Iconic plays, joyous celebration, emotional moments of triumph -- the MLB playoffs have produced innumerable classic images over the years. But perhaps none capture the magic of post-season baseball quite as well as the photo you see above.
Getty photographer Al Bello snapped the photo on Sunday night just as David Ortiz's eighth-inning grand slam cleared the outfield wall to boost the Boston Red Sox to a thrilling come-from-behind win over the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of their American League Championship Series at Fenway Park. It shows an overjoyed on-duty Boston police officer unable to contain his glee as Detroit's Torii Hunter makes an unsuccessful diving attempt to catch the home run ball.
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Staid professionalism be damned, this photo goes to show the all-consuming power of sports fandom. It's a poignant reflection of the relationship among Boston's residents, law enforcement and sports culture, particularly in the wake of April's Boston Marathon bombings. A powerful Sports Illustrated cover paid tribute to Boston first responders at the marathon, and this photograph serves as a more positive update almost exactly six months later.
ESPN reports that the officer in question here is Steve Horgan, a Massachusetts native and 27-year veteran of the Boston Police Department.
"I couldn't even hear myself it was so loud," he told ESPN of the instantly-iconic MLB playoffs moment. "I can't believe it. I don't know what to think. I can't believe it. It was an awesome feeling."
Here's a closer look:
And here's a slightly different version on the cover of Monday's Boston Globe:
It may even beat out this incredible Usain Bolt shot from August for best sports photo of 2013.