Team Spotlight: Boston Red Sox

Competing in the AL (American League) East division, of MLB (Major League Baseball), the professional baseball team, the Boston Red Sox, have won no fewer than nine World Series championships. Two years ago, in 2018, they won their latest one. As one of eight charter franchises in the American League, they were founded in 1901. Since 1912, they have called Fenway Park home. (From 1901 until 1911 home was Huntington Avenue Grounds.)

Ever wonder how the Red Sox got their name? Around 1908, John I. Taylor (team owner) chose the name "Red Sox" – changing it from Boston Red Stockings, its former name.

By 1918 they had won four championships including the first World Series ever, in 1903, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, in all of baseball's history, one of the most severe championship droughts was about to be experienced by this formerly winning team. The problem, according to many, was the fact that they sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees – their arch rival – which started the "Curse of the Bambino".

This is not to say that some memorable baseball history wasn't made during that period, however!

Cursed? Maybe, but…

The "cursed" years for the Red Sox may not have been winning but they were by no means boring. Some of the biggest moments in baseball history occurred during this time including the following:

• 1986 – Bill Buckner's error
• 1975 – Carlton Fisk's homerun
• 1976 – "Impossible Dream"
• 1946 – Enos Slaughter’s "Mad Dash"

Things Are Looking Up

Fortunately, most slumps don't last forever evidenced by the Red Sox becoming the first team in the 21st century to capture four World Series trophies. These championships occurred in 2018, 2013, 2007, and 2004.

In general, amidst all professional sports in North America, one of the most historic and fiercest rivalries in history is that which has existed, and still does exist, between the Red Sox and the New York Yankees.

A Little Bit About the Team

Attendance wise, though Fenway Park's smaller size limits home attendance, in average road attendance, the Red Sox have regularly been one of the top MLB teams.

The colors of the team consist of white, navy blue, and red.

The following are key members of the team:

• Chaim Bloom – President of Baseball Operations.
• Brian O'Halloran – general manager
• Ron Reinecke – manager

Owners:

• President and CEO – Sam Kennedy
• Chairman – Time Warner
• Principal owner – John Henry, Fenway Sports Group

Numbers that have been retired by the Red Sox include 42, 45, 34, 27, 26, 14, 9, 8, 6, 4, and 1.

History’s Best Red Sox Players

According to the fans, these are some of the best Red Sox to ever play the game:

• Pitcher, Lefty Grove
• Third Baseman, Wade Boggs
• Centerfielder, Outfielder, Tris Speaker
• Starting Pitcher, Pedro Martinez
• Leftfielder, Outfielder, Designated Hitter, Carl Yastrzemski
• Leftfielder, Outfielder, Right Fielder, Babe Ruth
• First Baseman, Jimmie Foxx
• First Baseman, Designated Hitter, David Ortiz
• Pitcher, Cy Young
• Leftfielder, Outfielder, Ted Williams
• … and many, many more.

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