Yankees put aside rivalry, honor Boston with "Sweet Caroline" after bombing

The Yankees and the Red Sox have what may be the biggest rivalry in baseball, if not all sports.

But for one night, they put aside their differences in a somber show a solidarity, honoring victims and survivors of the horrific bombing in Boston on Monday.

Before their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Yankees held a moment of silence. And after the third inning, Yankee Stadium rang with the voices of fans belting out "Sweet Caroline," the Neil Diamond anthem so closely associated with the Red Sox.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and the families who were affected by the bombings and our respect and admiration go out to the police, medical personnel and first responders who acted so heroically," the Yankees said in a statement. "We stand united with the participants, volunteers, staff and spectators of the Boston Marathon and the people of Boston."

.@yankees Thank you! We appreciate your support.

— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 16, 2013

After the song, Diamond tweeted his appreciation, telling the Yankees "you scored a homerun in my heart."

Thank you NY Yankees for playing 'Sweet Caroline' for the people of Boston. You scored a home run in my heart. With respect, Neil #OneBoston

— Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) April 17, 2013

Other Major League ballparks across the country joined in the moment, playing the song that has been an eighth-inning staple at Boston's Fenway Park for every game since 2002.

Tonight we're all Bostonians. Join @yankees fans in singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ after the 3rd inning: atmlb.com/10cOUuW

— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2013

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. @mlb Fans singing Sweet Caroline to show support for Boston: atmlb.com/11uzfUy

— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 17, 2013

#Yankees fans show their support for Boston. #BostonStrong twitter.com/Yankees/status…

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 17, 2013