing, most appreciate the new arena's larger size and more comfortable amenities. Home games are played October through April; phone (866) 423-5849 for tickets.
     Followers of college basketball root for the Big East Conference Boston College Eagles, Boston University Terriers and Northeastern University Huskies of the America East Conference, and the Ivy League's Harvard University Crimson.

Football
     The nation's first organized football club played on the Boston Common between 1862-65. The NFL's New England Patriots are one of only two teams to win three Super Bowls in a 4-year span, becoming the seventh franchise to win back-to-back Super Bowls. Zealous spectators watch home games at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, about 45 minutes south of downtown Boston via I-95; phone (800) 543-1776.
     Supporters of college football turn out for the Boston College Eagles, who play at Alumni Stadium, and the Harvard University Crimson, who play Ivy League ball at Harvard Stadium.

Hockey
     The Boston Bruins were the first American team to receive a National Hockey League franchise. Historically one of the NHL's most successful teams, the brawling "B's" are five-time Stanley Cup champions. The Bruins face off at the TD Banknorth Garden from October through April; phone for tickets well in advance at (617) 931-2222.

Recreation
     The Charles River plays a central role in Boston's sporting life. Miles of jogging and bicycling trails follow the river's course through town. Anglers preserve the centuries-old tradition of fishing on the banks of the Charles. And one of the city's loveliest vistas is the early morning sight of a lone scull gliding on the water.
     As a Boston pastime, bicycling hails back to the time ladies gathered their bustles to ride sidesaddle around Boston Common. Although the city has never been overly conducive to two-wheeled travel, it does have several safe and extremely popular bicycle paths. Visitors can explore them after a stop at Community Bicycle Supply, 496 Tremont St., which has mountain bikes and other hybrid bicycles for rent spring through fall (weather permitting); phone (617) 542-8623.
     The Greenbelt Bikeway originates at the Boston Common and follows the Emerald Necklace, a 6-mile chain of parks that includes the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the Back Bay Fens, and the Riverway, Arborway and Jamaicaway before ending at Franklin Park.
     The Dr. Paul Dudley White Bikeway is named for President Dwight D. Eisenhower's personal physician, a devoted cyclist and, appropriately enough, a heart surgeon. The approximately 14-mile round trip follows the north side of the Charles River beginning at the Museum of Science, passing through Cambridge and Newton. At Watertown Square the path crosses the river and heads back toward Boston along its south bank. Several footbridges, particularly the one at the busy intersection of Arlington and Beacon streets (near the Public Garden) minimize interaction with vehicle traffic.
     Fishing sustained the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century, and a maritime foundation supported the Boston economy until well into the 1800s. Today's casual angler can take advantage of several freshwater locations in and around the city. The Charles River, although muddy, is home to catfish, sunfish and crappie. The fishing gets better farther upstream, particularly in the vicinity of Watertown. Jamaica Pond, on the Jamaicaway in Jamaica Plain, is stocked with trout and bass. Although numerous joggers trod around the pond, there are enough woodsy spots at the water's edge to make it a peaceful getaway.
     Nonresidents must purchase a fishing license. A special 3-day license can be obtained from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 251 Causeway St., Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114-2152; phone (617) 626-1590. Licenses may also be obtained at local town halls, sporting goods stores and retail outlets.
     Due to the rigorous winters, golf is not an all-year proposition in Greater Boston. Courses are busy on summer weekends; players should phone in advance to reserve a tee time.
     Boston Harbor is good for more than dumping tea. The Boston Sailing Center on Lewis Wharf specializes in sailboat charters or a picnic cruise to the Boston Harbor Islands; phone (617) 227-4198.
     The Charles River--christened by Prince Charles of England (later the ruler Charles I) in 1605--has figured prominently in history; Paul Revere rowed across it before taking off on his midnight ride. Later the river was plied by tugboats and freight vessels, and a foul stench from stagnant tidal mud flats often hung in the air. In the early 20th century the Charles River Basin was created, stretching some 9 miles upstream from the harbor.
     Today recreational craft rule the Charles, and boathouses and marinas line its banks. Community Boating, 21 David G. Mugar Way near the Boston side of the Longfellow Bridge and the Charles/MGH "T" station, offers a 2-day visitor pass with unlimited sailboat use April through October. Sailing lessons also are available; phone (617) 523-1038.
     Harvard and other collegiate rowing crews routinely use the river basin for practice sessions. The Charles River Canoe and Kayak Center, 2401 Commonwealth Ave. in Newton, has canoes, kayaks, rowboats and rowing shells available for rent from April through October. Kayaking classes for all levels are offered; phone (617) 965-5110.
     When the weather turns frosty, Bostonians head for the Boston Common's Frog Pond, which is transformed from a wading pool to an ice-skating playground. A nearby kiosk houses ice-making equipment, a warming room and skate rental facilities. Ice skating also is popular on the lagoon at the Public Garden. The Beacon Hill Skate Shop, 135 S. Charles St., has equipment rentals; phone (617) 482-7400. Public ice-skating rinks are scattered throughout the city; phone (617) 626-1250 for information about locations and hours of operation.