I don't know about team rivalry across the country but Red Sox vs. Yankees is a LONG tradition up here in New England!! It's built into the culture. The best proof of it might be what happened after 9/11. Of course our hearts went out to the people of New York!! But, that sympathy did not affect our attitudes toward the Yankees. After all, a goal of the terrorists is to change/hurt out society. We cna't let that happen!! So, they are and always will be the Damn Yankees and we WILL beat them! Go Red Sox!!